Mobile Tech News -- AT&T Mobile TV, No New Wireless Taxes, Free mOcean

Details Leak Out on AT&T Upcoming Mobile TV Service

Early next month, AT&T will launch a service that will allow some of its handsets to play broadcast TV channels, according to BGR.

This service, which will supposedly be called simply  AT&T Mobile TV, is expected to launch on May 4.

Consumers will be able to choose from:

• Mobile TV Limited -- Fox Mobile, CBS Mobile, NBC, and NBC News ($13/month)
• Mobile TV Basic -- Fox Mobile, CBS mobile, NBC, NBC News, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, CNN Mobile, and ESPN ($15/month)
• Mobile TV Plus --  Sony Pictures, Fox Mobile, CBS mobile, NBC, NBC News, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, CNN Mobile, and ESPN ($30/month)

Companies Urge 5-Year Ban on New Wireless Taxes

CTIA-The Wireless Association and its member companies are urging Congress to pass legislation requiring a five-year hiatus on new state and local taxes on wireless service.

To achieve this goal, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Chris Cannon (R-UT) has introduced the "Cell Tax Fairness Act" in the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to analysis from a new study that examines trends of taxation on wireless service in the U.S., consumers pay over twice the 7.1% rate imposed on other competitive goods and services subject to sales tax. Between 2003 and 2007, taxes and fees on wireless service increased four times faster than taxes on other goods and services.

mOcean Becomes Ad-ware

Motion Apps mOcean MP3 player for Palm has become ad-ware. This means it is now free to use, but it includes an advertising banner.

This audio application offers a layout familiar to iPod-owners, along with integration with Apple's iTunes.

Those who would prefer to not look at the ads can buy the full version of mOcean 3 for $29.95 in the Brighthand Store.

Via Palm Infocenter