Singapore Government Press Release
SPEECH BY MR LEE YOCK SUAN, MINISTER FOR INFORMATION & THE ARTS, AT THE LAUNCH OF TVMOBILE ON 14 FEBRUARY 2001 AT 9.00AM AT BISHAN BUS TERMINAL
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
I am very happy to be here to launch TVMobile. This is a memorable occasion as we witness the coming together of two previously incompatible activities: watching television and commuting.
Since its introduction to Singapore in the early 1960’s, television has had a profound impact upon our society, providing some of the common experiences that have made us Singaporeans – whether they are the live telecasts of the National Day Parade or daily doses of local dramas or variety shows. Most Singaporeans seem content with our free-to-air TV channels and are in no hurry to tap the many channels on cable TV.
The upcoming transformation from analog to digital television promises to make the television experience even better for all of us. Digital technology allows for enhanced picture and sound quality and provides for mobility and interactivity, such as home shopping whilst watching TV. As we are witnessing today, digital technology also makes it possible for moving vehicles to receive both audio and visual signals clearly even in our highly urbanised environment.
Digital television is just one example of the numerous possibilities offered by digital technology. Global trends show that we are marching relentlessly towards a converged, digital age - the so-called "Great Digital Broadband Migration". Much of this migration is caused by rapid advances in computer technology and push factors such as the shortage of frequency spectrum and the drive for greater interactivity.
The rush to the digital broadband world is also prompted by the promise of greener pastures although consumer behaviour and market demand have lagged behind technological changes. Companies are seeking the benefits of cheaper and more efficient delivery infrastructures for their products and services. Businesses are also in search of entirely new markets and innovative services to be delivered through these infrastructures.
Here in Singapore, TVMobile or Digital Television on wheels is the first such islandwide application. It is a prelude to terrestrial digital television broadcast to homes, which MediaCorp is currently field-testing with some 200 homes.
The concept of TVMobile was first developed in 1997 by MediaCorp TV. A 2-year feasibility study was launched in 1998 with Singapore Bus Services, SMRT, SLRT, ferries and taxis. A one-month public trial in 1999 received good public response. This has resulted in the launch of TVMobile today.
From today bus rides will no longer be the same. Of the 2500 buses operated by Singapore Bus Services, an initial 1500 will be equipped with state-of-the-art TVMobile systems. It will reach out to about 1.5 million public commuters daily. They will be able to watch television while on the move and fill their travelling time with entertaining programmes and news updates.
Singaporeans will be the first in the world to enjoy this service. Singapore is the first country to implement a commercial mobile DTV service and an island-wide single frequency network transmission system. This means that broadcasts will be received on exactly the same frequency everywhere: there will be no need for the bus to retune as it moves around.
TVMobile is in line with the government’s policy to continuously develop and improve the effectiveness and quality of our local communications infrastructure. We are glad that MediaCorp has taken the bold move to launch this service to be at the forefront of programming trends.
MediaCorp will consider extending TVMobile to other modes of public and private transportation, if it makes good commercial sense. Other digital technologies such as digital radio and high-speed wireless infocommunications will also have an increasing impact. The Singapore Broadcasting Authority will continue to facilitate the development of new digital broadcasting services, especially projects that encourage the development of innovative and value-added broadcasting content, applications and services.
The future is Digital. In this brave new world, we cannot afford to be left behind on the technological highway. As we get to taste the fruits of digital technology, the future is full of exciting and challenging possibilities.
I congratulate MediaCorp on the launch of TVMobile and wish the company every success.
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