Verizon Launches Mobile Video Service
Verizon Communications will launch a trial version of its new mobile video service on Tuesday, aiming to prove that telecom players can compete with mobile ad industry leaders. Verizon's "go90" service will be offered initially to a select set of its own customers, with advertisements from well-known brands.
The company is targeting young viewers or millennials with about 100 to 200 hours of exclusive content from online video networks such as AwesomenessTV and Machinima, said Brian Angiolet, Verizon's senior vice president, consumer products. The free service will drive revenue from data usage and targeted advertising.
Verizon's best chance to prove its advertising potential rests on technology from AOL, which has built tools to deliver targeted Web and mobile ads. That, combined with Verizon's customer data, should improve targeting.
The AOL technology is in the process of being integrated with Verizon's video service, and targeted advertising tools will be available over time, Angiolet said.
The service will launch officially to all users as soon as later this month.
Companies from Netflix Inc to Dish Network Corp already offer Web-based video services through subscriptions.
Verizon's rival AT&T has said it has mobile video services targeting young viewers in the works.