Mobile TV Gets a Push - VivaCell-MTS Plans 4G Launch by End of Year

Armenia's top mobile operator may be planning to strengthen its Mobile TV service with the launch of LTE/Long Term Evolution network by the end of year, bringing us the latest standard in mobile network technology.

“We will see the fourth generation network this year (LTE/Long Term Evolution), which enables delivery of 10-15 times faster internet versus 3G network," Ralf Yirikian, head of VivaCell-MTS, Armenia's largest cell-phone operator told Armnews TV in a recent interview.

Hinting, that the launch of more advanced data network in Armenia is related to VivaCell-MTS's Mobile TV offering, Yirikian said the service is in demand and the company plans "new tariff policy in the future."

VivaCell-MTS's Mobile TV currently offers a choice of 10 national and Yerevan TV channels including Armenia's Public TV, Armenia, Shant and Yerkir Media. The service costs AMD 400 ($ 1.10 US). The mobile operator also offers a selection of streaming video clips, movies, cartoons, talk shows, with prices varying from AMD 160 to 300 ($ 0.40 - 0.80). This can be considered a rather expensive service, given the fact, that an average mobile user in Armenia rarely pays more than 10,000 AMD per month ($ 30 US).

The LTE specification provides downlink peak rates of at least 100 Mbit/s, and uplink of at least 50 Mbit/s. The main advantages with LTE are high throughput, low latency, plug and play, an improved end-user experience and a simple architecture resulting in low operating costs.