C4 eyes multiplex to launch its mobile TV

The broadcaster is understood to be interested in purchasing some of the 22% of the second multiplex's bandwidth that is reserved for non-radio services such as mobile TV.

Such a move by Channel 4 could be lucrative for 4Digital Group, which holds the licence for the second multiplex. BT Movio, which provides technical services to mobile TV operators, used to lease capacity from Digital One at a cost of £5m per year.

At a 4Digital Group board meeting that took place last week, 4Digital chairman Nathalie Schwarz is understood to have told fellow board members that this data capacity would be bought and used by C4.

A senior industry figure close to the 4Digital Group board said: "This will be a massive reassurance to the board, as this capacity is expensive, and, with a guarantee of sale such as this, it removes a lot of worry about the profitability of the multiplex."

The source added that the spectrum would be used by Channel 4 "to broadcast its TV content to mobile phones".

A Channel 4 spokesman said: "In the licence application for the second national digital radio multiplex, 4Digital can reserve up to 22% of spectrum for data.

"This includes using it for services such as traffic and travel bulletins and electronic programme guide facilities, and yes, some will also be used by Channel 4. We cannot specify how it will be used at this moment."

It has also emerged that 4Digital Group has given BSkyB until the end of June to decide whether it will participate in the multiplex. BSkyB planned to launch Sky News Radio, but in October its partner Global Radio pulled out and it has since been seeking a new commercial partner.

A Sky spokesman said: "We are still evaluating our options and are in need of an ad sales partner. The number of contenders up to the job is small."

This article was first published on Media Week

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