AT&T recently announced plans to launch mobile television service, along with the availability of two new devices designed to improve viewing experience.

The new service will soon be available in 58 markets and give customers access to more than 150 programs from a variety of TV networks, cable channels, and exclusive content providers

The company also announced the availability of two new handsets—Vu from LG Electronics MobileComm and the Access from Samsung Telecommunications America.

AT&T already provides subscribers with mobile access to on-demand video clips.

Mark Collins, VP of consumer data for AT&T’s wireless unit, said his company’s research showed that consumers wanted to watch news and movies more than any other content on their mobile phones.

The new mobile television service includes more than 150 simulcast or time-shifted traditional programs from CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NBC News 2Go, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, as well as content aimed specifically at AT&T’s mobile users. It also provides two exclusive AT&T channels, CNN Mobile Live and Sony’s PIX, which offers include films. Users can sign up for four channels for $13 a month, unlimited mobile TV for $15 a month, or unlimited mobile TV, mobile video, and mobile Web browsing for $30 a month.

The LG Vu displays video, Web screens, and pictures on an interactive touch screen. It also includes a music player, a 2-megapixel camera, and Bluetooth capabilities. The mobile device costs $299.99 after a $100 rebate and requires a two-year service contract.

The Samsung Access also features a larger display, an internal antenna, a music player, stereo speakers, and stereo Bluetooth. That mobile device costs $200 after a rebate, and it also requires a two-year service contract.