SES in European sat-radio bid?
SES Astra is reportedly in preliminary talks with Alcatel Space and other parties with the intention of launching a Europe-wide satellite radio system along the lines of XM and Sirius. Almost one year ago (March 16, 2004) we reported that Alcatel Space CEO Pascale Sourisse saying that Alcatel would take “a progressive approach” for its initial European satellite radio plans: “We would like to launch a business without the huge investment needed up front to put something in orbit. One solution that is being considered is to use existing satellites in orbit, notably Worldspace’s Afristar as a start. This would help develop the service. As to car manufacturers we have not formally signed with anyone, but there are very good discussions with several manufactures.”

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