The Open Mobile Video Coalition backed the NAB study Monday, while suggesting the research may have underplayed the dollar potential since it did not include a possible intake from mobile VOD content, and other possible revenue streams.
The NAB study's $2 billion potential is predicated on agreed-upon standards being adopted by next year, and argues that delays could costs $50 million in lost revenues per month.
Coalition chairman Brandon Burgess of Ion said: "The NAB study validates the belief among (our) members that mobile digital television represents an enormous opportunity for broadcasters--and we will work assiduously with other broadcasters, device makers, content companies, and service operators, to ensure the full potential of mobile digital television is fulfilled.
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"We also understand the costs of a delay in agreeing upon a standard, and believe that a delay beyond February 2009 in launching services can cause irreparable harm to the mobile broadcast business." The coalition said it will offer resources "to facilitate and accelerate the development of a mobile television standard, and the launch of mobile television services." And it will be conducting trials in 2008, in preparation for the hoped-for February 2009 launch.