VERIZON's New Cell Phone Service

(From Cynopsis)

VERIZON WIRELESS is expected to soon offer full-length ad-supported television programs to its cellular customers using content from such broadcast networks as NBC, CBS, FOX and MTV.

The new service, the first to offer full episodes to cellular subscribers in the U.S., is expected to be up and running by the end of March and will feature programming from eight networks, available on eight channels to which consumers can subscribe.

Among the networks talking with Verizon is ESPN in a proprosal in which its shows would be available via mobile immediately after the broadcast airing. The service is expected to launch in first quarter of 2007, beginning in the larger markets.

Verizon has teamed with MEDIAFLO USA, a subsidiary of QUALCOMM, which created the technology to transmit high-resolution video through its own dedicated network.

The terms of the deal include media companies receiving fees based on customer subscriptions.