Verizon Unveils VCAST Mobile TV

by Bob Wallace

Hoping to broaden TV viewing well beyond traditional hard-wired sets in consumer homes, Verizon Wireless has announced plans to launch a service that will enable people to watch video from select wireless handsets.

The service was detailed at 2007 International CES in Las Vegas.

The operator announced V CAST Mobile TV, which it expects to launch by the end of March. To do so, it has teamed with MediaFLO USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., which operates a dedicated multicast network that delivers programming in a linear format.

Verizon said the service will allow TV viewers to leave the house and still watch TV programs while on-the-go. It said pricing for the service will be unveiled when the service is launched.

Service Specifics

With the initial launch planned in unspecified major U.S. markets, the wireless operator said V CAST Mobile TV will feature broadcast and cable television live content and other programming 24 hours a day from networks including CBS, Comedy Central, Fox, MTV, NBC and Nickelodeon. More channels are expected to be announced after the launch.

"V CAST Mobile TV isn't just a place-holder for broadcast programming on the mobile phone – it is the best of television programmed specifically for the mobile customer with great programs, the way they were meant to be seen, on your mobile phone," said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon.

The service will be accessible on new TV handsets via a dedicated V CAST Mobile TV key. The programming will be presented in time block/scheduled availability, consistent with familiar cable and satellite TV models, in both Eastern and Pacific time zones.

The program guide includes date, time and program information and allows customers to view programming details up to 48 hours ahead of the scheduled broadcast. A V CAST Mobile TV Web site will feature a customized program listing grid, a search feature to discover programs by keywords, content information and previews, editorial and community features, and service information and support.