Satellite Car Radio Service in India

WorldSpace, US based satellite radio company, plans to launch satellite car radio service in India by 2010. Although the company had earlier planned to roll out car radio sets in the country by 2004, absence of a government policy on satellite radio has delayed the launch. M Sebastian, managing director, WorldSpace - India and Middle East, says, "Non-availability of terrestrially augmented satellite radio services in India that enable satellite radio service in automobiles is purely due to regulatory hurdles. If that is cleared, we can roll-out the same for the Indian consumers in the next eight to ten months." The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has prepared a draft Cabinet note for the satellite radio policy, and is consulting other ministries before taking it to the Cabinet once the new government is formed. WorldSpace India is expected to strike partnerships with automobile manufacturers among others to bring in car radio. In countries like Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Bahrain, the company is entering into partnerships for the same. While there's no limit on FDI in satellite radio now due to lack of any regulation, the new policy is expected to cap FDI at 74%. WorldSpace would be given three years to comply with the guidelines. As of now, WorldSpace is keeping all options open including getting a strategic investor, a financial investor or an Indian media entity as the domestic partner. The company also wants to offer subscription based online radio stations to the expat community.

Source : http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2009/newsfullstory.php?id=1242219616