Mobile Phones & Ringtones

First True 3G Consumer Service in US

January 9th, 2005

Verizon Wireless announced in the Consumer Electronics Show that they will have 3G mobile services in 30 markets in the United States starting this February. The new consumer service will called VCast, which should be an improvement over Sprint Wireless’s existing mobile data service. Verizon Wireless customers will be able to download and view video clips on their cell phones, with news and entertainment contents coming from providers such as NBC, MTV’s VH1, News Corp etc.

Their wireless data network (EV-DO) speed should reach between 300 and 500 kilobits per second. The service will only be available on select 3G phones such as LG VX8000. The other two phone suppliers are said to be Samsung and UT Starcom (i.e. Audiovox). 3-D games download and playing on these new advanced mobile phones will become a much more pleasant experience for gamers.

Since the price tag for this mobile video service is still relatively high for average consumer to consume (around $80 for unlimited data, video service), it is unclear what the adoption rate might be. However, what’s clear is that Verizon Wireless has about 6-12 month lead on other wireless operators in the US in terms of providing 3G mobile services.

Update: Verizon Wireless has confirmed that Samsung SCH-a890, the first wireless handset from Samsung would be available Feb. 1 for Verizon Wireless’ VCAST service.

Entry Filed under: 3G Services