IN-FUSIO launches SmashTV on Sprint
Exclusive partnership announced with Sprint Nextel
Mobile content provider IN-FUSIO has announced the launch of a brand new subscription-based mobile television channel, available in the US for all Sprint customers.
Sprint's PCS Vision Multimedia Service delivers streaming audio and video directly to subscribers' mobile phones, and the new channel will boost the company's existing selection of diverse mobile television channels.
Dale Knoop, general manager of multimedia services at Sprint commented: "Sprint is committed to providing our customers with a continued variety of mobile television content for their phone, and IN-FUSIO has created a channel that represents the latest in mobile entertainment. SmashTV is an example of the choice of options we will continue to deliver to our customers."
For a monthly subscription fee of USD 4.99, customers can stream video clips showing extreme sports, stunts and cartoons which are between one and three minutes length. The SmashTV channel is separated into three distinct categories: SmashToons, SmashSports and SmashStunts.
The sports category includes a series of extreme sports clips such as base-jumping, motocross, skateboarding and surfing. SmashStunts includes daredevil tricks, and both professional and amateur stunt activities, while the cartoon selection includes classic anime from Speed Racer Enterprises.
Dana Witt, IN-FUSIO's business development manager stated: "We have collaborated with Sprint and a talented group of artists and content providers to deliver exciting, creative and engaging streaming video perfect for viewing on a phone."
"SmashTV represents the most ideal form of wireless entertainment, developed specifically with the mobile user in mind," Witt added.
According to a report from market research firm In-Stat, mobile television will draw a subscriber base of 3.2 million this year, and the figure is expected to leap dramatically to 31 million subscribers 2009. Revenue estimates of USD 4.5 billion by 2009 were also quoted.
In the UK, leading mobile operator O2 recently began trials of mobile TV using Nokia's 7710 multimedia Smartphone. Technology consultants Strategy Analytics forecast revenues of GBP 3.5 billion with a slightly higher estimate of 51 million mobile TV users by 2009.