Verizon Wireless takes up Qualcomm’s mobi-tv offer — MobileMonday Global: Industry News

^{Braoadcasts to start next year} Verizon Wireless takes up Qualcomm’s mobi-tv offer

11 Dec 2005 at 09:44 GMT Timo Poropudas

Qualcomm and Verizon Wireless announced earlier this month that Qualcomm and its subsidiary MediaFLO USA are working together with Verizon Wireless to bring out real-time mobile video over the MediaFLO multicasting network in the United States.

Verizon plans to offer TV service first on its mobile data packet network and later via broadcast network.

Qualcomm and Verizon Wireless expect to launch mobile TV services over the MediaFLO network in approximately half of the markets already covered by Verizon Wireless’ CDMA2000 1xEV-DO-based broadband network, enabling Verizon Wireless to offer real-time mobile TV services to its subscribers.

One stop mobi-tv service

Verizon Wireless will be the first U.S. wireless service provider to offer MediaFLO when the network is commercially available. MediaFLO uses technology that is totally owned by Qualcomm.

According to Pekka Pesari, who heads mobile TV development for TeliaSonera Finland, there in no natural development path into mobile broadcasting in the US TV industry. Qualcomm’s MediaFLO intends be one stop service offering with its own technology and radio spectrum.

In the US there are also ongoing trials of DVB-H-based mobi-tv broadcasting services.

Following the initial launch, Qualcomm and MediaFLO will continue to expand the MediaFLO network throughout other markets that cover the Verizon Wireless’ V CAST and Broadband Access service areas.

Verizon Wireless plans to offer mobile TV service to its subscribers through MediaFLO-enabled EV-DO handsets and use the MediaFLO network to deliver mobile TV services when the network begins commercial operation.

MediaFLO’s nationwide network, based on Qualcomm’s FLO technology and using the MediaFLO Media Distribution System, will deliver multimedia content to mobile devices in the 700 MHz spectrum for which Qualcomm holds licenses with a nationwide footprint.

MediaFLO USA Inc. expects to begin commercial operation of the new network in 2006, creating market opportunities for the entire wireless value chain and delivering on the promise of wireless multimedia to subscribers.