AT&T announced that it will bow its Mobile TV service for cell phones this Sunday in 58 markets nationwide.
AT&T has partnered with MediaFlo USA – which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm and the same partner that Verizon Wireless is using for its V Cast Mobile TV service – to deploy the mobile video service.
In March, the two companies announced that the service would go live in May (story here).
AT&T had hoped to offer the mobile TV service late last year.
The basic service will cost $15 per month for 10 channels, which is comparable to Verizon Wireless’ offering. A $13-per-month package from AT&T offers four channels, while the “plus” service offers unlimited TV viewing and mobile Web browsing.
Currently, only two handsets are compatible with AT&T’s Mobile TV service.
The LG Vu features a touch screen and is priced at $299 with a two-year service agreement and a $100 mail-in rebate. Samsung’s Access cell phone has an internal antenna to improve reception, external speakers and stereo Bluetooth for the price of $199 with a two-year service agreement and a $100 mail-in rebate.
The service will offer video content from the following companies: CBS Mobile, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, NBC 2Go, NBC News 2Go, MTV Networks’ COMEDY CENTRAL, MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as PIX and CNN Mobile Live, which are both AT&T-exclusive channels on MediaFlo.
AT&T Mobile TV will launch in 58 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
MediaFlo’s Flo TV service features premium full-length, high-quality programming delivered to mobile phones via the company’s dedicated multicast network. Using a program guide, AT&T customers will be able to flip from one channel to the next on their mobile Flo-enabled phones to experience the best-quality mobile TV.
There are more than 150 simulcast and/or time-shifted programs, as well as live sports events, currently available for viewing.
More Broadband Direct:
• Comcast’s revenue up, basic subs down in Q1
• Charter boosts broadband speeds in parts of Mo., Ill.
• Sezmi unveils next-gen TV 2.0 platform
• Verizon serves up HD VOD in Oregon
• AT&T to launch mobile TV in 58 markets Sunday
• SCTE Foundation announces Q1 grants
• Report: Mobile Internet extends audience reach for some sites
