Verizon launches V Cast Mobile TV in 20 markets

Verizon Wireless today officially launched its V Cast Mobile TV service in 20 select U.S. markets. The service, which operates in conjunction with technology partner MediaFLO USA, will primarily roll out in western markets including Denver and Albuquerque in addition to a handful of Midwest markets such as Dallas and Kansas City. At launch, V Cast Mobile TV will feature eight channels including CBS, NBC, ESPN, Comedy Central and MTV; each channel will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with programming that embraces simulcast, time-shifted and archival content. Pricing for V Cast Mobile TV is $15 per month, or $25 per month for unlimited Mobile TV, pre-existing V Cast services and mobile web access.  The serivce will launch using the Samsung SCH-u620 device but more devices will be added.

The pricing for the service seems a bit steep, although Ken Hyers, analyst with Technology Business Research, says he expects that the price will decline as Verizon rolls out more markets. "The goal is to get the early adopters first and this pricing is not a problem for the early adopters."  Nevertheless, the price will have to decline to appeal to the mass market.  

Another issue is how Verizon will clearly differentiate VCAST Mobile TV from its VCAST streaming service. The similarity of the names may be confusing to consumers. But Hyers says that the company has several months to experiment with the marketing and pricing before AT&T (formerly Cingular Wireless) enters the market with its comparable broadcast TV service. 

For more on the V Cast Mobile TV launch:
- read this Wireless Week article

Related article:
- Verizon unveils V Cast Mobile TV