Shanghai Media Group, China's
second-largest media group by revenue, is expected to launch the country's first TV service broadcast directly to
mobile phones next week, the Hong Kong Standard reported, citing Reuters. SMG
won nationwide mobile TV permits from regulators, and Dragon New Media, a unit
of SMG, has formed partnerships with China Mobile Group and China Unicom Group to
focus on mobile TV services. Original programming carrying around 10
traditional TV channels is planned, and subscribers will be charged US$1.3 per month. Mobile TV will be accessible via existing second-generation GPRS
wireless services, since 3G will not roll out until later this year, or even next year.