NBC Inks Mobile TV Deal With MobiTV

MobiTV this week announced an alliance with NBC Universal to carry primetime and short-form programming on demand from the network and its subsidiaries on the MobiTV mobile television platform.

The service, which will launch by this summer, will allow MobiTV subscribers to purchase select NBCU primetime shows, including "The Office" and "Heroes," starting at $1.99 for a 24-hour viewing period, although these rates are subject to change depending on the wireless carrier. MobiTV will also offer programming from other NBCU operations including the Telemundo network and cable channels Bravo, Sci-Fi Channel and USA Network.

Some ad-supported primetime programs will also be available at no additional charge from within the MobiTV base subscription channel package, including NBC's "Friday Night Lights," and Bravo's new reality series "Shear Genius." In addition, NBCU will also offer a live linear feed of its CNBC programming online via MobiTV's online TV service, available as part of a subscription service to subscribers with a broadband connection. MSNBC and CNBS were among the first networks offered on MobiTV when the service launched in 2003.

"This is an extraordinary partnership with MobiTV and we're excited to be the first major network to offer our viewers wireless access to their favorite primetime shows on demand," said Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette, president, NBC Universal Digital Distribution. "In addition, this groundbreaking deal with MobiTV will create another platform for NBCU's partner advertisers to reach their audience."

MobiTV has two million subscribers worldwide and is available on most major wireless carriers.