Local firm Sprint Nextel and several other companies showcased TV service for cell phones and mobile devices like PDAs at the CTIA Wireless 2006 meeting this week in Las Vegas.
“Next year will be one of transition. The companies involved will be creating awareness of mobile TV,” said Christopher Isaac, a McLean-based PricewaterhouseCoopers partner.
Reston-based Sprint Nextel offers Sprint TV for cell phones with programming from Fox News Channel, Discovery Channel and ESPN for $4.95 to $9.99 per month. Clients use a screen menu to choose channels, play downloaded music, monitor weather and get stock quotes.
“The TV images are pretty good and can be purchased right on the phone,” said Charnsin Tulyasathien, Sprint Nextel portfolio manager.
Though some analysts say it will be a huge market, how well these services sell depends on competing standards, price, program content and overall consumer acceptance, Isaac said.
“People will realize they will have to upgrade their cell phones [to accommodate the new technology]. Price and content is going to be important because the better the programming, the more it will cost,” Isaac said. “Sound quality also will be an important part of the equation for consumers.”
