Gemalto's role in Mobile TV: Winning in Italy
It had already been working with Gemalto and so was aware of its expertise in the field. The two companies began to work on this new project in August 2005 and were able to launch the platform within ten months, in time for the packed summer schedule of sports events in 2006.
Gemalto supplied a complete security solution for the mobile TV platform. The first element is a specific USIM card for mobile TV that ensures a high level of security. Secondly, software held on the USIM checks the subscriber’s viewing rights and protects access to the encrypted TV content. Each individual subscriber can therefore only view the programs they are entitled to, hence protecting the content. This uses software from TV access control specialist company Nagravision, embedded into the Gemalto telephone USIM card. Finally, an indispensable element is the mobile TV remote management service.
This allows 3 Italia to regularly update the level of security in the cards that are already in service and so keep a step ahead of the hackers. 3 Italia can also use this method to dynamically manage each user profile, propose new business models and so create a very flexible mobile TV service. This has strengthened 3 Italia’s relationship with its customers and enabled it to carry out effective direct marketing campaigns. Moreover, these updates only need a very small amount of bandwidth, a key feature for mass market usage.
Gemalto’s cards are ready for use with interactive services. It becomes an easy matter to add a programme guide, voting, or buying service, using the mobile network for the return path..