Feb 23 2006
MediaFLO Service to Provide Video Content
of Unprecedented Quality to Subscribers' Wireless Phones
QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a
leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
and other advanced wireless technologies, and Verizon Wireless, which
operates the nation's most reliable wireless networks, today announced
that QUALCOMM and its subsidiary MediaFLO™ USA Inc., are working
together with Verizon Wireless to bring its customers real-time mobile
video over the MediaFLO multicasting network in the United States.
QUALCOMM and Verizon Wireless expect to launch mobile TV services over
the MediaFLO network in approximately half of the markets already
covered by Verizon Wireless' CDMA2000 1xEV-DO-based broadband network,
enabling Verizon Wireless to offer real-time mobile TV services of
unprecedented quality to its subscribers. Verizon Wireless will be the
first U.S. wireless service provider to offer MediaFLO when the network
is commercially available.
Following the initial launch, QUALCOMM
and MediaFLO USA Inc. will continue to expand the MediaFLO network
throughout other markets that cover the Verizon Wireless' V CAST and
BroadbandAccess service areas. Verizon Wireless plans to offer mobile TV
service to its subscribers through MediaFLO-enabled EV-DO handsets and
use the MediaFLO network to deliver mobile TV services when the network
begins commercial operation.
"MediaFLO USA's network will allow us to
provide compelling real-time multimedia services to wireless customers,
complementing our industry-leading wireless voice and data services -
including our successful V CAST broadband multimedia service," said John
Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon
Wireless. "As we aggressively expand our mobile multimedia offerings,
MediaFLO will help us continue providing the most innovative multimedia
services in the nation."
"Using the MediaFLO technology and
network, Verizon Wireless will be able to offer its customers a
real-time TV-like experience on their wireless phones unlike anything
available on the market today," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO, QUALCOMM.
"With the MediaFLO network, we have developed a wireless multicasting
solution that will offer high-value, high-quality branded content at an
affordable cost to service providers."
MediaFLO USA Inc. is a wholly owned
subsidiary of QUALCOMM Incorporated, offering interactive wireless
multimedia services to consumers in cooperation with U.S. wireless
operators. The nationwide network, based on QUALCOMM's FLO™ technology
and using the MediaFLO Media Distribution System, will deliver
multimedia content to mobile devices in the 700 MHz spectrum for which
QUALCOMM holds licenses with a nationwide footprint. MediaFLO USA Inc.
expects to begin commercial operation of the new network in 2006,
creating market opportunities for the entire wireless value chain and
delivering on the promise of wireless multimedia to subscribers.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com)
is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless
communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced
technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included
in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2005 FORTUNE 500® company traded on The
Nasdaq Stock Market® under the ticker symbol QCOM.
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the
nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and
data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a
joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE
and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at
www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video
footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log
on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.