V-Low multimedia broadcasting

　TFM group received the “V-Low multimedia broadcasting plan authorization” from the government.

　V-Low multimedia broadcasting deploys a new broadcasting service by using the low VHF band that was used for Analog TV channels 1 – 3.

　It is a service with a multi-screen such as smartphone, tablet, and signage as the main axis. Both free service with ads and paid service with fee are possible. It is a hardware/software separation type, which separates the hardware business that emits electric waves, and the software business that compiles contents.

　And “IPDC” for which I serve as the representative of the consortium is used. It is a method in which a communication technology called IP (Internet Protocol) is superimposed for the broadcasting airwave, and information is distributed to multi-screen by cross communication and broadcasting. It is a network rather than TV or radio. It is an app rather than a broadcasting channel.

　The government started the discussion on the fusion of communication and broadcasting in 1992. The legal system called “Fusion Law” was prepared in 2010. It started coming to reality six years after that.

　However, when we looked at the fusion of communication and broadcasting from the broadcasting side, it was mostly the discussion of contents. It was contents delivery on the network or a smart TV at the most. That is a very important theme, but I put the focus on V-Low because its effective use is finally materialized with the existence of “airwave,” which is one of the management resources along with contents.

　V-Low utilizes airwaves via IPDC.

　For example, ideas are being promoted such as the usage by automakers for navigation and other information provision, and usage by municipalities for providing disaster prevention administrative information. In other words, broadcasting airwaves are rented for B2B.

　This could be regarded as communication instead of broadcasting in regulations, depending on the usage. It is the usage method the new law of 2010 had anticipated. This also means that ¥4 trillion broadcasting industry is entering the ¥16 trillion communication industry. Can the broadcasting side that disliked the invasion of communication and IT into their industry change their attitude, and go on the reverse offensive? We will see.