The Mobile Digital TV or MDTV involves using the handheld device to access a private network operated by a specific carrier, compare it to a videocassette recorder. In this situation, the user subscribes to the service, and in turn receives software that is downloaded onto the handheld device. Accessing an icon on the screen of the device makes it possible to activate the function, scroll through a selection of programming, and settle in to watch television as long as the user wishes.
The payment for MDTV subscriber services may take two specific forms. One approach is to pay a “per minute” fee for usage, with the amount added to the monthly mobile phone bill as a line item. A second approach is to pay a flat fee each month for a bank of viewing minutes. As more people make use of handheld devices to meet all their communication needs, MDTV is likely to become more common around the world.