Looks like Qualcomm has given up on the idea of transitioning FLO TV to any potential suitors, as they’ve just unveiled a generous hardware rebate program:
In consideration of the FLO TV service ending on March 27, 2011 we are offering a rebate on FLO TV devices. The rebate amount is determined by the retail price of the device on your date of activation, and will be displayed when your online claim is submitted and validated. You do not need to return your device to FLO TV
The rebate program may return up to the entire cost of a device back to you. (Extremely rare, extremely generous, good thing Qualcomm has many other more profitable irons in the fire.) While you’re not required to return your FLO hardware, your service will be terminated within 72 hours of your claim – reinforcing this network service is going away.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude FLO would fail… and I predicted this last year. While consumers have shown interest in mobile video, Qualcomm’s initiative was too costly – in terms of spectrum and content licensing. Plus, most recent implementations required dedicated hardware (at an additional fee) – thus increasing the barrier to entry. Wouldn’t you rather have a multifunction smartphone or iPad (headrest mounted) streaming Hulu, Netflix, and Slingbox?