With satellite radio companies Sirius and XM seemingly doing well in the US (in terms of growing audience if not profits), word is that plans are under way to launch a satellite radio network in Europe, which would compete with the growing terrestrial digital radio sector in the UK. SES Global, a big satellite communications player, is reportedly in talks with French tel-co
Alcatel about the possibility of launching such a network.
That would mean a framework giving consumers who bought the relevant kit access to hundreds of radio stations, and a network which could broadcast the kind of programmes and music not currently allowed by strict radio regulations (in the US because access to the satellite networks is by subscription, the FCC's strict rules of 'decency' don't apply - hence why Howard Stern and
Eminem have opted to present shows on satellite stations).
There are issues of course - in particular, would the service be pan-European or, like with satellite TV, split in such a way that each country gets its own service? Plus, will people already receiving radio services via their Sky satellite service, be willing to splash out on a separate satellite radio system?