(BN) Verizon to Showcase Redbox, Internet-Linked Cars at CES

(Bloomberg) Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), touting new uses for its network, plans to demonstrate Internet- connected cars and the Redbox Instant streaming-video service next week at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Lowell McAdam, Verizon's chief executive officer, will give an evening keynote address on Jan. 8, the first day of the four- day technology show in Las Vegas. McAdam's presentation may include the introduction of a new company slogan and an exclusive video agreement with the National Football League that lets customers watch games on mobile devices, Verizon said.

The company aims to promote its edge over AT&T Inc. (T) and Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) in building a network with a technology called long-term evolution. The company's mobile division, Verizon Wireless, covers about 470 U.S. cities with its LTE service. The speedier network allows customers to connect to the Web faster and makes it easier to watch video and run other bandwidth-heavy applications.

"Their greatest strengths are their LTE footprint and their reputation for a solid, extensive network," said Jan Dawson, an analyst at the New York office of London-based Ovum Ltd. "They have to milk their LTE network as much as possible while it's still significantly ahead of everyone else's. In the next year or so, AT&T will close the gap there."

Verizon's Redbox venture, a partnership with Coinstar Inc. (CSTR), has begun offering video streaming and DVD rentals on a limited trial basis. It plans to expand the service in the first quarter, with CES serving as its broader debut. Verizon also will discuss its automobile strategy -- with a demonstration of in-car navigation -- and mobile Internet services.

Enterprise Services

Verizon, based in New York, is slated to showcase its enterprise services division as well. That business focuses on using Verizon's networks -- both LTE and landline -- to sell data hosting, video delivery and cloud-computing services.

AT&T, meanwhile, plans to unveil products such as wireless home monitoring and security services at the Las Vegas conference. Using the brand Digital Life, the Dallas-based company will demonstrate wireless cameras for home monitoring, remote control of thermostats, lighting and appliances -- along with 24-hour security with call-center support.