Digital satellite radio nears launch

Kelly McNeill writes “Satellite radio service in the United States is one step closer to launch. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday granted temporary licenses to XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio that will allow the companies to use ground-based repeaters for their digital radio services. The FCC’s conditional approval restricts the companies from activating ground repeaters until XM and New York City-based Sirius have coordinated use of the airwaves with wireless operators concerned about interference from the satellite transmissions.”