DVB-H technology promises that up to 50 channels of television content can be delivered at low cost over a single wireless network, supporters say.

The agreement affirms both manufacturers' commitment to DVB-H as a method to broadcast mobile TV. The technology offers a high level of service quality while taking into consideration both battery consumption and the ability to use other services of the handset such as voice and data at the same time.

DVB-H adoption is moving a little faster in Europe and Asia, but in January of this year five companies including Intel, Modeo, Motorola, Nokia and Texas Instruments formed the Mobile DTV Alliance to accelerate adoption in the U.S. The group says the U.S. should have the technology available in major markets by 2007.

Adding to faster adoption is the belief that the mobile television market is about to explode. Analyst firm Informa said it expects nearly 50 million DVB-H enabled handsets to be sold worldwide by the end of the decade. Both Nokia and Motorola said that interoperability is a key factor in continuing the growth of the market.