In a bid to fuel mobile TV growth in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia in 2009, Thai telecom provider Samart i-mobile is to increase the number of handset models that incorporate Telegent's free-to-air mobile TV technology.

Specifically, Samart i-mobile, plans to enhance its mobile TV handset models such as i-mobile TV 535, i-mobile TV 530, i-mobile TV 523, i-mobile TV 620, and i-mobile TV 536 with the Telegent free-to-air mobile TV feature. The operator believes that the move could likely drive more than 40% of 2009 unit sales from such a move.

"Telegent's mobile TV solution sets the industry standard for reception and picture quality providing -95 dBm sensitivity without compromising handset battery life," explained Thananan Vilailuck, president of Samart I-Mobile PLC.

"This is a substantial improvement in performance over previous market alternatives, making Telegent the first company to provide a solution that finally satisfies and exceeds our technical and consumer requirements for the TV viewing experience. TV handsets have helped us to drive volume and achieve market share growth in 2008 and will continue to do so in 2009."

i-mobile aims to maintain its leading position in the mid- to low-priced segment by differentiating its products and offering consumers better value-for-money. The company also intends to expand into overseas markets such as India and Indonesia as well as countries where the brand has not been present such as UAE, Brazil and Western European countries.

Mobile TV handsets have rapidly captured consumer's attention in Thailand by providing mobile access to news and programs such as kickboxing, football or popular TV series.