VCAST is the leading edge in a move toward video and well as audio capabilities on cellular phones. After all, those big TFT color screens are just begging for full motion video. They even look like small flat screen TVs. Why not give them TV content?
What makes VCAST work where other attempts to send video to cell phones have fallen short is the broadband link called EV-DO or EVolution - Data Only. That cryptic description translates to mobile broadband using the CDMA cellular phone network. While CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is a digital transmission system, it is limited to the narrow bandwidths needed for voice transmission. What Verizon has done is piggyback a high speed data only network on it's CDMA network. Speed peaks at 2.4 Mbps but is more typically 200 to 400 Kbps. That' s fast enough to provide broadband Internet service for laptop computers using an EV-DO adaptor card and Verizon Wireless EV-DO service.
With broadband speeds now available in 60 metropolitan areas, EV-DO makes third generation or 3G cellular applications like video on demand possible. Current content includes news, weather, sports and music videos. All are delivered in the form of downloadable video clips up to 5 minutes in length.
Much of the content is produced by big name media companies. Just browsing what is available today, I see programs by Comedy Central, Sesame Street, E!, VH1, and Nickelodeon. There is breaking weather news from AccuWeather.com. News updates are provided by CNN, NBC News, and MarketWatch. You'll get sports reports from FOX Sports, ESPN, and NASCAR.COM TO GO, among others.
VCAST also offers 3D downloadable games. You may recognize such titles as "Need for Speed Underground 2," "Independence Day," "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater," or EA Sports Madden '06 3D." Each game has certain phones that it works on.
So What do you need to enjoy VCAST yourself? First, you need a 3G video phone. Verizon Wireless is recommending several models that are available at a discount with your Verizon Wireless service at our online cellular store. The best bargain is the Motorola E815 Video Phone which is currently free after rebate. The e815 is also a 1.3 Mega Pixel camera phone with flash with 4x digital zoom. It has Bluetooth communications built-in to support a wireless headset.
Order your Motorola E815 Video Phone with a Verizon Wireless service plan, such as America's Choice 450. This plan gives you 450 anytime minutes per month plus free nationwide digital roaming and unlimited IN calling for $39.99 a month. VCAST service is an option for $15 a month and right now your first month is free.
Other VCAST recommended cell phones include the Audiovox CDM8940 for $50 after rebate and the LG VX8100 for $100 after rebate. To get these special offers, you'll need to order from our online cellular store. You'll also want to include the VCAST option for an additional $15 a month.
If you would like a different model of cell phone, we have many great offers currently available at Cell Phone Plans Finder. Note that other video phones may or may not have VCAST as an available option with Verizon Wireless service.
