Seidenberg Talks Video, But Provides Few Details

Video was the centerpiece of Ivan Seidenberg’s keynote speech today at SUPERCOMM. That’s no surprise, given that Verizon Communications Inc. plans to launch video services over its FTTP network later this year. But the chairman and CEO provided few specific details about how Verizon will wrest customers from its cable competition through its pricing, packaging and programming. He also declined to provide forecasts of expected subscriber uptake for those video services.

What he did say, however, is that Verizon will be able to offer all the programming provided by cable company companies – and more. That, he said, will include “deeper penetration” of specialty channels; DVR and HDTV throughout the home rather than just on one TV; more HDTV options; services that allow interaction between users’ PCs and TVs; and many video-on-demand and gaming options. “And within a short period of time [users] could just talk to your TV,” he added.

Although some have questioned whether telco newcomers would be able to successfully negotiate the world of programming, Seidenberg noted that Verizon has had significant success in this arena. “We have been procuring all the content we need, and we’re pretty confident we have the full array,” he said.

Verizon in recent months has blasted off a succession of press releases on new deals with such channels as Varsity TV, produced by teens for teens; Gospel Music Channel; Soundtrack Channel; MavTV, a new network targeting men aged 18-54; NBC Universal Cable; Starz Entertainment Group; Showtime Networks; A&E Television Networks; Discovery Networks and more.

While Seidenberg would not divulge pricing for Verizon’s planned video services, he said “we’ll do it in simple tiers so customers will get everything they already get” from cable companies.

He added that Verizon is now in “friendly trials” with FiOS video services.

In addition to discussing Verizon’s wireline video plans, Seidenberg noted that Verizon Wireless offers video programming over its EV-DO network. “Verizon Wireless was the first carrier to deliver true wideband mobile wireless with its EV-DO services, which deliver speeds from 400 to 770kbps to customers in more than 30 markets,” he said.

Seidenberg would not comment on subscriber numbers for the V CAST wireless video service, but said, “We’re convinced that once wireless customers get a taste of the services, they’ll see them as every bit as indisposable” as wireless voice.

Responding to a question about how tying together different networks and services can add value, Seidenberg said one company has discussed with Verizon the idea of sending a text message to all teenage subscribers of Verizon Wireless service on a Friday night to promote a new movie. Of course, that’s just one example of the possibilities of convergence, he said.

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