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?
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I'm in a somewhat unusual or awkward place... as my FLO Personal TV hardware was provided by TSS Radio (thanks, guys!) for review and obviously a shout out, but once the free service period lapsed I picked up the monthly $16.95 payments. I just verified the rebate works and Qualcomm will be sending me a check for $200 (as the guy/account on file). But once I receive it, I'll reach out to TSS Radio and see about transferring the funds to them in some way or exchanging the money for running a sidebar banner or something so we're square. Blogging can be more complex than it looks!
The timing is a bummer as FLO was starting to get more interesting recently with better coverage and more simulcast content. Of course, I expect this trend to continue... but on other platforms. As soon as some box offers MSNBC, CNN, etc simulcast live I'm dumping cable. (The wife is a news junkie.)
No great surprise on FLO shutting down (hard to believe they actually had SuperBowl ad and pretty good TV campaign for a product that was clearly going to fail).
However, I got to give them massive props for doing hardware rebates. Has any other company done that in the past?
I looked into it I think a year ago and, while the idea was nice, it seemed limited in content and location.
It made it sound like, "watch TV anywhere," when it was really, "Watch TV most anywhere in these major cities..."
It really left me thinking, "Why wouldn't I just get a SmartPhone and sling my cable to it if I was going to do this?"