FLO TV shutdown forces Chrysler to consider alternatives

Chrysler said it plans to take care of its customers who will lose the FLO TV mobile-television service next spring. But the automaker hasn't settled on what it will do.

Qualcomm Inc., owner of FLO TV, said on Oct. 12 that it is shutting down the service for undisclosed reasons. This leaves Chrysler owners who subscribe to the service without a mobile-television provider.

But Chrysler is developing a plan to help the 851 Chrysler owners who subscribe to FLO TV, said Bryan Zvibleman, a spokesman for Chrysler.

Chrysler began offering customers the option of choosing either FLO TV or Sirius TV on its 2010 models and continued the offer onto its 2011 models.

FLO TV was offered through Chrysler's Mopar division for $629, which included the first year's subscription but did not include the cost of installation. The service uses the mobile DVD units inside Chrysler vehicles.

Chrysler will still offer Sirius TV as an option and Sirius TV subscribers will not be affected, Zvibleman said.

By Brad Constant