With TV stations now required to broadcast over digital vs analog signals, the newly available analog spectrum will now open the door for companies to broadcast TV to computers, cellphones, and cars.
Qualcomm’s mobile TV service, FLO TV, is being launched to deliver live television to cellphones – capitalizing on spectrum freed by the digital-TV transition – but questions swirl around its cost, handset availability, and the looming competition from broadcasters pushing their own mobile standards. It notes that while the technology is promising (live TV on the go!), the business model is unproven: FLO TV cost Qualcomm over $800 million and is limited to a handful of devices and two carriers.
Take-aways:
- The shift to digital broadcasting isn’t just about better picture on traditional TVs—it’s opening new device opportunities (phones, tablets) for live streaming.
- Early movers like Qualcomm are investing heavily, but device ecosystem, pricing, subscriber uptake and competitive standards are still major risk factors.
- For tech/ops folks: the infrastructure and spectrum may be in place, but actual consumer adoption and sustainable monetization often lag the hype.
