Attachment other

other

SUBMISSION FOR THE RECORD submitted by XM Radio; Sirius Satellite Radio

other

2005-03-14

This document pretains to SAT-MOD-20040212-00017 for Modification on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATMOD2004021200017_426195

March 14, 200 ORIGINAL Recet Mr. Thomas S. Tyez ceived Chief, Satellte Division MAR 9 o 20 Interational Bureau l Federal Communications Commission Polcy Branch 445 Twelfth Street, S.W. InfematonalBursay Washington, DC 20554 Re: TB Docket No. 95—91; SAT—MOD 20040212—00017; SAT—RPL—20040212— 00018; SAT—RPL—20040212—00019; SAT—AMEND—97; 10/1 1—DS§—P.9312/15/92; 26/27—D8§—LA—931/15/93; 83/83—SAT—AMEND—953/1098 Dear Mr. Tyer: On January 28, 2005, you asked XM Radio Inc. ("XM") and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (‘Sirius") to update you on their activitiesrelated to receiver design." XM and Sirius jointly submit this letter in response to your request, and reconfirm their compliance with Section 25.144(a)(3)(i) of the Commission‘s rules by including interoperable radios in their respective system designs. XM and Sirius have designed and licensed receiver systems that share a common head unit, antenna, and wiring hamess, while other entities continue to be responsible for the manufacture and distribution ofsatelite rdios. Several aftermarket and OEM radio manufacturers now produce head units that operate with the receiver boxes of either service provider. Some head units are also branded and marketed as "SAT Ready" to denote their ability to work with both systems. At least one automaker factory installs head units and antennas that are compatible with both XM and Siius® systems. This configuration allows the customer to purchase a trunk—mounted box for ither satelite radio provider without disturbing the rest of the components. This unit can be swapped at any time for a trunk—mounted box from the other satellite radio provider. In February 2000, XM and Siius signed a joint development agreement to develop interoperable technologies, and cross—licensed to each other their respective intellectual property and technology to advance the joint venture. This joint venture has been tasked with combining XM‘s and Sirius‘ proprietary chipsets into a compact and efficient device capable of receiving both services, The joint venture has been staffed with engineering personnel that are independent of XM and Sirius. To date, the ‘ See Leter from Thomas S. Tyez to Lon C.Levi, XM Radio Inc. (January 28, 2009); Leter from Thomas 5. Te to Patick L. Donnely,is Satlite Radio n. January 28, 2009)

Mr. Thomas S. Tycz March 14, 2005 Page2 companies have spent nearly $5,000,000 to fuind the joint venture and expect to spend more in the future. Both Sirius and XM are optimistic that, at a minimum, a prototype for this type of interoperable radio(e., a receiver using a common antenna, a common RF tuner,and two bascband modules, one for XM and one for Sirius) will be completed by the joint venture in 2005. Upon completion, and subject to successfil performance and manufacturability testing, we believe this prototype could be manufactured. Nevertheless, the market will ultimately determine the success of these products. Competition for the attention of consumers in automobiles is not limited to SDARS Hicensees, AM, FM, HD radio, cassette decks, CD players, navigation systems, DVD players, iPod and other MP3 players all compete for space in automobile head units. Soon wireless broadband services and cell phones may further crowd this busy space. All ofthese devices affectthe quality, quantity, and price points that manufacturers careffully assess before introducing a product. In the four and a half years that have passed since XM‘s and Sirius® previous submission, the two companies have invested billions of dollars, and have been extraordinarily successfulin fulfillng the Commission‘s vision ofproviding Americans with "continuous nationwide radio programming"that will "increase the variety of programming available to the listening public." Abead ofthe Commission‘s milestones, each company launched satellites, icensed technology to manufacturers, and began offering over 120 channels of digital music, news, sports, entertainment, trafic and weather. The new service has been well received in the marketplace and has been a positive development for consumers, the consumer electronics industry, the music and artist community, and the United States commercial satellite industry. That success is due in signifieant part to the Commission‘s decision not to mandate the use of a particular technology. The freedom to design systems unbounded by government—imposed mandates has allowed each company to get to market quickly and continue to innovate. The satelliteradio industry has not only developed the expected satellite receiver units which operate with car radios, but has also pioncered the development of whole new eategories of audio products, including satellite radio "plug and play" devices, standalone home stereo component systems, integrated AM/FM/Satellite receivers, portable/wearable satellte radio devices with integrated antennas and "time shifted" recording capability, and various ancillary telematics and data/navigation services. All ofthis has been done at prices that have made the equipment increasingly affordable. Simply put, Sirius and XM have invested considerable time, effort and money designing, launching and operating systems compliant with the Commission‘s rules, including an interoperable radio design offered to manufacturers. The companies are continuing those efforts to streamline and improve that design. The availability of

Mr. Thomas S. Tyez March 14, 2005 Page3 interoperable radios, however, will depend in large part on factors outside ofthe control of either XM or Sitius, including consumer demand for interoperability and the willingness of manufacturers to manufacture, distribute, market and sell interoperable radios after carefully weighing the integration, qualification, costs and efficiency considerations. Please contact the undersigned if you have any further questions. Very truly yours, W illim m ty BBAcl. boak William Bailey Patrick L. Donnelly Senior Vice President Executive Vice President and General Counsel Regulatory and Government Affairs Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. XM Radio Inc. 1221 Avenue ofthe Americas 1500 Eckington Place, NE New York, NY 10020 Washington, DC 20002 212 584 5100 202 380 4000 ces Office of the Secretary JoAnn Lucanik Stephen Duall


Document Created: 2005-03-30 11:09:52
Document Modified: 2005-03-30 11:09:52
© 2024 FCC.report
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FCC