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Military might draft XM Satellite Radio

Customers of XM Satellite Radio aren't the only ones who appreciate its digital quality and nationwide coverage. The U.S. military might draft XM's service for homeland security purposes. XM and Raytheon have jointly built a communications system that would use XM's satellites to relay information to soldiers and emergency responders during a crisis.

The Mobile Enhanced Situational Awareness Network, known as MESA, would get a dedicated channel on XM's satellites that would be accessible only on devices given to emergency personnel. The receivers would be the same as the portable ones available to consumers, with slight modifications to make them more rugged.

The military often leases transmission space on commercial satellites, but this collaboration between a massive defense contractor and a fun-loving radio network ? XM's first two satellites were dubbed "Rock" and "Roll," and its next two might be "Rhythm" and "Blues" ? is unusual.

CNN

Posted by | Wed, Jun 29, 2005 - 04:05 AM