New ways to meet video content growth on fixed and mobile networks

Abstract

Consumers are rapidly increasing their consumption of live TV and on-demand video content using portable and mobile devices when and where they want it. This will result in a `capacity crunch' to which broadcasters and network operators will need to respond with imaginative new strategies if they are to meet consumers' expectations in a sustainable and profitable way. This paper takes a broad view of market trends and technologies to identify aspects of consumers' usage patterns that lead to several new strategic options, such as: (1) Multi-cast delivery into device storage in anticipation of user demand; (2) An integrated standard for terrestrial/mobile distribution worldwide; (3) Shared use of infrastructure and some spectrum segments across broadcast & mobile networks The challenge for industry is to work out how to deliver a much increased volume of good quality video content to mobile devices for consumers to watch at the time they wish. To avoid a `capacity crunch' and meet consumer expectations, content will need to be delivered with maximum efficiency using a range of technologies and resources. Here we suggest some of the elements that could help to meet that challenge.