[1] The satellite's signals are broadcast nationwide, across a much wider geographical area than terrestrial radio stations, and the service is primarily intended for the occupants of motor vehicles.
[2][3] It is available by subscription, mostly commercial free, and offers subscribers more stations and a wider variety of programming options than terrestrial radio.
WorldSpace operated in the Africa and Asia region, whereas Sirius and XM competed in the North American (USA and Canada) market.
WorldSpace was founded by Ethiopia-born lawyer Noah Samara in Washington, D.C., in 1990,[8] with the goal of making satellite radio programming available to the developing world.
[9] On June 22, 1991, the FCC gave WorldSpace permission to launch a satellite to provide digital programming to Africa and the Middle East.
Liberty Media, which owns 50% of Sirius XM Radio, had considered purchasing WorldSpace’s assets, but talks between the companies collapsed.
[citation needed] Onde Numérique was a French company which had proposed to launch a subscription-based satellite radio system to serve France and several other countries in Western Europe but has suspended its plans indefinitely, effective December, 2016.
[citation needed] Sirius Satellite Radio was founded by Martine Rothblatt, who served as the new company's Chairman of the Board.
[2] The company identified and argued in favor of the use of the S-band frequencies that the FCC subsequently decided to allocate to digital audio broadcasting.
[17][18] Six months later, Rogers Wireless co-founder Margolese, who had provided financial backing for the venture, acquired control of the company and succeeded Briskman.
[29] Sirius launched the initial phase of its service in four cities on February 14, 2002,[30] expanding to the rest of the contiguous United States on July 1, 2002.
[41] In 2004, satellite radio companies in the United States began providing background music to hotels, retail chains, restaurants, airlines and other businesses.
[42][43] On April 30, 2013, SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer stated that the company would be pursuing opportunities over the next few years to provide in-car services through their existing satellites, including telematics (automated security and safety, such as stolen vehicle tracking and roadside assistance) and entertainment (such as weather and gas prices).
The company has long-term deals with General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Bentley, BMW, Volkswagen, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.
[46] The presence of Howard Stern, whose show attracts over 12 million listeners per week, has also been a factor in the company’s steady growth.