14 DAY TRIAL // Verizon Wireless subscribers will have from now on the opportunity to watch on their devices several full episodes of CBS programming, including daytime, prime-time, as well as news shows like 60 Minutes, thanks to the operator having gained exclusive rights to those episodes. According to the company, users will be able to watch these programs while on the go as well, through the operator's V Cast service, available on handsets like the LG Viewty.
"We are extremely pleased to have reached this broad long-term agreement that recognizes the value of our programming," said Leslie Moonves, CBS' president and CEO, in a statement. "Verizon subscribers will have continued access to the No. 1 TV network not only through FiOS TV, but also through V Cast on the mobile phone, which enhances our profile on a key emerging platform."
It's a common fact that different carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, have put a lot of efforts into the deployment of over-the-air television services. Nevertheless, up until recently, only clips of popular shows were being offered through these services, due to data networks and licensing deals. At the same time, it seems that customers were not attracted too much by the services, mainly because of the fee they had to pay for them, which is placed between $5 and $15.
Gaining exclusive rights to different content is seen as a beneficial move for the operators, considering the fact that the competition in the area is expected to become tighter. As reported before, a number of broadcasters have partnered to provide free, over-the-air programming for mobile devices. Although unclear at the moment, this programming is stated to deliver mainly local news and shows.
Verizon's content deal is reported to also include the company's digital fiber-optic TV service. FiOS owners are now able to get on-demand shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Survivor, NCIS, and Numb3rs both in high-definition and standard formats.