LAS VEGAS-Verizon Wireless will offer video, audio and three-dimensional games over its EV-DO third-generation network beginning next month. The carrier also announced plans to expand the cities in which it offers EV-DO service.
Subscribers in 32 U.S. markets with 3G phones will be able to access VCAST, which will feature on-demand news and entertainment programming, music videos and downloadable games. Verizon also announced an agreement with News Corp. and 20th Century Fox to produce content based on TV programs. The carrier will also offer mobile-exclusive newscasts from NBC News.
VCAST can be accessed through “Get It Now,” Verizon’s menu of wireless data applications. For the past several months, Verizon has conducted trial runs of the service for 1,000 customers in Washington, D.C., and San Diego.
“3G is here-we are delivering true 3G services to our customers; this is not a plan for services on the horizon, this is about now,” said Denny Strigl, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless. “This multi-functional service is so entertaining and informative, so timely and cutting edge, that it gives our customers another dimension to their wireless service.”
Verizon Wireless, which was the first nationwide operator to launch commercial wireless broadband services in late 2003, said its CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network is available in Chicago; Houston; Boston; Phoenix; Cincinnati; Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla.; Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Providence, R.I.; and Hartford and New Haven, Conn. The carrier also said it has enhanced coverage in existing markets, including New York; Newark, N.J.; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Miami, Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Baltimore; Kansas City, Mo.; and Milwaukee.
Verizon Wireless has noted that the EV-DO network offers network data speeds of between 300 and 500 kilobits per second, and it plans to have two-thirds of its nationwide network covered with the service by the end of this year. Lucent Technologies Inc. and Nortel Networks Ltd. continue to provide network infrastructure for Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO deployment, which the carrier had previously announced would involve approximately $1 billion in capital expenditures.
