NFL wants video on Verizon tablets

The NFL tonight said it was talking about bringing American football video to Verizon tablets. It didn't have details but was determined that a deal was just a "question of what shape or form." Verizon declined to comment to the WSJ but admitted that video was an important part of how it pushed data use on its networks.

The carrier has only one current candidate, the Samsung Galaxy Tab. A roadmap that surfaced today has also pointed to the Motorola Stingray in early 2011, but others like the ICD Ultra have either been delayed or don't have concrete release schedules. Verizon may be keen to wait until its 4G service is ready and can provide HD mobile streaming without turning to Wi-Fi.

Apple isn't yet an option without an iPad that supports Verizon's native EVDO or future LTE networks for data. However, the network is not only rumored to have iPad activation code already buried inside. It also raised suspicions through its own practices: it just recently confirmed that it was developing a FiOS TV iPad app, which wouldn't need a Verizon-native iPad but is unusual for a company with a vested interest in promoting Android tablets instead.

The NFL's options aren't limited to Verizon. It currently has an exclusive deal with Verizon for mobile football video, but the deal only applies to phones and leaves the option of a non-exclusive deal for tablets.

By Electronista Staff