AT&T offers MobiTV over Wi-Fi

AT&T announced it will offer MobiTV, the multi-channel TV service lready available via several mobile networks, over its national Wi-Fi network. This will allow AT&T customers using the company's Wi-Fi hotspots to watch live TV programming from those locations.

Cingular Wireless, which is 60% owned by AT&T, and will be completely owned by AT&T if theat company's acquisition of BellSouth is completed, was among the first mobile carriers to offer the MobiTV service. The service includes 15 channels spanning national news, sports, entertainment and full-length music videos from top artists. MobiTV initially will be available this month at about 7000 of AT&T's 11,000 hotspots, with service expanding to additional hotspots in the future.

"Television viewing has moved beyond the TV set and we're making it easier for consumers to get great entertainment through AT&T broadband services, including AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots," said Kieran Nolan, vice president, AT&T Broadband, in a statement. "This agreement helps enable compelling content for customers interested in a digital lifestyle."

Phillip Alvelda, chairman and CEO for MobiTV, said the service now has more than 1 million users. The MobiTV service will be accessible from the AT&T Wi-Fi portal. Users will have a basic channel line-up available through a monthly $11.99 subscription or for each 24-hour session for $5.99. The companies also plan to offer additional premium TV channels.