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Mobile television so far has not really gone widespread here in the US, but that does not mean there is not a good option for watching your favorite shows while on the go.  Currently, both AT&T and Verizon Wireless have the option (with select handsets) to use the FLO TV mobile service which allows you to watch live television on the go.  And yes, FLO TV offers full-length programming—not just bits and pieces of previously recorded shows.

FLO TV has recently partnered with Rentrak and are going to launch the “first comprehensive audience measurement and reporting system for multicast mobile TV in the US.”  That may be the official statement, but think in terms of the Nielsen rating system but for mobile television.

According to the press release, this partnership is going to “deliver reporting that will serve as the currency for advertising sales on FLO TV and provide deeper insights into FLO TV audience viewing patterns while not divulging any individual subscriber’s personal information.”  What that means to you the end user, initially most likely nothing, but thinking a little more long term, this should serve to help mobile television grow and in turn become a nicer option for us here in the US.  And by nicer option I mean more available live content to choose from as opposed to watching pre-recorded content or little clips that just leave you wanting more.

As of now, this partnership is noted as being in the “integration phase” and that both Rentrak and FLO TV are planning to share the data sometime later in 2009.  If nothing else, it should be interesting to see what happens with the future of mobile television because in theory this data should help to attract advertisers and in turn increase awareness and hopefully attract more customers.

I like the option of having a mobile television service, but without question, the device support needs to increase.

Read [Qualcomm]  Via [MobileCrunch]