If sources are to be believed, Qualcomm Inc. has held talks with AT&T Inc. over the possible sale of spectrum the chipmaker acquired for its mobile-television service.
Qualcomm paid $683 million for rights to use the 700 megahertz spectrum in federal auctions between 2003 and 2008, and started Flo TV in 2004 to allow users to watch broadcast TV on their mobile phones. The San Diego-based company suspended sales of Flo TV after it struggled to attract subscribers.
According to Qualcomm Chief Executive Officer Paul Jacobs, he is considering a range of options for the Flo TV business, including putting it in a joint venture or shutting it down and selling the spectrum.
As per the sources, the company has spoken with several carriers, including AT&T. Verizon Wireless, the country’s largest wireless operator, and T-Mobile USA are not currently in talks with Qualcomm.
According to Bill Davidson, a Qualcomm spokesman, the company is in discussions with a variety of interested parties and is continuing to evaluate other options.
