V-Cast Boosted Through Addition of Popular Sports Content
According to the Strategy Analytics Wireless Media Strategy Service, the exclusive availability of ESPN’s MVP sports application to Verizon Wireless’ V-Cast users, across a range of popular handset models, and for free, represents a strong boost to Verizon Wireless’ V-Cast offering.
Starting today, Verizon Wireless has made ESPN’s MVP application included as a free download to subscribers paying $15 per month for its V-Pak offering. The application, which has been developed for BREW handsets, provides deep integration with ESPN.COM and offers real-time sports news, scores and information, personalization for favorite teams, scoring alerts, video, and virtual game illustration.
Senior Analyst, Nitesh Patel, notes, “Given the strength of ESPN content, this exclusive deal represents a strong positive for Verizon Wireless, which should be attractive to both casual sports followers and fanatics typically targeted by ESPN Mobile. Provided that ESPN MVP can deliver a user experience that matches its online service, and both companies effectively market the proposition, Mobile ESPN will add significant value and stickiness to the Verizon Wireless V-Cast offering.”
David Kerr, Vice President of the Strategy Analytics Global Wireless Practice, added, “Partnering with Verizon Wireless provides ESPN with a high quality wireless broadband network, extensive distribution presence and massive marketing muscle. Allied with its recent Vcast TV offering, Verizon Wireless continues to raise the performance expectation bar for US mobile users. Infotainment services, including video, audio, sms/mms and games will be a rapidly growing demand segment over the next five years with 2011 revenue forecast to be over $10 Billion.”
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