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FLO TV Goes Direct To Consumer; Service Costs $9 A Month, Device Costs $250

Qualcomm’s FLO TV is kicking off its consumer brand today, by unveiling a new device that is only a TV and not a phone. The device and broadcast TV service will be sold directly to consumers rather than through a wireless carrier. Release.

The device, which is built by cellphone-maker HTC, will cost $250 and be available for purchase this holiday season. FLO TV said they will charge about $9 a month, which is considerably less than the $25 a month carriers demand. In addition to the consumer and carrier offerings, FLO will also be sold through in-car entertainment systems.

For some time, FLO has been working out rolling out a consumer brand, so that they can offer a wide range of products at different price points. Up until now, the hang-up has been around network coverage, but the broadcast TV service is expected to be live in 100 markets by the end of the year. The initial device will have a 3.5-inch diagonal screen and will be able to support about 5 hours of TV watching. Much like a cellphone, the handheld device will have a touchscreen, so that users can channel surf with a swipe of a finger. The device also has a stand, built-in speakers, and the ability for users to set reminders for certain TV shows.

Oct 7, 2009 1:28 AM ET

FLO TV Personal Television Photo: FLO TV

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Posted In: Media & Publishing, TV, Broadcast, Companies, Qualcomm

  • tony

    I wouldn't waste my money on that piece of garbage

  • bluevoter

    I spent about $90 for a 7 inch digital TV that does a very good job of bringing in HDTV broadcasts.  There's no monthly service charge.  While the FLO is smaller and has longer battery life, I can't imagine any reason to buy one.  For many people, a better solution would be to buy a WinTV or EyeTV device, and then the EyeTV software on their home computer and their iPhone/iPod Touch.  Again, the cost is lower, and there's no monthly fee for the TV service.  Am I missing something here?

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