How to Know if Your Phone Can Stream Live TV

Some phones let you watch TV wherever you go.

Certain phones allow you to stream live television, so you always have entertainment on hand. Not all phones stream live TV, but Apple, Palm and Android devices have this capability. Find out if your cell phone can receive live TV before you subscribe to a mobile television service.

Instructions

1. Determine the age of your smartphone. If your phone is several years old, it likely cannot stream TV. New BlackBerry, Symbian, and Palm devices stream live TV, as well as iPhones, iPads, Windows Mobile Phones and Android devices.

2. Ask your wireless provider if your cellular plan includes high-speed data service. A data service lets your device connect to the Internet, and it is required to watch streaming television. You can usually subscribe to a high-speed mobile data plan for a small monthly fee on most wireless networks.

3. Check your phone's user manual verify that the device supports 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi network connectivity. Most streaming television services requires one of these connectivity methods.

Tips & Warnings

• Several subscription services let you stream TV to your phone. Some require a fee, but others are free.

References

• Slingbox: SlingPlayer Mobile
• WLS-TV: Local Wireless