French DVB-H launch delayed to 2008

A conflict between French mobile operators and broadcasters led to a major delay in the launch of DVB-H services in France. The business model to adopt is at the centre of the argument. Broadcasters want an advertising funded free-to-air service while mobile operators insist that the service should be paid for. Discussions between both parties have shown no progress during the last six months. Previously, France expected to launch broadcast mobile TV services before the kick off of the Rugby World Cup this autumn. Those recent complications put the service deployment in a stand still and mobile operators are indicating that DVB-H based mobile TV won't be available before summer 2008.