“If umpteen discoveries in the field of technology of the past have exceeded your imagination, then get ready to witness some more exciting news bytes we have for you to freeze on.”
Be ready to welcome the recently announced Mobile TV Service by AT&T, which it will be launching its MediaFLO USA mobile TV service in 58 markets, allowing users to “access more than 150 programs from a variety of TV networks, cable channels, and exclusive content providers live through their mobile phones."
The San Antonio, Texas based largest provider of both, local and long distance telephone services, wireless service, and DSL Internet access in the United States, AT&T signed an accord with MediaFLO USA Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, to offer “an unmatched mobile television experience” to their customers.
However, the service finally rolled out one year after Verizon Wireless began offering similar services and will be available in 58 markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and other cities.
Starting May 4, subscribers to the service having a handset specifically designed for mobile viewing will be able to access as many as 150 simulcast or time-shifted programs, including live sporting events. Consumer demand for mobile TV, however, has generally been lukewarm, and prices may need to come down before wider adoption will be seen.
Mark Collins, VP of consumer data for AT&T’s wireless unit, stated that his company’s research demonstrated that consumers sought to watch news and movies more than any other content on their mobile phones.
“We have surpassed their expectations with AT&T Mobile TV,” Collins said in a news announcement. “Together with MediaFLO USA, we are changing the picture of television-viewing by giving our customers an innovative way to stay connected to breaking news from CNN Mobile Live, an arsenal of movie favorites with PIX, and a formidable lineup of other quality programming while on the go.”
With the AT&T Mobile TV service, consumers will be able to view quality programming from a range of 10 news and entertainment names, including CBS Mobile, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, NBC 2Go, NBC News 2Go, MTV Networks’ Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon. The wireless carrier is also offering two exclusive channels PIX and CNN Mobile Live.
PIX offer programming and movies from Sony Pictures Television to the handset. The channel will transmit everything from comedies to cult classics, action films and family favorites culled from the movie studio’s extensive library.
News freaks can get their fix 24/7 with access to CNN Mobile’s 24 hours of live streaming breaking news coverage. They can also check out popular programs including “American Morning,” “CNN Election Center” and “CNN International.”
The company also unveiled two new handsets — Vu from LG Electronics MobileComm and the Access from Samsung Telecommunications America. The first costs $399.99, while Access is $299.99, but AT&T said it will offer customers $100 mail-in rebate for the handsets. A two-year service agreement is required.
“AT&T Mobile TV is more than a new entertainment service — it is an experience that will significantly change and enhance our customers’ mobile lifestyles,” said Collins, in a statement. “With this in mind, it was imperative that we launch this revolutionary service on devices that were optimal for the best mobile viewing experience imaginable,” he added.
Based on Qualcomm’s MediaFLO technology, AT&T’s service will make its bow a little more than a year after Verizon launched its V Cast Mobile TV service, which uses the same technology.
To celebrate the launch of the service, for the next 60 days, the mobile TV service will feature CNCRT, a concert channel from entertainment producer and distributor Control Room. The channel will air about 30 recent concerts around the clock from recording artists, including: Avril Lavigne, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Jay Z, Sheryl Crow, Akon, Daughtry, Lenny Kravitz, and Rage Against the Machine.
The users will be able to sign up for four channels for $13 a month, and get progressively more expensive. Unlimited mobile TV costs $15 a month, and unlimited mobile TV, mobile video, and mobile Web browsing will cost you $30 a month.