Will Verizon Wireless launch its dedicated mobile television network, based on Qualcomm's MediaFLO system, this January?
Engadget Mobile notes that Howard Forums says Verizon will launch on January 30.
I've heard from a few sources that Verizon is indeed slated to launch its new mobile TV service in January. Schedules can slip, of course.
I wouldn't be surprised if Verizon would launch the MediaFLO service in the first quarter, rather than the first month, of 2007. But I wouldn't be surprised if it launched in January, either!
Long programs or short videos?
An article in Telephony says MediaFLO will launch 20 - 30 markets in the first quarter of 2007. Very interestingly, MediaFLO believes the future of mobile TV is in transmitting longer programs, not brief snippets.
"In trials with test consumers, Qualcomm found that people are willing to sit down for long periods to watch newscasts, sporting events and even full-length feature films," Telephony reports. Gina Lombardi, president of MediaFLO USA, says, "We've definitely seen that customers are very comfortable with their televisions in their homes.
"Customers want that same experience."
It's both!
This is just fascinating. It's great to listen to wireless experts discuss whether consumers want to watch short videos or long programs.
There doesn't seem to be much agreement. As I've written many times before and will continue to write, I believe the mobile TV business will be based on a variety of program forms, including regular-length live TV programs and shorter on-demand videos.
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