The joint venture between Sprint Nextel and cable operators Time Warner, Cox, Comcast and Advance/Newhouse Communications said it will launch a quadruple play in seven test markets throughout the U.S. While competing carriers such as Cingular and Verizon Wireless are likely worried about the competitive advantage the JV has in terms of the vast array of content the cable operators have access to, the first features offered by the venture won't be that exciting. For example, cable subscribers who take the wireless service will be able to call up their cable-TV program guide to see show listings for that day. Customers will also see some very basic integrated services, such as allowing customers to talk at no charge between their mobile phones and home phones and check email on their handsets if they subscribe to cable high-speed data services.
To read more about the joint venture's market tests:
- take a look at this article from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)