This is a bit of good news for AT&T subscribers.According to anonymous sources, AT&T Mobility has began making preparations to launch mobile TV broadcast services from MediaFLO USA Inc. After all the delays that have frustrated customers, it seems that the long awaited launch of this service if finally at hand. Aren't you excited?
AT&T customers will finally get what Verizon has given their customers almost a year ago. The wireless network initially announced that it would launch the mobile TV service by the end of 2007. However, they were unable to push through with that plan. If you can feel the excitement then let me give you another juicy bit of info.
The launch is estimated to be held in the early part of February. The internal documents and sources that have been "leaked" indicate that it will happen next month. The information also express that the plan is to use two exclusive channels for the launch of AT&T's Mobile TV.
MediaFlow's service offers offers eight live, linear TV channels around the clock but sources say that may not be the case for AT&T's service. Experts predict that MediaFLO will work with carriers. This will help the networks to provide different offers and provide opportunities for exclusive content. In short, they will try to keep everyone happy.
After all, having both mobile phone networks offering similar services would not be a good idea. Each wireless network should have something different to offer that will appeal to their customers. A good example would be to offer exclusive channels. Each carrier with mobile TV would be able to mix content that might not necessarily come from a single source.
However, AT&T Mobility and MediaFLO have refused to make any comments on the leaked information about the mobile TV launch. Nevertheless, customers who are eager to try out mobile TV feel that AT&T will finally deliver and will satisfy the cravings of their customers.
I basically feel the same way. Verizon customers have been enjoying this service so AT&t has to be more aggressive about the release this anticipated service. Another delay might cause AT&T to lose some of their loyal subscribers and certainly bring about more complaints.
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Mobile TV Launch by AT&T set for 4th May 2008
The long awaited launch of Mobile TV services based on FLO technology is now scheduled for 4th May 2008. This will be the second FLO based network in addition to Verizon which already provides FLO based mobile TV services since March 2007. A total of ten channels will be transmitted which are grouped into three subscription levels, with the “ Limited” package with $13 per month subscription having four channels ( CBS Mobile, Fox Mobile, NBC and NBC News). The next level, (Basic plan) has nine channels by adding on CNN Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN, MTV and Nickelodeon at $15 per month. The Premium packages adds on the movies channel (PIX) with subscription going to $ 30 per month. The premium package will also have AT&T’s MediaNet cellular access package. AT&T’s Mobile TV service will be available on two phones ( equipped with MediaFLO receivers) to begin with( LG VU, a touch-screen phone and Samsung Access).
Both AT&T and Verizon use MediaFLO’s network in the 700 MHz band which provides for upto 14 channels in the allotted bandwidth slot. The PIX and CNN mobile will be available exclusively to AT&T customers. Verizon also has its two exclusive channels ESPN Radio and MTV Tr3s. The channels are not live transmissions but rescheduled or repurposed content suited for mobiles ( 2GO channels). The PIX channel is a full length movie channel from Sony Entertainment Network.
The new FLO service will find its competition in the MobiTV service which is also available on the AT&T network using 3G and is priced at $10 a month for the basic package. MobiTV has over 4 million customers across all the carriers it covers. However the broadcast content is expected to bring in a better viewing experience to the users.
In case of Verizon only about 4.6% of the users are reported to have opted for the FLO based Mobile TV service. The usage is expected to grow as the ecosystem of handsets and applications grows. There is a certain inertia for the users to change handsets just to be able to view mobile TV and the launch of iPhone in 2007 did not help in users buying more of FLOTV compatible handsets. MobiTV service on the other hand can be viewed on any phone supporting 3G or GPRS. It also does not help that the iPhones can not receive the transmissions.
This is however a common problem around the world where the users need to buy specific handsets with DVB-H or DMB-T tuners.
http://www.mobiletvhome.com
Not one of the 4 NFL playoff games were on this past weekend. If the Superbowl is not on , I will cancel.
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