Mobile video-Where's the audience?

Mobile video-Where's the audience?

Don't expect mobile video to be a buzzworthy topic at CTIA Wireless 2008 conference in Las Vegas April 1-3. Subscriber uptake is lagging and no one seems to have a clear path to monetizing the service.

AT&T was supposed to debut its broadcast TV service using Qualcomm's MediaFLO network late last year but so far it still hasn't been introduced to the market. Meanwhile, Verizon continues to tout its V CAST TV service (also powered by MediaFLO) but has not released any subscriber numbers leading many to wonder about the success of this endeavor.

Of course, mobile TV will be the subject of many panels at the annual wireless industry conference but expect the focus to be more on merchandizing, marketing and pricing the service rather than the tired debate over what type of content is best suited to a mobile device.

Next-generation networks, such as those envisioned through the proposed 4G technologies WiMAX and LTE may finally deliver the type of mobile video service at a compelling price point for consumers. But those networks are still in the early stages.

Mobile video may not be the "hot" topic of CTIA but it will still garner lots of discussion at panel sessions and at Mobile Entertainment Live!, the co-located conference hosted by Billboard, Hollywood Reporter and Nielsen Mobile on Monday, March 31. -Sue

P.S. Fierce will once again host its popular networking party. Join us on April 1 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Rain at The Palm in Las Vegas. RSVP here.