Verizon Wireless Selects Windows Media

Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com) and Verizon Wireless today announced that Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless provider, has chosen the Microsoft® Windows Media® Format to power V CAST, the nation's first 3G consumer wireless broadband multimedia service, delivered over Verizon Wireless' high-speed 3G EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) network.

Starting Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless V CAST customers can stream and play back exciting audio and video clips using Windows Media, the highest-quality digital media format available for streaming and download-and-play applications. Using technology from Microsoft, PacketVideo and thePlatform for Media Inc., V CAST customers can enjoy the first-of-its-kind wireless broadband entertainment experience in the nation.

"During customer sneak previews of V CAST in Washington, D.C., and San Diego, Verizon Wireless customers were very impressed with the high quality, clarity and consistency of the video clips they viewed with Windows Media," said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "The compression and quality benefits of Windows Media combined with the reach and capability of our 3G EV-DO network are allowing us to deliver the premier wireless multimedia entertainment service available today."

V CAST wireless multimedia content will be available to Verizon Wireless customers in the Get It Now® virtual store for $15 monthly access, in addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan.

On Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to access V CAST on three new phones: the LG VX8000 from LG Mobile Phones, the SCH-a890 from Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and the CDM-8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications.