NFL, Verizon Talk Tablets
My blog for this week is about talks the NFL and Verizon are having to figure out how to distribute NFL games via a tablet computer....i.e. an Ipad. With the new 4G mobile networks coming online the NFL is looking to increase the ways it can broadcast its games. "In March, Verizon signed a $720 million four-year deal with the NFL to be its official wireless partner." This deal only applies to mobile devices though and not tablet computers which are becoming hugely popular.
There are a few issues that need to be worked out first, such as licensing rights disputes and 4G testing to see if the network can even handle the kind of bandwidth needed if millions of people started streaming live NFL games to their Ipad. From a business perspective this is a great move for the NFL. The NFL is already very popular and has a large fan base and it's great to see they are thinking about ways to stay current with the new technology that is coming out. The more mediums the NFL can use to broadcast its games the better they can stay connected with their fans, not matter if they are sitting in front of a TV or not. As more tablet computers make their way into the marketplace, such as the RIM by Blackberry, I think this is just the beginning of the potential that this technology has to offer. Kudos to the NFL for jumping on this early and I think they will be rewarded financially for it.
Josh, I think the NFL should expect some fans to watch the NFL on their Ipads. There has to be some poor fan who gets to the game hoping to find a ticket and can't. Thanks to the NFL he can watch it at his tail gate with his Ipad. I think that's got to be worth something.
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ReplyDeleteIs the iPad compatible with Verizon? I thought it was like the iPhone where only At&t had the rights. Then again, I don't really know much about the iPad.
ReplyDeleteEither way, I think it would be really cool technology to be able to tailgate and watch football games on the iPad. The only problem I could see is deciding what to do with your $700 machine when you leave the tailgate and head to the game.
Its definitely one of the coolest futuristic ideas, about watching NFL games on the iPad or tablets PC's. But I am not sure if people tailgating would use this.
ReplyDeleteIt would rather be used by people who often happen to be working during the games/weekends. Definitely something, us MBA students could also use during the weekends while working on presentations/case studies :) .