Toshiba Corporation is all set to end the mobile digital satellite broadcasting services by March 2009.
 
Toshiba has been providing the services for specialized mobile equipment through its subsidiary, Mobile Broadcasting Corp., since October 2004.

But, the paid services have not derived enough subscribers in part because of rising demand for free broadcasting services, which target mobile phones.
 
According to a company release, “The number of subscribers has not reached a sufficient level to sustain operations and, following a thorough review of operations, the company has decided to cease broadcasting.”

Toshiba anticipates that the termination of the business to leave the company to incur an expense of around 25 billion yen ($232.9 million) for the year ending next March.

Toshiba will provide support to its unit in order to lessen the impact on clients as well as business associates.

This represents the latest setback for Toshiba, including its ill-fated next-generation DVD efforts.