DVB-H GENERAL BACKGROUND

What is DVB-H?

DVB-H is a technology which stands for Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld. It enables the broadcast of DStv channels to a special mobile phone that has been specially fitted to receive the DVB-H mobile TV signal.

When will the launch of DStv Mobile service happen?

DStv Mobile in Nigeria will take place on Monday 28th April, 2008.

What do I need in order to enjoy DStv Mobile?

DStv Mobile comes exclusive to MTN customers, only. Until 1st July 2008, all you need to do is simply to purchase the DVB-H compatible ZTE F912 mobile phone from an MTN Service Centre. You can also buy your special DStv Mobile MTN SIM.

DStv Mobile is a monthly subscription service that also requires a specific type of SIM available only from MTN.

From July 1st 2008, you will need the special DStv MTN SIM and you will also have to subscribe to the DSTv mobile bouquet, in order to access the service. (The Monthly Subscription is FREE, and normal MTNN SIMs can access the service until then!).

For existing customers, in order to retain your number for use with the ZTE F912 mobile phone, you would need to do a SIM swap to the transfer your number to the DSTv Mobile MTN SIM.

Note that the ZTE F912 is compatible with MTN’s 3G service, and that the DSTv Mobile MTN SIM will still support all normal services on the MTN network such as voice calls and sms messages.

You may also decide to retain your old number in your current phone, and use the DStv Mobile MTN SIM in your new ZTE F912, but do remember that Connect 4 Life conditions will continue to apply to the DStv Mobile MTN SIM.

What model phone do I need to receive DStv Mobile? 

You need a DStv Mobile compatible phone. ZTE F912 Mobile Phones (also compatible with 3G) have been specially manufactured for this, and are available only from MTN.

How can I get a ZTE F912 phone?

You can get a ZTE F912 phone from selected MTN Service Centres in Lagos and Abuja.

Howmuch does the handset cost?

N45,000,00. Only

What is the subscription fee for DStv Mobile?

DStv Mobile subscription costs N1,500 per month, only, and will give you access to a 10-channel bouquet of your favorite cable TV channels:

CNN; NTA 2; Super Sport 3; Super Sport 9; Super Sport update; Channel O; Cartoon Network; Trinity Broadcast Network; Magic World and African Magic!

Now you can enjoy your favourite programmes on the go anywhere, anytime on your phone at the touch of a button.

Does the ZTE F912 phone work anywhere in Nigeria?

The ZTE F912 and DStv Mobile MTN SIM will operate on normal MTN voice and data (including 3.5G) on the MTN network anywhere in Nigeria; however the phone will only be able to pick up the television channels in DStv Mobile coverage areas.

Will I be able to receive the DStv Mobile signal from anywhere in Nigeria?

No, you will only be able to receive DVB-H signal if you are in DStv Mobile coverage, as indicated on the website.

Why isn’t the signal coverage available over a wider area?

This is due to the technology which is used for the DVB-H  transmissions which is dependent on specialized towers which broadcast the signals. These towers are currently only located in Abuja, Lagos & Ibadan.

Will the signal coverage be extended to include more areas over time? 

Yes, the signal coverage is will extend to other cities in Nigeria as time goes by.

I can’t get a signal at home yet I live in Abuja/Lagos. Why?

• Have you extended the handset’s aerial? The aerial can make a huge impact on reception and picture quality.
• Are you trying to connect in the vicinity of large structures that could obscure the signal from you?
• Are you in a drop-out zone, eg. do you live in a dip where surrounding hills could obscure the signal from you?
• Have you tried to connect more than once? Sometimes a second or third attempt works even if the display announced “no signal” the first time.
• Are you attempting to connect in an area that falls on the outskirts of a reception area, bordering suburbs that are not listed? Try getting a signal before you get to such a marginal reception area, then keep the TV on as you approach and enter the area – this may sound odd, but the handset seems better able to maintain a signal going into marginal reception areas than to access a signal from those areas.

What happens if I travel or go on holiday with my ZTE F912 phone?

The ZTE F912 phone will work as a standard mobile phone within Nigeria, but you may find it is unable to receive the DVB-H transmitter’s signal in certain areas once you travel outside DVB-H signal coverage.

If you are planning to travel abroad and roam, please note that the phone will work in all countries where MTN has a commercial roaming agreement in place for voice, SMS and data, however you will be unable to receive DMtv service outside of the coverage

Do I need a special SIM card for ZTE F912 phone?

The ZTE F912 phone can work with all MTNN SIMs. However, note that from July 1st 2008, you will require a specially designed DStv Mobile MTN SIM in order to specifically access the DStv Mobile service.

How do I get the ZTE F912 phone to work? / What do I do if I want to have a better understanding of how to use the phone?

Your ZTE F912 phone was delivered with user manual. The manual contains sections dedicated to GETTING STARTED.  Please consult the relevant pages. 

What do I do if I am having technical problems with my ZTE F912 phone?

For technical problems with your phone, please consult your ZTE User Manual.

What happens if I am watching mobile TV and the phone rings?

Even though the ZTE F912 phone can receive DStv Mobile, the primary function of the device is still a mobile phone. Therefore, you will not miss any calls while watching DStv-Mobile on the phone. When the phone rings the TV function switches off automatically, and gives way to an incoming call. Thereafter, you can choose to re-launch the TV function.

What happens if I am watching mobile TV and I receive an SMS message?

You will not miss any SMS messages sent to your phone while watching DStv-Mobile. Your phone is programmed to notify you that a message has been sent. You are able to read the SMS message and thereafter re-launch the TV function.

What happens if I have difficulty launching the mobile TV function?

Your ZTE F912 arrived in a sealed package with a ZTE user manual inserted. Please consult this manual for information about the TV function.

Can other makes of phone receive the DStv Mobile signal?     

For the immediate future the DVB-H signal will be transmitted only to the ZTE F912 phone in order to receive DStv Mobile services.

Can I buy the special ZTE F912 phone anywhere in Nigeria?

You can buy a DVB-H enabled ZTE F912 phone from selected MTN Outlets in Nigeria from the end of September. For more information please contact MTN.

What if I change my method of payment to my service provider or network operator, e.g. from a ‘contract’ to a ‘pre-paid’ or ‘top up’?

Please contact your MTN representative. During the trial period the DStv Mobile broadcast will be free and available to all subscribers who have a special ZTE F912. After the trial there will be a number of schemes available including both contract, pre-paid and top-up for receiving the DStv Mobile broadcast. 

What happens if I travel or go on holiday during the trial period?

Although you can activate roaming and use your phone outside the country, DStv Mobile signal is country specific and thus can not be watched outside coverage areas.

Is the ZTE F912 3G compliant, as I need this service.

Yes the ZTE F912 phone is fully 3G complaint.

Which channels are available as part of the DStv Mobile Bouquet?

The DStv Mobile Bouquet consists of 10 channels CNN; NTA 2; Super Sport 3; Super Sport 9; Super Sport update; Channel O; Cartoon Network; Trinity Broadcast Network; Magic World and African Magic

Please Note: We are unable to activate ‘parental control’ on the phone, therefore it is your responsibility to ensure that only suitable content is viewed by someone else, including a minor, who may use your phone. Please go to www.dstvafrica.com/nigeria/dstvmobile for regular content updates.  

Will the channels change as time goes on?

DStv Mobile will be consistently reviewing the channels on the mobile platform from time to time, with a view to offering you the very best!

Are the DStv-Mobile channels the same as the regular DStv channels?

+adapted to for easy mobile consumption on DStv Mobile (Made for Mobile).

Does the phone have parental guidance, like TV? Will I be able to restrict content for my children?

We are unable to activate ‘parental control’ on the phone, therefore it is your responsibility to ensure that only suitable content is viewed by someone else, including a minor, who may use your phone.

Does the phone have a programme guide or EPG, like DStv?

Yes there is an integrated Programme Guide to offer you information when viewing any channel.

What is DVB-H?

Mobile TV utilises a cutting edge technology called DVB-H, or Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld – the latest development in digital video broadcast standards.

DVB-H is a mobile broadcast technology that allows for the digital terrestrial broadcast of live television and audio channels to a mobile handset.

Your special ZTE F912 handset is fitted with a special receiver so that it can pick up the encrypted DVB-H signal, provided that it is within range of one of the DVB-H transmitters. These specially erected transmitters send the DVB-H signal to your handset so, if you’re within range, you can choose to tune in to DStv-Mobile whenever you wish.

What is the difference between DVB-H and 3G?

DVB-H, Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld is a mobile broadcast technology that allows for the digital terrestrial broadcast of live television and audio channels to a mobile handset. 

3G is a wireless mobile network technology that offers video streaming to a mobile handset.  It also offers a return or interactive path that enables you to do things like download content onto your mobile phone.

Is my ZTE F912 phone 3G capable?

Yes, your ZTE F912 phone is 3G-enabled.

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