Quebec company applies to offer mobile broadcasting of sporting and other events

An upstart Quebec company is asking the CRTC to grant it a licence to broadcast sporting and other events to mobile devices along with related interactive content – Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing 2002-6. In its application to the commission, World Audio-Visual Entertainment Systems (W.A.V.E.S.) of St-Eustache QC cites the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix and the Molson Toronto Indy races as two examples of sporting events where the service might be offered. The mobile devices, "portable TV sets" developed in-house, would pull in over-the-air signals from the events rights owner, which would then be repackaged and rebroadcast to the devices in the low-power analog 470-806 UHF bands. Only devices within the confines of the event would be able to receive the signal. These are unprotected frequencies, and as such W.A.V.E.S. would need to file technical briefs with Industry Canada prior to each event. The devices, which are being branded under the Kangaroo moniker, are about the same size as a Sony Walkman. Mark Brennan, head of new business and public relations at W.A.V.E.S., says spectators would hang the device around their neck, flipping open the device to view the screen. The portable TVs, which would retail for about $300, offer a split-screen so spectators can view the primary video feed, while previewing three other channels. Two prototype devices have already been produced and put through a battery of tests, explains Brennan, adding that more tests are slated for this year. "It has been tested in Montreal and it works," he tells Report on Wireless. "We’re going to be doing a test at the Canadian Open golf event at the beginning of September. We’ve tested the technology, but we’re going to do an official commercial test. We’re going to roll out some product and get some real feedback from the public." W.A.V.E.S. has begun production of the mobile devices. Brennan says a product run of 5,000 units is underway and should be completed in time for a planned live commercial trial at the Canadian Open. The proposed special event service would offer spectators who rent the Kangaroo mobile receiving unit the ability to follow the event from various angles and to access interactive information. To offer the different content, the company proposes to use four channels: live video feed from primary angle; live video feed from secondary angle; online time and statistics display; and additional event-related information. Brennan says the Canadian Formula One race, held in Montreal, is an ideal event where W.A.V.E.S.’ mobile device and broadcasting service could add significant value to the attendees’ experience. Spectators in the stands, who can only see a minor portion of the course, could track the race on the portable receivers. However, W.A.V.E.S. won’t have its broadcasting licence in time to work the Canadian Formula One race, slated for the June 9 weekend, but the American race in September is a possible debut. The company also has an application currently before the Federal Communications Commission for a licence to cover that race in Indianapolis. While auto racing seems to be showing the greatest interest in the devices and the service, other sporting associations such as golf and tennis are expressing some interest, Brennan says. "At this point, we have had very progressive talks with Formula One to the point where we almost have an agreement in place where we’d be the exclusive device of this type at Formula One worldwide," he says, adding that Formula One sees the W.A.V.E.S. service as an additional source of revenue. "We’re in deep conversation with the PGA (Professional Golf Association) to do PGA North America as well PGA events in Europe." Significant demand exists for such a product and service Brennan explains that there is a demand for W.A.V.E.S.’ proposed service. According to market research conducted by the company, nearly half of spectators at sporting and other events say they would rent a mobile device on-site to watch the action. Specifically, the research revealed that 46 per cent of people who attended at least either two car racing or golf events a year stated they would rent such a device. Brennan notes, however, that it would be too optimistic to shoot for that kind of event penetration in the beginning. He says the company wants to create a demand for the devices by "selling" out of them at each event. According to W.A.V.E.S.’ business plan, the company hopes to achieve 10 to 15 per cent penetration at events. The company is considering charging $25 to $40 per day for rental of the devices. A discounted rate for a three-day event, for example, would cost a user $75 for the entire event. "The price will vary depending on the type of deal that we strike with the promoter," Brennan explains. "If the promoter wants a big chunk of it, then the price would go up. But the promoters in our conversations seem to be reasonable. They’re going to charge us an average rate that any other concession would be charged. We think we should be able to come in around $30," he says.

Quebec company applies to offer mobile broadcasting of sporting and other events

News | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

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