NBC to sell programs on-demand to cell phone subscribers

NBC Universal plans to offer to mobile phone subscribers on-demand access to its primetime programming. The service, through MobiTV, is set to begin in the second quarter of this year.

Mobile subscribers will be able to download full-length NBC programs to their phone handset for $1.99 each. The show must be watched within a 24-hour period.

NBC has chosen select shows to be included in the on-demand deal such as "The Office," "Monk" and "Battlestar Galactica." MobiTV subscribers will be able to watch some on-demand programs, such as "Friday Night Lights," for no additional charge because those will include advertising.

Sprint Nextel, AT&T and Alltel offer MobiTV in the United States.