Qualcomm details final days for FLO TV

Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM) is putting the final details on its FLO TV shutdown.
Leading up to the shutdown of the service on March 27, 2011, the company has opened up a rebate program that will effectively reimburse some of the company’s direct-to-consumer customers for their devices and unused service. All remaining active FLO TV-branded devices, including the personal television, portable DVD player and auto entertainment console, may qualify for a rebate that will be determined by the retail price of the device on the date of activation. Qualcomm will also be refunding any remaining balances already paid for unused service.
It’s unclear if the shut-down date will also mark the complete end for the network. Qualcomm has repeatedly differentiated between its direct-to-consumer business and resale business with AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless. Qualcomm presumably has contracts in place with each carrier that requires it to maintain service through a specific date. That could also explain why the company is being so tight-lipped about anything related to the carriers’ customers for the service. FLO TV wasn’t immediately available for comment.
Regardless though, it’s unlikely there are very many, if any, customers still paying for the service through either carrier. All told, the service only racked up about 1 million customers over a 45-month span.
It stands to reason that the network could be completely dark by the end of March. Qualcomm clearly wants to cut its losses on the venture and only think about what could have been going forward.
Qualcomm maintains that it is still holding talks with various parties about a sale of the network and/or spectrum. AT&T Mobility has reportedly held talks with the San Diego-based company about a possible sale of the spectrum holdings for FLO TV.