March 21, 2006

By: Shawnee McRoberts
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Verizon Wireless 3G Wireless Broadband Multimedia Service Delivers NBA Highlight Video Clips, Including Action from 2005 NBA All-Star Events

The NBA and Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, today announced that NBA video highlights are now available on Verizon Wireless’ new V CAST multimedia service. V CAST from Verizon Wireless is the first true 3G wireless broadband consumer multimedia service in the country, allowing customers to view crystal clear video clips on demand and graphics for 3D games because it runs on Verizon Wireless’ Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) network – the only widely available wide-area wireless broadband network in the United States. The V CAST coverage area, which mirrors Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO network, is available in more than 30 major metropolitan markets and covers more than 75 million people. The new service marks the first time fans will have access to daily NBA video clip content on Verizon Wireless phones.

Through the getVIDEO section of the Get it Now® virtual store, NBA fans simply click on Sports to view video highlights of NBA games throughout the remainder of the 2004-05 NBA season, including the NBA Playoffs and The Finals. Additionally, fans will have access to video highlights from 2005 NBA All-Star in Denver including the 54th NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, February 20. Customers can find NBA video content through Verizon Wireless’ V CAST phones and will be able to view each NBA game video highlight for up to 24 hours.

“Verizon Wireless’ new V CAST service is a great addition to our wireless offerings and is an expansion of our relationship with a proven leader in the wireless field,” said Brenda Spoonemore, senior vice president of interactive services for NBA Entertainment. “NBA fans are on the cutting edge when it comes to utilizing the latest technology and V CAST provides them with more ways to experience the excitement of the NBA.”

“The exciting action of the NBA is a perfect fit for our new V CAST service,” said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “In providing fast-paced short content from the NBA over Verizon Wireless’ advanced network, our V CAST customers can enjoy NBA video clips on demand in the palm of their hands.”

For $15.00 monthly access added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan, customers get the V CAST VPak that includes unlimited access to a wide array of short content of more than 300 daily updated videos from leading content providers. There are no additional airtime charges to download or stream and watch video clips and other V CAST content. For a limited time, customers who sign up for V CAST will receive the two months of service free. Verizon Wireless V CAST customers also receive unlimited browsing of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web 2.0^SM news and information service. Unlimited basic video clips are included, but application download fees will still apply for 3D games, premium video clip content and all other Get It Now applications. Verizon Wireless V CAST customers can get premium content for an additional cost, such as NBA video clip highlights for an additional $0.49 per video stream.

V CAST’s new multimedia programming is located in the Get It Now virtual store – customers can access video clips from favorite news, sports and entertainment providers in the getVIDEO shopping aisle and check out new cutting-edge 3D games in the getGAMES aisle. V CAST also gives customers unlimited access to browse and view applications in the other familiar Get It Now shopping aisles – such as getTONES and getGOING.

Author Notes:

Shawnee McRoberts contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  An industry resource for the wireless industry featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of phones and service plans.