Qualcomm isn't going to let the European Commission block them out of the mobile Television market just because the EU is officially backing DVB-H mobile TV standards. To that end, Qualcomm has just snatched up a 40Mhz swath of L-Band spectrum in the UK for $16.3 million. The buy will apparently let Qualcomm test their MediaFLO network in the UK in hopes of proving to the general public (and government regulators) that MediaFLO can hang with the DVB-H standard.

The push to bring MediaFLO to the UK is significant, even though no where near what Qualcomm is investing in to the US mobile TV market. Qualcomm is putting up $800 million to build out their MediaFLO network in The States, with Verizon Wireless and AT&T on-board to use the mobile Television network.

Still, the buy of spectrum solely for MediaFLO could help Qualcomm bring MediaFLO to the forefront of mobile Television service in the UK. “Could” being the operative word here.

“Acquiring this spectrum will enable us to develop, test and explore a variety of innovative wireless services and technologies that’ll benefit European consumers and the wireless industry as a whole,” stated Andrew Gilbert, executive VP for Qualcomm.

[Via: RCR News]

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Related Articles at IntoMobile:

• Qualcomm's 2007 MediaFLO finances show greater losses
• Canada opening the door for the tiny guy - sets aside 40Mhz for newcomers
• O2 & Qualcomm in line for L-band spectrum in UK
• AT&T MediaFLO Mobile Television coming ASAP in 2008
• Nokia files another counter-suit against Qualcomm

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