Broadcasters say the fourth quarter launch of QUALCOMM's MediaFLO mobile TV services will lead to interference with their over-the-air and digital television services. The FCC is "carefully evaluating" the broadcasters' claims and QUALCOMM's desire to launch as soon as possible. The existing analog over-the-air television services are set to cease come February 17, 2009, but probably longer if the industry misses the deadline. QUALCOMM's position is that since a majority of viewers are served by cable or satellite, only a fraction of people will be affected. QUALCOMM also blanked the city of Las Vegas with FLO technology this week for the CTIA conference. I wonder how the folks watching legacy television are coping.
For more on FLO and the FCC:
- see this article from broadcastingcable.com