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AT&T (Finally!) Sets MediaFlo Mobile TV Launch Date

More than a full year behind competitor Verizon Wireless, AT&T has set May 2008 as the date it will launch its mobile TV service using Qualcomm's MediaFlo network. This is more than four months behind schedule. The good news is that it will be launching the service with the svelte LG Vu phone, which (we can't help the comparison here) is very much like the iPhone.

Verizon Wireless launched its V Cast Mobile TV service in March 2007. A year later, Verizon has failed to share any metrics or details about the number of subscribers using the service. However many people are using it, AT&T announced that it, too, would offer mobile TV service using the MediaFlo network. It had originally set January 2008 as its launch date. That was pushed back, and pushed back again. People were beginning to speculate that AT&T might not launch the network. Late yesterday, AT&T put the mounting speculation to rest.

AT&T will offer the same eight channels that are available to Verizon subscribers: CBS Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile TV, Fox Mobile, MTV, NBC 2GO, NBC News2Go and Nickelodeon. It also will package in two extra, exclusive-to-AT&T channels that have yet to be revealed.

Same as Verizon, AT&T is launching the service with just two handsets, the LG Vu, and the Samsung Access.

LG Vu: A sleek and stunning device, the Vu gives you a clear view of TV, Web, pictures, or videos on its large interactive touch screen. It also lets you get the utmost in mobile entertainment with a music player, 2.0 megapixel camera, and Bluetooth capabilities.

Samsung Access: This stylish handset features a large landscape display, ideal for delivering a rich viewing experience and an internal antenna for exceptional reception. It's a great device for customers who are looking for advanced multimedia capabilities such as a camera, external stereo speakers, stereo Bluetooth, AT&T Music, CV, of course, AT&T Mobile TV.

No word on pricing was given on the service or the handsets, but you can expect these handsets to cost in the $150 to $300 range.

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