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: The rapid proliferation of cable TV and other convergence products might be redefining modes of entertainment for millions of homes around the world. However, Marconi’s wonderful discovery almost 100 years ago of producing a device called the radio, capable to make the electromagnetic devices travel the air, simply refuses to go into oblivion.
Similar to Marconi’s discovery, Noah Samara too envisioned the creation of a satellite radio in 1990; his goal was to “create a new form of electronic media” using satellites to broadcast directly to people across the globe...and so was born WorldSpace Satellite Radio. Based upon the proprietary WorldSpace satellite technology, WorldSpace Satellite Radio promises 100% digital quality sound.
However, is India truly listening to WorldSpace satellite radio? Going by the claims of WorldSpace India, the concept is here to last. It already boasts of 60,000-odd subscribers in Bangalore and Chennai. “Satellite radio has several advantages,” says Deepak Varma, MD , WorldSpace India. “WorldSpace digital-satellite signal ensures there is no fading, noise or interference. The system delivers digital quality sound in a coverage area of 14 million sq km. As long as you’re in line of sight with the satellite, you’ll never lose the high-quality sound,” he adds.
WorldSpace uses its two satellites, AfriStar and AsiaStar, to broadcast more than 100 audio channels to people around the world.
But, how is WorldSpace different from conventional radio or for that matter the FM radio? “There are three major advantages that set the WorldSpace system apart,” explains Mr Varma. Firstly, it enables access to multimedia content. It is equipped with a data port that transforms the satellite radio into a wireless modem which is able to download data on personal computers at rates of upto 128 kbps. Secondly, there is no interference and noise for listeners. Lastly, minimum coverage is 14 million sq km without loss of sound quality.
In India, WorldSpace has kept an annual subscription fee of Rs 1,800. The cost of the radio sets starts from Rs 2,000 and goes up to Rs 12,000. However, the high cost of subscription, coupled with the cost of radio set and its inefficiency of not being car-compatible, have hampered the growth of WorldSpace in India.
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