XM Radio in the News

Partnership with AOL® Radio

In April 2005 America Online and XM satellite radio announced that they will join forces to create a new online radio service. The service brings together the best of both XM and the AOL Radio Network products and programming to form the world's largest combined digital radio network. The new service will include a free, web radio offering and an enhanced premier radio offering that will be available to AOL members at no additional charge and as a premium service to consumers on the web.

Partners with Car Manufacturers

XM Satellite Radio is hooked up with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen/Audi, Saab, Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac and Porsche It was available in more than 120 different vehicle models by 2005. XM radio is also available in Avis, National, and Alamo rental cars. They also have an exclusive deal to broadcast all major NASCAR racing events including a channel that broadcasts live conversations between the drivers and their pit-stop crews.

New Satellite

In June 2005, XM Satellite Radio announced that it awarded Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) a contract for the design and construction of its XM-5 satellite. XM Radio's selection of SS/L followed intense industry competition and after it experienced difficulties resulting in unexpectedly short lifetimes for its first two Boeing satellites. Construction of XM-5 will be completed in 2007 and is intended as a ground spare for XM's in-orbit fleet. Boeing Satellite Systems built XM Radio's three in-orbit satellites (launched by Sea Launch). Boeing also is completing the construction of XM-4, which will be available for launch in 2006.

Agreement with WorldSpace

XM satellite radio is investing $25 million for an undisclosed number of shares in WorldSpace, which offers similar services in other markets including Europe and Asia. Under the agreement, XM Radio and WorldSpace will work together to develop new offerings, technology, and distribution and supplier networks.

Hyatt Hotels

Guests at Hyatt hotels nationwide are getting XM radio. The number one satcaster has announced a multi-year agreement to provide its audio streams to Hyatt hotel rooms starting in the fall of 2005. Eventually 50,000 guest rooms will be have XM satellite radio in their room. Hyatt vice president of operations Matt Adams says, "Hyatt is excited to be at the forefront of in-room entertainment technology."

Homeland Security

The U.S. Military is considering getting XM for homeland security purposes. XM RAdio and Raytheon have jointly built a communications system using XM Radio's satellites to transmit information to soldiers and emergency responders. MESA, the Mobile Enhanced Situational Awareness Network, would get a dedicated XM channel accessible only by special devices given to emergency personnel. Test runs have already been conducted in which data and audio were sent to an "injection point" at XM's Washington D.C. headquarters and broadcast to portable devices that would be carried by field personnel.

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