Nowadays the development of cellular phones possibilities allows to provide the direct receive of television (TV) signals using the satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (SDMB) systems (2.63-2.655 GHz). In this paper the theoretical aspects and microwave performance of traveling wave ring (TWR) antennas for SDMB applications in cellular phones are presented. Compact flat antennas with side feeding were designed and manufactured on the Rogers substrate and demonstrated the suitable for SDMB applications gain (G=2.5-3.8 dBi) in the required frequency band. Taking into account the antenna sizes (38×38×1.27 mm 3 ) and cross-polarization parameter (LHCP/RHCP better than -17 dB) the advantages of TWR antennas in comparison with traditionally used patch and helix ones are demonstrated.