AT&T set to launch mobile Mobile TV service

by Stevie Smith - May 2 2008, 12:29

Seemingly not content with its exclusive iPhone deal, American communications giant A&T Inc. has increased its consumer appeal by dating the launch of its upcoming AT&T Mobile TV (MediaFLO TV) service, which will provide non-stop access to popular television programming via mobile phone handsets.

The AT&T Mobile TV service will deliver “unmatched TV-quality programming” from a host of leading mobile news and entertainment providers, including the likes of CBS Mobile, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, NBC 2Go, MTV Networks, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures’ PIX and the CNN Mobile Live service.

Content filtering from those contributors will include contemporary movies across many genres, live sports events and related features, children’s and comedy programming, and 24-hour access to breaking news stories.

“Together with MediaFLO USA, we are changing the picture of television-viewing by giving our customers an innovative way to stay connected to breaking news from CNN Mobile Live, an arsenal of movie favorites with PIX and a formidable lineup of other quality programming while on the go,” outlined AT&T.

And, to further intensify the May 04 launch, San Antonio-based AT&T has also announced the timely unveiling of a duo of new phone handsets designed to specifically provide AT&T Mobile TV users with an unmatched mobile television experience.

First up, the Vu from LG Electronics offers a clear view of TV, Web, pictures and video content via a large touch-screen display, while also delivering an onboard music player, a 2.0 mega-pixel camera and Bluetooth capabilities. The Vu comes with a two-year contract and a $100 USD mail-in rebate.

Then there’s the Samsung Access, a stylish handset packing a large landscape display screen, an internal antenna for enhanced reception quality, external stereo speakers, stereo Bluetooth, AT&T Music and CV. Also available attached to a two-year usage contract, the Access costs $199.99 USD after a mail-in $100 USD rebate.

For the next 60 days, AT&T Mobile TV will also play host to CNCRT, a special concert channel that will show a selection of recently recorded music concerts from some of the world’s leading recording artists, such as Avril Lavigne, Jay Z, Akon, Lenny Kravitz and Rage Against the Machine.

The AT&T Mobile TV service will launch across 58 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

Limited monthly access will cost a mere $13 USD per month, while package prices for Basic access to the mobile platform will start at $15 USD per month, and the comprehensive Mobile TV Plus package will cost $30 USD per month.

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