It looks as if Sirius XM is wasting little time in bringing Satellite Radio to Hawaii & Alaska, following the recent clearance by the F.C.C. that took four years to approve. Until now, the F.C.C. and commercial radio lobby had treated Hawaiians and Alaskans as the “red headed step children” of the United States, denying those residents the same services that are available on the mainland.
The only way to receive Sirius and XM programming has been through the Internet feed. Vehicles equipped with Satellite Radio however, remain non-functional. There has also been no retail market for Satellite Radio, simply due to the the geographic locations of Alaska and Hawaii. Less than 30 days ago however, the F.C.C. approved the use of terrestrial repeaters in the two states, and new filings indicate that Sirius XM is now asking the F.C.C. for approval in shifting part of its XM fleet. For clarification of the filings, I offer this simple historical account:
XM-1 and XM-2 were the first satellites launched and put into service by XM Satellite Radio, and were built by Boeing. Each sufferred from premature degradation issues. The life expectancies of both satellites were cut short due to fogging of the solar panels. XM-3 and XM-4 were launched as replacements, and XM-5 was launched as an in orbit spare. XM-1 and XM-2 were at one time placed side by side, with each operating alternately to extend the useful lives of both, and once replaced both were designated as in-orbit spares.
As the filings indicate, XM-1 is about to be given a new lease on life, and XM-5 is about to be placed into service:
Modification
12/16/2010 19:07:26:90600 Date Filed:
XM Radio Inc.
XM Radio Inc. seeks to modify the authorization for its Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) XM-1 space station, a non-transmitting in-orbit spare, to relocate the space station from its currently assigned orbital location of 85.217° W.L to the 115.25° W.L. orbital location and operate it therewith a +/-0.1 degree east-west stationkeeping tolerance. XM Radio requests waivers of Sections 25.210(j), 25.283(c), and 25.114(d)(3) of the Commission’s rules.
Modification
12/16/2010 19:10:34:01300Date Filed:
XM Radio Inc.
XM Radio Inc. seeks to modify the authorization for its Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) XM-3 space station to relocate the space station from its current orbital location of 85.083° W.L. to the 85.15° W.L. orbital location and operate it therewith a +/-0.1 degree east-west stationkeeping tolerance. XM Radio requests waivers of Sections 25.210(j) and 25.283(c) of the Commission’s rules.
Modification
12/16/2010 19:13:28:25600Date Filed:
XM Radio Inc.
XM Radio, Inc. seeks to modify the authorization for its Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) XM-5 space station to relocate the space station from its current orbital location of 85.2° W.L. to the 85.15° W.L. orbital location and operate it therewith a +/-0.1 degree east-weststationkeeping tolerance. XM Radio requests a waiver of Section 25.210(j) of the Commission’s rules.
As the filings seem to indicate, this satellite shift will place in-service, three XM satellites servicing the west coast of the Unitied States. It follows that Alaska and Hawaii would be the intended targets of the two extra satellites. I had already suggested that the current quarter’s subscription rate will likely be higher than most anticipate. Adding two states only adds to my conviction of surprisingly higher subscriber acquisition rates to come.
The Internet feed that I mentioned previously should offer Sirius XM some visibility into the demand that exists in the outlying states. Opportunities can exist in new vehicle sales, used cars already in service, rental cars, business subscriptions and retail. Given the lack of options most mainlanders enjoy, it is conceivable that a higher percentage of the population of both states will subscribe to the service. ”
And just because no one is all that pleased with Sirius XM’s marketing department, might I suggest to the powers that be at Sirius that they immediately call the producers of Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” program. Sirius XM could showcase not just its Satellite Radio offerings but its maritime offerings, which are used already by the United States Coast Guard.
ShareTags: xm alaska, xm hawaii
This entry was posted on 01/16/2011 at 9:50 am and is filed under Sirius XM News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
3 Responses to Sirius XM’s Dance of the Satellites Could Be Aimed at Alaska & Hawaii+2 SiriuslyGreen on 01/16/2011 at 10:42 am
Great information B! Now I’M doing the “dance of the satellites”! Siri is certainly on a roll…
Even thought I’m in dire need, I’m afraid to replace my aftermarket siri receiver…I’m holding out for what’s to come later this year…sounds more and more like XM platform will be the one to survive, with the siri platform used for “some other purpose”
Reply+2 birdhouse on 01/16/2011 at 4:35 pm
fascination information B; the science part of SiriusXM is just as interesting as the entertainment & investment components
Reply thotdoc on 01/16/2011 at 6:42 pm
Off topic to Brandon…Re Audi with internet in it.
I sa a news story re Audi with internet in it. Do you know much about this?
Thanks,
G
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