Sprint's in Mobile Video More Powerful Than Ever

[Nikos Kartalis]

Sprint extended its leadership in mobile video by becoming the first U.S. carrier to announce more than one million customers with mobile video capability across its nationwide Power Vision and Vision networks, which cover more than 8,700 cities and communities nationwide. Sprint has consistently led mobile video since becoming the first carrier in the United States to launch any type of multimedia experience on mobile phones in 2003, beginning with 1KTV's video slides and audio.

Since then, Sprint was the first to offer live programming, full-length movies, live concerts, Spanish-language programming and many other features on U.S. mobile phones. Some of the other key capabilities that are available on enabled Sprint phones and that show the power of Sprint's video services include:

• More than 50 channels to choose from, including CNN, ABC, FOX, ESPN, The Weather Channel, MTV, E!, The Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes and Comedy Central
• Exclusive content available for no extra charge to Vision and Power Vision data subscribers, including Sprint Power View (the only made-for-mobile video programming network in the United States with original sports and entertainment shows) and NFL Mobile (with video highlights from the end of NFL games and a live stream of NFL Network)
• Additional exclusive programming such as video from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
• On-demand viewing (with 2-3 minute clips that are sometimes more optimal for the mobile experience; also known as multicast) as well as live continuous streaming for an experience more like a traditional television set (also known as simulcast)
• Available across Sprint's entire Power Vision network, which is available nationwide, is time-tested and provides strong coverage under many conditions
• Available on numerous Sprint multimedia devices with a variety of price points to meet the needs of all customers
• Offered on Sprint's Power Vision network with no need to switch back and forth between other networks
• Available on the same Sprint Power Vision handsets that offer other popular data applications from Sprint, including location-based, streaming-music and song-download services
• Every Power Vision plan includes some video offerings as well as many other extras
• Customers can choose the additional video offerings they want to meet their specific interests, and not have to pay for the additional ones they don't want

"By listening to our more than one million mobile-video-capable customers, through our unmatched years of experience and with our consistent history of innovation, Sprint is uniquely positioned to assess and deliver what customers truly want in a viewing experience on their phones," said Oliver Valente, senior vice president, product management and development, Sprint. "Today, the Sprint Power Vision network provides customers with a strong mobile TV experience, with broadband-like speeds, full-motion video and clear sound."

Sprint has continuously been recognized for its leadership in mobile video. In 2006, Sprint received several honors, including:

• Sprint TV received the Editor's Choice from PC Magazine, stating that "the wide range of content makes Sprint TV the best mobile video service available right now"
• Sprint TV received the Best Bet by PC World, stating that "Sprint offers more video choices than its rivals do, at a reasonable price"
• Sprint Movies, which is powered by mSpot, received the 2006 3G CDMA Industry Achievement Award for Innovative Use of Mobile Television (November)