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WorldspaceWorldSpace is the world's first digital satellite radio network. It covers parts of Asia and Europe plus all of Africa by satellite. The company is also licensed to serve South America and Central America and hopes to serve that region soon. In the United States, some WorldSpace channels are carried on XM Satellite Radio. Major content partners include BBC, NPR, CNN, Virgin Radio, Fox News and Bloomberg. Many channels are free of advertising, and they are known for high quality programs with "near CD quality" audio. JVC, XM Radio, Hitachi, and Panasonic are manufacturers selling WorldSpace digital satellite radios. A consumer's radio consists of a satellite receiver plus an antenna that has to be placed in clear view of the sky, oriented in a certain azimuth and elevation (depending upon the geographic location). Most of the channels are paid, although a few like BBC, CNN and SGH (Sai Global Harmony) are free. There are currently two satellites in use, AfriStar and AsiaStar. AfriStar serves Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, while AsiaStar serves most of South Asia and overlaps in the Mideast. Plans to launch a third satellite, Ameristar, to serve South America were not carried out as the frequencies used by WorldSpace (L band) are vital for the communications of the United States airforce.Each satellite provides three transmission beams that can support 50 channels each, carrying news, music, entertainment, and education, and including a computer multimedia service. WorldSpace has worked with Thomson Broadcast to introduce a village communications center known as a Telekiosk to bring communications services to rural areas. The Telekiosks are self-contained and are available as fixed or mobile units. WorldSpace Foundation started off with the aim of improving literacy in Africa, and is providing content through satellite to smaller community radio stations in the continent. WorldSpace Foundation has changed its name to First Voice International. External links
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