Verizon Wireless kills off its Vcast video service

The handful of people using Verizon’s video service Vcast will need to find another way to get their content.

Today the company announced it was shutting down Vcast, effective Dec. 15. Initially launched in 2005, Vcast streams current video content (sports, news, entertainment, children’s shows, and such) from your mobile device. The service was part of some Verizon data plans, which means some subscribers will now be getting less for their money.

Verizon is continuing mobile access to NFL games through the NFL mobile app, which will set you back $5 per month. Everything else, however, isn’t going to be available.

The move was likely done for a number of reasons. Streaming video data over a wireless network creates a heavy burden on network capacity and speeds. So if the service isn’t making tons of money, it doesn’t really make sense to keep it going, especially with all the competitors out there.

Another reason Verizon is getting rid of Vcast probably has something to do with its new joint venture with Redbox, the appropriately named Redbox Instant by Verizon. Redbox Instant has the potential to become a big money-maker, even if it’s not necessarily being handled through the wireless division.

Verizon will continue to move forward with its Viewdini universal search service, which allows customers to search and watch all the available videos through one application.