Verizon Launches V-Cast Mobile TV

Verizon customers can access the new V-Cast Mobile TV live with options to channel surf without buffering and an included Program Guide. Users can even get text message reminders for their favorite shows and still receive incoming calls while the program is in progress. 

 

V-Cast Mobile TV offers full-length programs from the major networks of CBS, NBC, NBC News, and Fox and cable channels such as ESPN, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickeleodeon.

 

Verizon offers the eight channels, parental controls, unlimited airtime, unlimited basic video, unlimited email, and monthly access to Web 2.0 for a $25 package. For the $15 package, users will be charged additional fees for the unlimited features. There is also a limited package of $13 for select channels of Fox Mobile, NBC, NBC News, CBS Mobile.

 

Competitor Orb Networks, however, states that the Verizon V-Cast options are limited. Slamming V-Cast as the “completely wrong model for service up TV to its mobile customers,”  Orb Networks CEO Joe Costello offered their MyCasting service as an alternative. "Verizon is trying to create ‘value’ for the consumer with a limited TV menu, when today’s mobile consumer is seeking an all-you-can-eat buffet,” said Costello.

 

Verizon currently offers V-Cast Mobile TV in select cities:

 

Tucson, Arizona

Palm Springs, California

Colorado Springs, Denver, Colorado

Jacksonville, Florida

Chicago, Illinois

Wichita, Kansas

New Orleans, Louisiana

St. Paul, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kansas City, St. Louis, Missouri

Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska

Las Vegas, Nevada

Albuquerque, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Portland, Oregon

Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas

Salt Lake City, Utah

Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia

Seattle, Spokane, Washington

 

In addition, V-Cast Mobile TV is currently only offered on one Verizon phone, the Samsung SCH-U620.

 

The Verizon website states to stay tuned for more announcements on increased coverage and new channel details.