AT&T and Verizon Enter Remote DVR Market

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

6:55 am on March 11, 2007 | Category: Mobile Devices, Television, Wireless, Cell Phones, Multimedia

America’s leading wireless carriers are bringing DVR remote control features to mobile phones, in an effort to better integrate television and wireless services, while building stronger customer loyalty amid increased competition from cable operators.

AT&T Inc. announced last week that Cingular Wireless subscribers who also use its Homezone television service will be able to remotely record television programs for later viewing, at the touch of a button.

Verizon Wireless, meanwhile, is planning to let its cell phone customers program their TiVo digital video recorders remotely, beginning within the next few days.

These services are intended to attract and retain wireless customers, and will probably be successful to a point. The number of cell phone users who are looking to remotely program DVRs, however, remains quite small, leading analysts to believe that the impact of these services will be relatively minor.

A recent survey by Juniper Research indicated that less than 10% of wireless subscribers were interested in remote television recording.