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Verizon Adds to VCast Lineup

November 22, 2008 nnyq.com edit

Amid an ongoing expansion of its third-generation (define) network, Verizon Wireless today introduced a new handset for its multimedia VCast service.

Motorola's E815 features a 1.3 mega-pixel camera with Bluetooth wireless technology (define) for data-synching with PCs and wireless connections with headsets.

The phone sells for $149.99 after a $50 rebate and two-year service contract and will be offered alongside other video-capable handsets from South Korean vendors LG Electronics and Samsung.

The E815 was designed with new paid services in mind. For $15 per month, Verizon Wireless' VCast provides short video content on-demand, including news, weather, sports and entertainment programming and the ability to download games and music videos.

Motorola E815 (photo courtesy Motorola, Inc.)

In addition to offerings purchased through Verizon and other mobile carriers, there's a budding industry of developers and content providers looking to take advantage of 3G bandwidth by rendering video and other content for the small screen.

The Bedminster, N.J., carrier, which is owned by U.S. regional carrier Verizon Communications and U.K.-based telecom Vodafone, recently expanded its 3G coverage in parts of Georgia, New York and New Jersey and Washington.

At a Yankee Group conference last week, Verizon Wireless President and CEO Denny Strigl said the company is on track to meet its goal of making VCast available to half the U.S. population by the end of the year.

Verizon Wireless, the second largest U.S. mobile carrier after Cingular, said it invested $5 billion in network improvements last year.