Advanced Television

Verizon eyes mobile video

March 30, 2012

US telco Verizon Communications’ Chief Executive Lowell C McAdam has suggested the company could launch a wireless video service the end of the year which would allow its pay-TV subscribers to view some content on their mobile devices should regulators approve a proposed spectrum and marketing deal with cable operators.

McAdam said an “integrated” service could be made available to customers of Verizon Wireless, Verizon’s pay-TV service and its new cableco partners. “We could have something out that would be the beginnings of an integrated offering in time for the holidays,” he said.

Verizon is seeking the approval of the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice to buy spectrum licences from Comcast Corp, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox Communications Inc. The proposed deal would also allow Verizon and their cable partners to sell each other’s products.

McAdam foresees a move away from bundled channels to allowing consumers to pick and choose what content they want. “Most content providers realise that the number of channels and the layout that you have within your home may not be appropriate for the mobile environment, and those discussions are just beginning now,” he noted, revealing that some content providers had approached Verizon suggesting they were willing to take an à la carte approach.

 

Categories: Articles, Mobile, Mobile TV