[BC] Failing XM Radio

[Larry Bloomfield]

There is no question that it costs lots of bucks to launch and maintain one of these birds. It is the convenience of the service that I believe makes satellite radio of value.

I remember when I was part of the crew that launched and positioned the world's first geosynchronous satellites when I was with project Syncom.  I doubt there is anyone on this list that has been involved in geosynchronous satellites before I was as there were none. When we were done testing, we were permitted to make calls to friends and family. I'd even bet I'm the first guy ever to court his wife through a geosynchronous satellite.  :-)    You gotta be careful though as my wife and I will celebrate our 46th anniversary on June 4th. It lasts.    

On 4/18/2010 6:13 AM, RokprtMike at aol.com wrote:

>Hi Larry,

>I guess the question would be is it a good business idea. Listeners that are in metro centers get their satellite radio from a microwave transmitter not off of a satellite. Those darn buildings get in the way.

>It does cost more than a half billion bucks to launch and keep a GEO spacecraft operating in orbit (I was involved in two of them for GE/NBC and that was the price 10 years ago).

>Where will Mel come up with this kind of cash?

>Mike

>In a message dated 4/18/2010 9:00:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, broadcast-request at radiolists.net writes:

>>>>>I have to disagree with you. Satellite radio is a very good idea for people who travel extensively. Having to almost constantly re-tune your radio from station to station, especially when you're listening to a networked program material.  As the local 1KW fades away, it's a pain to try to find that same program on a frequency that comes in a tad stronger. I don't know what the figures are, but I'd be willing to bet truck drivers and others who travel extensively are probably some of the biggest supporters of satellite radio. I have both AM/FM and Sirius.  I like to listen to the local stations when I travel, but between towns, I opt for the satellite<<<<


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Larry Bloomfield, KA6UTC
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