I was talking with a friend the other day about the World Cup and the fact that it would be perhaps the best global sporting event to see in person. All eyes will be on how FIFA ®, the World cup organizing body, utilizes the “digital channel” to allow the billions of fans who cannot fly to Germany (let alone get tickets) enjoy the games. Here’s a story from the UK talking about one effort to monetize the qualifying games.

As for me, I think it could be one of the greatest videoblogging opportunities ever. If someone gave me a press credential, I’d be there.

Mike and I talk about Infinity's plans plus the impact of some new distribution models on content creators. Are we all going to be the next round of Dot.Com millionaires or just a bunch of pretty faces (and voices)?

Plus, is it true consumers are starting to realize network sitcoms are...well...not that good?

This is way cool. It also looks to be the making of a global trend. Even if it becomes part of a paid subscription service, it will be extraordinarily valuable. Broadband service for commuters turns the PC and other devices into a platform for communications (Skype while on the bus or train); productivity device; radio, TV, and movie studio. The impact on cellphones will be powerful, hence T-Mobile’s involvement. It’s also why I am skeptical about non-Internet delivered services such as satellite radio.

100 mph WiMax hits the rails to Brighton

Service uses WiMax uplinks for Wi-Fi on the train

By Peter Judge, Techworld

Commuters from Brighton to London's Victoria station can use free broadband on the train, thanks to a Wi-Fi-and-WiMax service. The Brighton Express is an apt place for a pioneering Wi-Fi service, given Brighton's role as a high-tech media-savvy remote suburb of London (and home of more than one Techworld stalwart), but T-Mobile hopes to make this the standard way to deliver Internet connectivity on the move.

Users get an 802.11b Wi-Fi service in the carriages. A pre-WiMax system from Redline connects from antennas on the carriage roofs to base stations by the side of the track (very much like the non-mobile system at the Science Museum). The service was integrated by Nomad Digital, a WiMax specialist, and will be offered free by T-Mobile for a trial period.