March 27, 2006

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

Verizon Wireless and NBC Universal Put NBC Mobile Content in the Palm of V CAST Customers' Hands

NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, and Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless provider, announced today the availability of NBC Mobile short content on Verizon Wireless V CAST multimedia service. V CAST from Verizon Wireless is the first true wireless broadband consumer service in the country, allowing customers to view crystal clear short content 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.

NBC Mobile is NBC Universal’s customized television programming for wireless phones, and today it becomes available to Verizon Wireless V CAST customers. With NBC Mobile, V CAST customers have access to breaking news, including headlines from NBC’s Lester Holt, interview excerpts and weather updates from the Today show’s Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Ann Curry and Al Roker, and political analyses from Tim Russert of Meet the Press. NBC Mobile for V CAST enables customers to watch video clips of their favorite NBC news programs and content produced especially for mobile phones while they are on-the-go, whether they are waiting to pick up the kids at soccer practice or standing in line at the airport.

“Wireless phones are evolving into information lifelines, as consumers become more reliant on them for the latest news and information,” said Brandon Burgess, NBC Universal executive vice president for digital media, international channels and business development. “We are pleased to deliver NBC Mobile’s customized content to V CAST customers via Verizon Wireless’ advanced network, enabling customers to view high-quality up-to-date news video clips.”

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 more than 300 daily updated video clips from leading content providers, including NBC Mobile. Unlimited basic video clips are included, but application download fees will still apply for 3D games, premium video clips and all other Get It Now® applications. There are no airtime charges to download or stream and watch NBC video clips and other V CAST content. For a limited time, customers who sign up for V CAST will receive two months of service free. Verizon Wireless V CAST customers also receive monthly access and unlimited browsing on Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web 2.0^SM news and information service. In addition, customers can choose from premium video clip content, available at additional cost that includes music videos and more. With Windows Media delivering NBC content to V CAST phones, Verizon Wireless customers receive a high quality wireless multimedia entertainment experience.

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

V CAST customers can find NBC video clips on the new 3G-capable VX8000 phone that allows customers to download content with just a few clicks and experience outstanding clarity and sharpness. The LG VX8000 is available to Verizon Wireless customers for $199.99 after $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement. V CAST customers can also find NBC video clips on the Samsung a890, which is $249.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement, and the CDM8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) for $229.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement.

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.