CNN

AT&T's new mobile TV service: a me-too offering

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:59:59 -0400

AT&T's new mobile TV service: a me-too offering

Could AT&T differentiate any less? The operator finally launched its long-awaited mobile TV service using Qualcomm's MediaFLO technology, and the offering doesn't look much different than Verizon Wireless' V Cast Mobile TV offering.

Current Analysis points out that AT&T's entry packages of $13 and $15 for the service mirror that of Verizon's service. And when MediaFLO service is bundled in with AT&T's unlimited Web package, the price is actually $5 more than a comparable bundle from Verizon.

At this point, the only differentiators from Verizon's offering appear to be the fact that AT&T's mobile TV service has a larger footprint than Verizon's plus two extra exclusive channels: Sony Pictures'Ã‚Â PIX channel and CNN Mobile Live. Moreover, device price points are expensive atÃ‚Â $300 for the LG Vu and $200 for the Samsung Access--hardly devices that will spur big adoption numbers. Ã‚Â

Qualcomm can't be too excited about the rollout given the fact that CEO Paul Jacobs indicated in March that the take-up rates for MediaFLO were disappointing. How can subscriber take-up rates change dramatically when Verizon's competitor has a nearly identical offering?

Maybe AT&T will put more marketing dollars behind the service than Verizon has, but that still won't address the real reasons I believe people aren't gobbling up MediaFLO services. It costs more than $10 a month to watch and requires a special expensive phone, of which there are few models. As the economy continues to falter, you have to wonder whether customers will be willing to fork over the extra money for this on-the-go entertainment.

It may be time for Qualcomm to step out on its own, without the help of carriers, to jump-start the market by courting other industries, such as the automobile industry, to offer mobile TV on alternative devices at cheaper prices. -Lynnette

AT&T confirms mobile TV launch for May 4

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:54 -0400

AT&T officially confirmed reports that its long-delayed mobile TV initiative will launch May 4. The MediaFLO-based AT&T Mobile TV's programming lineup will encompass wireless broadcasting staples CBS Mobile, ESPN Mobile TV, Fox Mobile, NBC 2Go, NBC News 2Go, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon as well as two exclusive channels: Sony Pictures Television's PIX, which offers contemporary films from the studio's library, and CNN Mobile Live, which promises breaking news coverage as well as programs like American Morning, Larry King Live and Anderson Cooper 360. (As recently as last month, CNN denied reports it would introduce the AT&T channel.) During its first 60 days on air, AT&T Mobile TV will also feature CNCRT, a concert channel delivered by entertainment production and distribution firm Control Room; during each 24-hour daily programming cycle, CNCRT will air concert videos from acts including Jay-Z, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy and Avril Lavigne.

For more on AT&T's launch:
- read the full AT&T mobile TV story at FierceMobileContent
- and the AT&T mobile TV release

ALSO NOTED: Tuning out mobile music; Smartphones drive browser growth; and much more...

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:59:50 -0400

> Two-thirds of U.S. consumers tune out mobile music. Article

> Samsung to embed new CNN mobile news application. Article

> Muze debuts new music samples service. Article

> Smartphones driving mobile browser growth. Article

> Mobicious unveils new mobile social media site called SnapMyLife. Article

And Finally... The Post-it note of the future. Article