Real-time streaming video is one nifty innovation in the world of mobile phones, and now Verizon Wireless is on the cusp of launching mobile video services. Implementing the multicasting network by MediaFLO, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, Verizon will soon offer real-time mobile TV over the CDMA2000 1xEV-DO-based broadband network. This is set to reach about half of its current markets, providing TV services of unprecedented quality: Verizon will be the first service provider to offer MediaFLO.

“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.”

Later on, the plan is to expand the service through other Verizon markets, taking advantage of its BroadbandAccess service areas. They will broadcast the real-time streaming video and other multimedia content over the 700 MHz spectrum— with an initial launch some time in 2006.