The Hindu Business Line : TV content set to FLO(w) on to mobile handsets

HOW would you like to get your favourite TV channels streaming on your mobile handsets real time? Imagine seeing your favourite serial even as you drive home from office.

In a bid to make this a reality, US-based Qualcomm is planning to launch its latest mobile broadcasting technology called FLO (forward link only) and is in talks with Indian mobile operators, including Reliance Infocomm and Tata Teleservices for early deployment. The technology will allow the operators to broadcast TV content on mobile phones.

"We are in talks with Indian CDMA operators and are conducting trials of the FLO technology for the Indian market. We will be partnering with local content providers to put the network in place," said Dr Paul Jacobs, CEO-elect, Qualcomm Inc, on the eve of the BREW Conference here in San Diego.

The company is rolling out its FLO network in the US by the end of the year. In India, the services are expected to be launched next year. Qualcomm has formed a subsidiary called Media FLO that will be hived off into a separate company later .

FLO technology allows transmission of 50-100 channels, including live streaming of channels and numerous clip cast and audio channels. It offers video at 30 frames per second and high-quality stereo audio. The technology works both in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) and CDMA1X EVDO which are essentially the third generation technology being considered by Indian operators. Qualcomm plans to invest close to $800 million over the next 4-5 years on the new technology.

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