AT&T launches Mobile TV

AT&T officially confirmed reports its long-delayed mobile TV initiative will launch May 4. The MediaFLO-based AT&T Mobile TV's programming lineup will encompass wireless broadcasting staples CBS Mobile, ESPN Mobile TV, Fox Mobile, NBC 2Go, NBC News 2Go, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon as well as two exclusive channels: Sony Pictures Television's PIX, which offers contemporary films from the studio's library, and CNN Mobile Live, which promises breaking news coverage as well as programs like American Morning, Larry King Live and Anderson Cooper 360. (As recently as last month, CNN denied reports it would introduce the AT&T channel.) During its first 60 days on air, AT&T Mobile TV will also feature CNCRT, a concert channel delivered by entertainment production and distribution firm Control Room; during each 24-hour daily programming cycle, CNCRT will air concert videos from acts including Jay-Z, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy and Avril Lavigne.

AT&T Mobile TV will launch on two exclusive handsets: The LG Vu, a touchscreen device with a music player, 2.0 megapixel camera and Bluetooth capabilities priced at $299.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate, and the Samsung Access, which features a landscape display, camera, external stereo speakers and stereo Bluetooth for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate. AT&T Mobile TV will launch in 58 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, D.C. AT&T will make available three pricing options: $13 a month for a limited basic package including access to four channels (CBS Mobile, Fox Mobile, NBC 2Go and NBC News 2Go); $15 a month for the Basic package including unlimited mobile TV access; and $30 a month for the Mobile TV Plus package, which includes unlimited Mobile TV, unlimited mobile web browsing on AT&T MEdia Net and unlimited access to the CV on-demand mobile video service.