Military Might Draft XM Satellite Radio

By Vic DaSilva
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

XM Satellite Radio may be getting a new customer, the U.S. military. The military is thinking of using XM’s services for homeland security purposes. XM and Raytheon Co., a defense contractor, have jointly built a communications system that would use XM’s satellites to transmit information to soldiers and emergency responders during a crisis. If need be, information will be relayed just to specific devices , so individual users can get messages appropriate to their regions. The advantages of going with commercial satellite radio receivers are: lightweight, battery-powered and cost as little as $99. Another nice feature is the ability to transmit maps and imagery, which can be displayed on a portable computer connected via the receiver. One thing is for sure, the military version of these portable receivers, which will have to be modified to be “field ready” will cost more than $99. Source: AP