DIRECTV and XM Satellite Radio reached an agreement covering the distribution of digital satellite entertainment programming.
Beginning Nov. 15, 2005, 72 channels of XM's music, children's, and talk programming will be available to the more than 14.6 million DIRECTV customers nationwide at no additional cost. The deal doubles the amount of audio programming delivered by DIRECTV.
"DIRECTV is making a major commitment in the world of music, and this alliance with XM Satellite Radio will leave a lasting imprint on not only our more than 14.6 million customers nationwide, but on the pay television industry as a whole," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisitions, DIRECTV.
http://www.xmradio.com/http://www.directv.com/
- In July 2005, XM Satellite Radio agreed to acquire privately-held WCS Wireless for nearly $200 million in stock. WCS Wireless are wireless spectrum licenses in geographic areas covering 163 million people throughout the United States, including 15 of the top 20 metropolitan markets. On average, WCS Wireless licenses include 10 megahertz in the frequency bands adjacent to XM's satellite radio service. XM Satellite said the acquisition would enable it to expand its existing business with a variety of multimedia subscription services, including innovative video and data offerings.
