Telecom operator MTS has become the third telecom operator to launch TV channels via EVDO data cards, after after Tata Teleservices (Photon TV) and Virgin Mobile. These unicast TV services by all three CDMA telecom operators have been powered by Hyderabad based Apalya. In what appears to be a bid to increase usage, MTS has waived all subscription charges. As a part of the launch offer, users can download the application for free (no data charges for app download either); only data charges of usage will be applicable, and MTS has approximated data consumption at around 1.5MB/minute for streaming TV channels. Apalya also has TV over mobile rights for the Indian Premier League, and had claimed an increase in their subscriber base by 32 percent within 15 days of the launch of the IPL. That number, incidentally, is for the number of registered users, and not necessarily paying customers. This MTS initiative will also help Apalya increase their user base. Interestingly, unlike in case of Tata Photon TV, the MTS TV terms and conditions do not mention that extra charges will apply for Cricket. Samsung Handsets Deal: Corby TV, Metro TV What will also help Apalya is the launch of Samsung's Corby TV (Rs. 9699) and Metro TV (Rs. 6999) CDMA handsets, which have embedded their app, and are capable of receiving high speed data via EVDO. On offer to consumers are over 40 Live channels, and 10 content on demand channels. With the Corby TV and Metro TV launch,…
