Verizon to launch Mobile TV March 1st major markets missing out?

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Verizon Wireless to launch Vcast Mobile TV March 1

Verizon Wireless will begin offering mobile television on March 1, according to coverage maps on the carrier’s Web site.

No further details were offered, and the maps offered the caveat that mobile TV would be available only in “select markets” on March 1. The maps do not currently show coverage in major markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego or Las Vegas.

Verizon Wireless has branded the service as “Vcast Mobile TV,” and references to the service are available in several locations on the carrier’s Web site.

Verizon Wireless has previously said that its Vcast Mobile TV service will have “an initial launch in many major U.S. markets” by the end of the first quarter, which ends March 31. The carrier is using Qualcomm Inc.’s MediaFLO mobile TV network for the service; AT&T Inc.’s Cingular Wireless L.L.C. also has announced that it will use MediaFLO for mobile TV, and will launch commercial services late this year.

Last month Verizon Wireless announced it will offer two mobile television-capable handsets, the SCH-u620 from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and the VX9400 from LG Electronics Co. Ltd. Those handsets have not yet made an appearance on the carrier’s Web site.

The carrier also announced last month that it would offer shows from CBS, Comedy Central, Fox, MTV, NBC News, NBC Entertainment and Nickelodeon. Other than the launch date of March 1, Verizon Wireless’ Web site does not include did not include any additional information on programming or pricing for the service.

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