Verizon to offer TV shows on mobile phones

by Dela

Verizon Wireless is expected to announce it will begin offering content from major U.S. television networks to mobile phone users. According to the New York Times, citing "people apprised of the deal," the service should be available in the United States around March this year. It is reported to consist of 8 channels and will include content from NBC, CBS, Fox and MTV, with reported interest from ESPN.

Like Apple's TV show sales on iTunes, content would be available to subscribers shortly after it first airs on TV. To offer the service, Verizon is teaming up with Qualcomm subsidiary MediaFLO U.S.A. MediaFLO has developed technology to transmit high resolution video content through its own network.

MediaFLO is also reportedly in talks to offer TV shows through other wireless phone companies. The media companies would receive fees from consumer subscriptions to the service. The programs would be among the first full-length television shows to be offered to cellular subscribers in the United States.