Utilizing "Internet Retransmission" and "One-Seg" in Emergencies

〈 Publication Date: August 15, 2011 〉

During emergencies such as disasters, obtaining accurate information as quickly as possible becomes the most critical challenge.

Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, special earthquake programs from TV and radio were rebroadcast via the internet (Ustream, NicoNico Live, YouTube, etc.). This enabled many people in environments where TV or radio reception was unavailable to watch or listen in real time via the internet.

In April 2011, DENTSU SOKEN INC. conducted a survey on awareness and viewing experience regarding this "online rebroadcasting." The results showed that over half of all respondents were aware of both TV and radio rebroadcasts. Approximately 15% had actually watched the TV broadcasts, and about 10% had listened to the radio broadcasts. Comparing viewing rates by prefecture, the rates were notably high not only in the three disaster-affected prefectures (Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima) but also in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

This indicates that despite being an emergency measure, the online retransmission of TV and radio was actually utilized as an information source in many regions.

Q. Did you use any of the following distribution/viewing services in connection with this earthquake disaster?

The "One-Seg viewing function" on mobile phones and smartphones also drew attention for gathering information after the disaster. According to the "Survey on Information Gathering During Disasters" (Internetcom/goo Research, conducted March 2011), 51.6% of respondents felt the One-Seg function was essential on mobile phones and smartphones. Even in situations where watching TV was difficult, such as when outdoors or during power outages, the true power of One-Seg to broadcast information quickly was fully demonstrated.

Q. Do you think One-Seg functionality is essential for mobile phones and smartphones?

While smartphones equipped with One Seg functionality will increase starting with the summer 2011 models, the recent earthquake is expected to further heighten demand for One Seg usage.