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Verizon unveils Mobile TV service
BY TOMS M
August 29, 2005: Verizon users can now enjoy
TV clips on their mobile phones. This marks the beginning of a new technology, which the mobile phone users have been waiting for some years.
Verizon, Sprint and Cingular are trying to build out their high-speed wireless data networks in Denver and other U.S. cities for transmitting TV and high-speed Internet to cell phones. Verizon introduced mobile TV in January in 50 markets including Phoenix.
Using the Verizon TV service, the users can download three-dimensional games, NASCAR clips and other premium content costing $1 to $3 per download. The TV service costs $15 per month.
Sprint plans to launch its service in Denver by October and Cingular is yet to announce its launch date.
The mobile phone companies in U.S are trying to boost their sales in order to overcome the saturation state which is quite evident in the market now. So manufacturers like Motorola and Samsung are responding to the market call with cell phones that offer stereo-like sound and lush display panels.
Mobile TV service has already been launched in Korea and it will make its debut in Europe later this year.
A poll conducted among 1500 customers in January has found the customer's fondness to the Mobile TV service than other features like games and music. Sprint and Cingular are yet to announce their pricing.
The mobile TV technology is expected to increase the Internet speeds that consumers receive on their cell phones, BlackBerry's and other hand-held devices. Verizon's mobile TV will be available in the Denver metro area, Fort Collins and Boulder, along with 50 other U.S. cities.
Sprint and Cingular offer a service called MobiTV, for those users outside the coverage areas of Mobile TV.
Verizon offers 300 video clips, which are updated regularly whereas Sprint offers 30 live channels.
BY TOMS M
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