Wistron-Neweb Unveils New Stratus 5 Radio

Wistron-Neweb received certification for its new Stratus 5 Sirius Satellite Radio today (FCC ID NKRUPASV5). It has been a long while since we have seen a new receiver. We didn't expect to see any new radios until the merger decision was made. The receiver is strictly for the Sirius Satellite Radio signals and has NO provisions for receiving the XM signals.

User Manual
External Photos 1
External Photos 2
Internal Photos 1
Internal Photos 2

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Sirius' Application to Launch New Non-Geostationary Satellite Dismissed

Yesterday, CD Radio's (aka Sirius Satellite Radio) application to launch a new non-geostationary satellite was dismissed. The reason for dismissal was because Sirius failed to provide adequate information for the end of life disposal of the satellite. Sirius can reapply. The Commission advised Sirius to provide the following information when it resubmits its application:

First, we ask that Satellite CD Radio provide additional information concerning its post-mission disposal plans for the FM-6 satellite as part of any future filing. As part of its current application, Satellite CD Radio proposes to dispose of the FM-6 satellite at end of life by circularizing the orbital altitude of the satellite to an operational perigee of approximately 46,325 kilometers.’ In any future filing, Satellite CD Radio should confirm the inclination of the disposal orbit, as well as provide any information it has supporting the long-term stability of the disposal orbit.

Second, space station antennas in the fixed-satellite service must be designed to provide a crosspolarization isolation such that the ratio of the on axis co-polar gain to the cross-polar gain of the antenna in the assigned frequency band shall be at least 30 dB within its primary coverage area.’ Although Satellite CD Radio states in its Attachment A to its application that the cross polarization isolation of the satellite feeder link receiver antenna will exceed 30 decibels (dB) within the -3 dB gain contour of the receive frequency, this value stated as 25 dB in its schedule S filling. We request that Satellite CD Radio confirm the actual cross-polar isolation of its antenna as part of any future filing.

Update: Sirius has since refiled: Narrative, Tech Description, Technical Supplement

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OT: Enforcement Bureau Issues Major Notices of Apparent Liability

The Enforcement Bureau (EB) of the FCC has issued numerous high dollar notices of apparent liability (NAL) "for failure to place the required Consumer Alert label immediately adjacent to and clearly associated with television receiving equipment" warning them that certain TVs were analog only and would require converters after February 17, 2009. Here are some samples:

CompUSA $168,000
Fry's Electronics $384,000
Target $296,000
Best Buy $280,000
Circuit City $712,000
Wal-Mart/Sam's $992,000
Sears Roebuck $1,096,000

In addition, the EB hit numerous manufacturers with NALs for failure to comply with V-Chip requirements:

Polaroid $775,000
Proview Technology $300,000
Precor Incorporated $357,900
Syntax-Brillian $1,277,100


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OT: Commercial Mobile Alert System First Report and Order

Yesterday, April 09, 2008, the FCC adopted the Commercial Mobile Alert System First Report and Order (CMAS First Report and Order). The purpose of the CMAS is to provide warning messages to the public on mobile devices, such as cell phones. At present, participation is voluntary. In its release today, the Commission described the system as follows:

Wireless carriers that choose to participate in the CMAS will transmit text-based alerts to their subscribers. As technology evolves, the CMAS may eventually include audio and video services to transmit emergency alerts to the public. To ensure that people with disabilities who subscribe to wireless services receive these emergency alerts, the FCC adopted rules that will require wireless carriers who participate in the CMAS to transmit messages with both vibration cadence and audio attention signals.

Consumers can expect to receive three types of messages via their cell phones and other mobile devices from participating wireless carriers, including:

· Presidential Alerts - national emergency-related alerts delivered to the American public that would preempt any other pending alerts;

· Imminent Threat Alerts - alerts with information on emergencies that may pose an imminent risk to people’s lives or well-being; and

· Child Abduction Emergency/AMBER Alerts - alerts related to missing or endangered children due to an abduction or runaway situation.

The participating wireless carriers will be required to comply with Order within 10 months after the Commission designates an agency to collect and transmit the alerts to the wireless carriers.

You can read the Report and Order at statements here:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-99A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-99A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-99A3.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-99A4.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-99A5.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-99A6.pdf


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Sirius to Launch New NGSO Satellite

Sirius recently filed an application for authority to launch and operate a new non-geostationary orbit satellite (NGSO, FM-6). The satellite will replace TWO existing NGSO satellites (FM-1 and FM-2) that are currently in operation. FM-6 would be placed half way between the where FM-1 and FM-2 operate today. The launch is expected to take place in 2010. Sirius has already been granted authority to launch a geostationary satellite (FM-5). This will significantly alter its existing satellite constellation. It will eventually operate with two non geostationary satellites (FM-3, FM-6) and one geostationary satellite (FM-5). Sirius explains it as follows:

The enhanced geographic coverage anticipated from the successful launch of FM-5, coupled with satellite technology advancements included on FM-5 and FM-6, will allow Sirius to reduce its GSO constellation from three to two satellites.

FM-6 will have twice the transmit power of FM-1 and FM-2.

In the appplication, there is this little nugget of information concerning its overlay modulation currently used for backseat video:

The digital stream throughput is 1.35 Mb/s. The additional transmission capacity will be used for providing subscribers with more audio channel programming and data and is currently providing three compressed video channels primarily for vehicle back seat viewing. Each video is compressed to approximately 255kb/s.

This gives us some ideas on what we might see for the number of audio channels. Presently, music is compressed to 44 kbps; voice, 20 kbps; and 16 kbps for low quality audio such as traffic and weather. The above implies spare capacity of 585 kbps, enough for 13 more music channels.


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IBM Patent Application for Satellite Radio Receiver

We came across this interesting IBM patent application this morning:

United States Patent Application	20080064325
Kind Code	A1
Bates; Cary Lee ; et al.	March 13, 2008

---

SATELLITE RADIO RECEIVER THAT DISPLAYS INFORMATION REGARDING ONE OR MORE CHANNELS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BEING LISTENED TO

Abstract

A satellite radio receiver includes a display that displays information regarding one or more channels that are not currently being listened to. For a music channel, this information may include the name of the artist, the song title, time left in the song, etc. For a news channel, this information may include the news currently being discussed, the name of the news program, the time remaining, etc. For a sports channel, this information may include the name of the channel, a description of the sporting event, the time remaining, etc. The preferred embodiments include different ways to select which channels are "favorites" and therefore displayed on the display. One way is to keep track of which channels are most frequently listened to, and to display information regarding those channels.

---

Inventors:	Bates; Cary Lee; (Rochester, MN) ; Nelson; Eric John; (Rochester, MN) ; Santosuosso; John Matthew; (Rochester, MN)
Correspondence Name and Address:	MARTIN & ASSOCIATES, LLC P.O. BOX 548 CARTHAGE MO 64836-0548 US
Assignee Name and Adress:	INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION New Orchard Road Armonk NY 10504
Serial No.:	941477
Series Code:	11
Filed:	November 16, 2007

U.S. Current Class:	455/3.02
U.S. Class at Publication:	455/003.02
Intern'l Class:	H04H 20/00 20080101 H04H020/00

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Sirius Proposes to Test New Equipment and Services

Sirius has filed for an experimental license "to research, design and demonstrate prototype satellite radio equipment for use in its satellite digital audio radio services (“SDARS”) system and to research, design and demonstrate new services or enhancements to its existing services." Sirius would conduct experiments at its engineering labs in Vernon, NJ, and Lawrenceville, NJ.

Sirius describes the purpose as:

Sirius continuously seeks to update its technology that it uses and the services that
it offers to consumers. Thus, Sirius needs the capability to test new and prototype
equipment or service enhancements to ensure that they function correctly before
commercial production or deployment. The production of SDARS equipment and the
introduction of new services are both expensive undertakings, and Sirius needs the
capability to test its technology before expending these resources.

There aren't any clues as to what the new equipment and services might include. All we know is that it is entirely within the Sirius band.


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OT: Into the Fray

We go to the ends of the world to bring you news that's important (actually, we have day jobs). Tomorrow we begin our journey into the "largest annual human migration in the world". Reports are not encouraging. It's into the fray and hope for the best. Shouldn't be too bad (famous last words); everyone is trying to get out of Shanghai, not in to it. It's the Lunar New Year in China, the biggest holiday of the year and it is when everybody goes home. Southern China is having some of the worst weather in decades, but it is also affecting other areas. Just another adventure.

If you are over that way, there is a good chance you will find us at the Big Bamboo enjoying the best cheeseburger in the world. And if any of you have favorite spots in Shanghai, let us know and we will check it out.

We will be in contact. Internet access is good, although slow at time.

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Sirius to Boost Power

Today, Sirius filed an application requesting to boost the power to 2,000 Watt for the repeaters at the following locations. Currently, these repeaters operate from 150 to 800 Watt. This should improve the repeater reach considerably. Lately, the Commission has routinely granted authority for repeaters operating at or below 2,000 Watt.

Ann Arbor, MI 2 555 East William Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Bridgeport, CT 2 10 Middle Street, Bridgeport CT 06604
Columbia, SC 1 1301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Des Moines, IA 1 666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Flint, MI 1 120 East First Street, Flint, MI 48502
Grand Rapids, MI 1 11 Monroe Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jackson, MS 1 210 E. Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Los Angeles, CA 1 7700 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
Madison, WI 1 122 West Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703
Mobile, AL 1 31 N. Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602
Naples, FL 1 3600 Prospect Avenue, Naples, FL 34104
Paramus, NJ 2 590 Industrial Avenue (aka 590 Valley Health Plaza), Paramus, NJ 07652
Raleigh-Durham, NC 1 300 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701
Waterbury, CT 1 117 Pine Street, Waterbury, CT 06710
West Palm Beach, FL 2 1601 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

One could see where the WCS Coalition might take Sirius' language in the application the wrong way:

In addition, WCS licensees will have an opportunity to comment on the STA during the public notice period; as a result, Sirius has not notified the WCS licensees in the affected MSAs prior to filing this request. Therefore, Sirius respectfully requests that the Commission promptly grant its proposed modifications to its STA.


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Honda Files Application to Test Race Car Telemetry System

Honda has filed an experimental application to test a data telemetry system made by McLaren Electronic Systems. Honda intends to test the system at the following locations.

• February 19-21, 2008 – Sebring, FL – LAT 27.5025 LONG -81.4505
• March 10-15, 2008 – Sebring, FL – LAT 27.5025 LONG -81.4505
• April 3-5, 2008 – St. Petersburg, FL – LAT 27.4554 LONG -82.3752
• April 17-19, 2008 – Long Beach, CA – LAT 33.7706 LONG -118.1820
• April 24-26, 2008 – Houston, TX – LAT 29.7594 LONG -95.3594
• April 29-30, 2008 – Toole, UT – LAT 40.5454 LONG -112.3002
• May 15-18, 2008 – Toole, UT – LAT 40.5454 LONG -112.3002
• June 8-10, 2008 – Lexington, OH – LAT 40.6826 LONG -82.5906
• July 9-12, 2008 – Lakeville, CT – LAT 41.9516 LONG -73.4377
• July 16-19, 2008 – Lexington, OH – LAT 40.6826 LONG -82.5906
• August 6-12, 2008 – Elkhart Lake, WI – LAT 43.8436 LONG -87.9767
• August 28-30, 2008 – Detroit, MI – LAT 42.3474 LONG -83.0604
• October 1-4, 2008 – Braselton, GA – LAT 34.1389 LONG -83.7812
• October 15-18, 2008 – Salinas, CA – LAT 36.6011 LONG -121.6729

A brief search seems to indicate that this might be for the LeMans racing series. I've camped out in the middle of the real 24 Hours of Le Mans when I lived in France, but I have no familiarity with these events. We don't know if this might be something new for Honda or old news.

The initial response from the FCC is that this application appears to be for ongoing operations and asks whether it can be licensed under other FCC rules.

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HobbyTron Receives Citation

HobbyTron received an official citation from the FCC for marketing apparently illegal FM transmitters in the US and failing to provide information to a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) from October 22, 2007. The models affected include the R-FM30B-WT, R-FM100B-WT, and UX-150 transmitters (apparently made by Ramsey Electronics in the US and Canakit in Canada). Some of these transmitters have a range of over a mile. HobbyTron (Gibson Tech Ed, Inc.) had previously been issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture for repeated and willful violation of the the same rule.

In an apparent attempt to get around the rules, HobbyTron offers these kit for "export". In order to by the kits, the purchaser has to sign a form acknowledging that the transmitter will be used in accordance to the applicable laws and may exceed the legal limits and may not be authorized in the US. The purchaser also has to agree to hold Hobbytron harmless.

HobbyTron responded to the LOI on November 15, 2007 but did not comply with the Commission's requests. It made a half-hearted attempt at answering the FCC and basically said that if the Commission didn't like the response to let them know. In its response, they cited the form above to relieve them of any responsibility. Obviously, the FCC is not buying this.

HobbyTron faces forfeitures of $11,000 for each device or for each day in violation. It has 20 days to respond to the LOI.

These types or FM transmitter have given satellite radio a bad reputation in the past. They interfere with radio stations and reception of FM radio by listeners and are abusive.

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The FCC International Bureau Issues a Flurry of Grants

The FCC International Bureau issues three minor satellite radio grants today. First, the Commission granted authority for XM to operate two low powered replacement repeaters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The first was due to a building being demolished around December 12, 2007. The other was due to a building demolished in July 2005.

XM was also granted authority to operate a very low powered repeater in its new Vienna, Va. location, where, among other things, it will have a Listener Care center. The WCS Coalition initially objected to it but later withdrew its objections.

Not to be left out, Sirius was granted authority for a short, 30 day authority to operate a low powered repeater and 2 signal boosters at trade shows in the last half of March. Sirius intends to demonstrate its services at MERA 2008 in Louisville, Ky.; the New York Auto Show 2008; and MATS 2008, also in Louisville.

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AT&T Has Applications Published for Satellite Radio System

Today, Thursday, January 10, 2008, AT&T had two patent applications published for a system, methods, and apparatuses to implement a satellite radio system with feedback. The applications appear to represent an entire system, not just the receiver, although the focus appears to be on a receiver capable of providing feedback to a centralize system. A user is able to request information, for example, on a song and receive and email with the requested information. Or, the user can purchase a song, etc. The applications never mention XM or Sirius. The difference from a conventional satellite radio system is the two way communication. The receiver is connected to a network via broadband, telephone line, wireless communications, etc. There is a database in the broadcast station where information can be stored and accessed. The system is for mobile or fixed applications.

One has to wonder if AT&T is interested in deploying a satellite radio system elsewhere or perhaps might be interested in acquiring an existing system or perhaps supplying the technology to a third party. The concepts are nothing new, but these applications are very curious to say the least. GM and other have applications for two way communications; however, this might be the first application for a complete system including two way communications.

Make no mistake about it. These applications are for a complete system, including the satellites.

Digital Radio Feedback Apparatuses, System, and Methods

Digital Radio Feedback Systems

Update January 11, 2008: Upon reflection, it is more obvious with AT&T is up to. AT&T is a major WCS spectrum holder. Satellite radio is an allowed use of this spectrum. Through various mergers, AT&T has acquired enough spectrum that could possibly make satellite radio practical. Plus, technology has developed that would make spot beams more practical. There are only a few players left. It wouldn't take but a few players to come together for nationwide service. Most of the WCS license holders are planning to use WiMax, but it is not practical under the current regulations. They are trying to change the rules in order to make it practical and the same time the FCC is trying to determine the final rules for satellite radio repeaters. If rules are not adapted that would make WiMax practical, then satellite radio might be the next best practical use of the spectrum. It doesn't hurt to have that out there as a bargaining chip.

It is interesting to note that this application was filed after XM and Sirius announced the merger (September 24, 2007). Applications can be kept away from the public for up to 18 months, if we recall correctly. This was less than four months ago. They wanted this to be public. However, this is not new. It is based on an application filed in September 2003 and recently became patent on September 25, 2007. No doubt it is enough to give XM and Sirius pause for consideration.

Below is a map showing the ownership of the C and D blocks of the WCS band, which are regional markets. The yellow is the WCS Wireless spectrum that XM tried to acquire and is now control by NextWave Broadband. AT&T is shown in Green. With the exception of a below regions held by Comcast, NextWave and AT&T could combine for 10 MHz of nationwide service. They each have plenty of bargaining chips for Comcast's licenses.

















Then, there is another 20 Mhz available with the A and B blocks. These are much more difficult to combine since the markets are smaller and have more owners. However, spotbeams could prove to be useful to pick up major markets. Below and maps of the A and B blocks. As stated above, NextWave Broadband now controls the WCS Wireless licenses. The maps are not quite up to date but are good enough to see what is possible. The Verizon licenses has since been acquired by Horizon Wi-Com. BellSouth was of course acquired by AT&T (aka AWACS).

































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AT&T and Other ISP's May Start Filtering the Net for Copyrighted Material

AT&T, Microsoft, NBC and other digital filtering companies met in a panel discussion at this year's CES to discuss the network filtering of copyrighted material. The idea is that the ISP networks would "sniff" the data packets sent for copyrighted material and would prevent the downloading of infringing material. Unsurprisingly, the RIAA is one of the groups behind it. Comcast is already clamping down on traffic from BitTorrent on its network.

What does this have to do with satellite radio? It could have a lot to do with it. Many people have iPods and MP3 players. Honestly, I don't know of a single person that pays for the music that they play on them. If illegal downloading were stopped, it would kill the MP3 and iPod market. It would make satellite radio a much more attractive alternative. Although the ISP's will catch a lot of grief, it is potentially great news for satellite radio.

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SoundExchange's Motion Sledge-Hammered

Today, Chief Copyright Royalty Judge, James Scott Sledge, Denied SoundExchange's motion for a rehearing '“to reconsider the definition of Gross Revenues set forth at pages 28-31 of the [Initial] Determination; and, in light of recent predictions that approval of the XM/Sirius merger is imminent, reconsider its unwillingness to assess the impact of a merger as part of its [Initial] Determination.”' Seeing that both sides aren't particularly happy with the rate determination, the Copyright Judges must have done a good job.

SoundExchange based its motion on the need "to correct a clear error or prevent manifest injustice" in regard to the definition of Gross Revenue, and on new evidence with regard to the merger. The judges rejected SoundExchange’s arguments for the same reason it rejected them in the initial determination: insufficient evidence.

SoundExchange claimed that the initial determination excluded numerous categories of revenue that would result in a significantly reduced effective royalty rate. Judge Sledge found that "SoundExchange does not provide a shred of evidence concerning the nature or magnitude of leakage suggested by its own proposed revenue exclusions and how those exclusions might compare to any exclusions found in the agreements that comprise the benchmark marketplace."

SoundExchange was also concerned that a merged entity might structure itself differently to reduce the effective royalty rate. SoundExchange failed to provide any evidence showing how or in what magnitude the rate might be effected by "gaming the system".

The judge hammered SoundExchange in his conclusion stating that, "In the absence of an adequate showing of new evidence, SoundExchange's argument amounts to nothing more than a rehash of the argument that the Judges considered in the Initial Determination."

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WCA Applies for Experimental License to Test WCS Transmissions on Satellite Radio

Today, the Wireless Communication Association (WCA) filed for an experimental license "to conduct a limited experiment into the vulnerability of Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (“SDARS”) subscriber reception devices to overload and out-of-band emissions (“OOBE”) interference caused by mobile consumer devices operating in the 2305-2320 MHz and 2345-2360 MHz Wireless Communications Service (“WCS”) band. The WCA plans to use the licenses on Horizon Wi-Com. The WCA joins Horizon Wi-Com, Comcast WCS, and Sirius in its desire to conduct tests to document the impact of the WCS transmissions on satellite radio. All of these applications are pending. Horizon WiCom and Comcast WCS are members of the WCS Coalition.

The WCA describes itself as "the founding member of the WCS Coalition", the arch nemesis of satellite radio.

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New ICO Having a COW

This is a followup to the post on Orbitcast about New ICO. ICO satellite services, one of the parent companies of New ICO, was granted an experimental license to demo the potential of its ATC (Ancillary Terrestrial Component) capabilities at the January 7-11, 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. Essentially, this is the repeater system it intends to deploy with its satellite services. It should be noted that New ICO has neither a satellite in operation nor an ATC network. It intends to use "cellsite-on-wheels (COW) to simulate a terrestrial repeater site at locations around the site of the Convention Center and other CES venues." From its press release, New ICO states that it will launch its satellite in March. This is likely news to the FCC. New ICO has delayed the launch numerous times; however, it is indeed close to being able to launch. Previously, New ICO was granted another extension to launch by November 30, 2007 and to have the satellite in operation by the end of the year (December 31, 2007). That's not going to happen. On August 06, 2007, New ICO filed an application with the FCC for yet another extension to launch by January 15, 2008 and be in operation by February 15, 2008. It has already submitted a letter to the FCC as part of that application stated that launch will likely be delayed a few weeks beyond January 15, 2008. In light of this further delay, New ICO requested that the FCC extend the comment date until October 15, 2007. New ICO is already beyond the November 30, 2007 launch date as authorized by the FCC. The International Bureau has not granted any further extensions to date. The status is "Accepted for filing".

No one has opposed the current extension request; however, Inmarsat Global vehemently opposed the previous extension and filed a Petition to Deny. In its petition, Inmarsat painstakingly details the troubled history of New ICO and its repeated delays. Inmarsat will likely bring this up once again.

On November 30, 2007, New ICO filed for authority to operate its ATC. To date, the application has not even been accepted for filing, hence the experimental license to use COWs to demonstrate its ATC services. In an experimental application granted by the FCC, New ICO states that the ATC (repeater) deployment will begin no later than early 2009.

New ICO may ultimately be competition for satellite radio, but will likely be well into 2008 at the earliest and probably won't be until well into 2009. It is not a sure thing that New ICO will ever get its satellite off the ground. At some point, the Commission has got to say, "enough is enough".

ICO does have one medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite in operation. It is a leftover from its early plans to launch a constellation of these satellites. It launched two. One launched failed to put the satellite in the proper orbit. Today, one operational satellite in not in use, as we understand it; however, ICO still has plans to use it as part of an MSS system in Europe. Presently, ICO is battling the EU over the MSS band. ICO has over $4 billion invested in its effort to bring MSS into operation. They have struggled and likely will continue to struggle. TerraStar is the only MSS competitor in the US. It has been very supportive of New ICO's effort to bring its system online.

ICO to demo live Satellite Video at CES [Orbitcast]

Further Reading:

ICO Wants Its Mobile TV - via DVB-SH [Daily Wireless]

DVB-Scene

Update: After a little more research, it was discovered that New ICO had applied to extend the launch date until April 15, 2008 and the operational date until May 15, 2008. That is more consistent with its press release indicating a launch in March. The extra 15 days allows some uncertainty in the launch date. This application, filed in early November, 2007, has been accepted for filing but New ICO has not been granted authority to extend the launch milestone. New ICO is likely concerned that neither this application to extend the launch date nor the previous one file in August has been granted. However, no entity has opposed the extension.

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iBiquity (HD Radio) Would Like to Impose Conditions

iBiquity Digital Corporation met with the FCC on December 19, 2007, to discuss the merger of XM and Sirius. Although iBiquity does not take a position on the merger, it is concerned that the combined entity will hinder its ability to introduce HD Radio in the marketplace. It is concerned over the exclusive arrangements that XM and Sirius have with the automobile manufacturers. It says XM and Sirius may have used subsidies and incentives with the OEMs to discourage the proliferation of HD Radio. A merged entity will have a "stronger economic position and more cash to fund subsidies and incentives".

As a remedy to the merger, iBiquity recommends that the Commission imposed the following two conditions:

1. Require that HD Radio be included in all satellite radio receivers.

2. Require tha tthe merged entity terminate all exclusive agreeements and to prohibit all such agreements with suppliers, retailers, and the OEMs.

iBiquity has generously agreed to license it patents on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and to make its technology available for inclusion in dual use receivers.

Satellite radio paid a small fortune to have the OEMs include satellite radio in automobiles. iBiquity appears to want a free ride. It would seem to be unfair to make this a requirement for satellite radio and would undermine satellite radio.

The satellite radio providers might welcome the second requirement.

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Sirius Requests Experimental License to Test in WCS Bands

Now Sirius is requesting an experimental license to operate equipment in the WCS bands in order to research the impact of WCS transmission on satellite radio. The request is in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Docket pertaining the repeaters for satellite radio (95-91). Sirius is requesting expedited approval in light of the short commenting period.

Upon approval, Sirius intends to test at the six sites listed below:

1. Sirius Satellite Radio Facility, 989 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648
o 40-17-17.0 N, 74-42-33.5 W (10 km radius)

2. Prospertown Lake, Rt. 537, Ocean County, NJ
o 40-8-6.7 N, 74-27-30.0 W

3. Manasquan Reservoir, Windeler Road, Howell, NJ
o 40-10-16.6 N, 74-12-10.2 W

4. XM Satellite Radio Facility, 3161 SW 10th St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
o 26-18-15.2 N, 80-8-47.6 W (5 km radius)

5. 24 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, NJ
o 74-29-37.2W, 41-12-46.7N

6. Highway US441, Palm Beach County, FL (10 km radius)
o 26-42-36.0 N, 80-25-12.0 W

Frequency Bands: 2305-2320 MHz: 2345-2360 MHz

Tests will be conducted in 5 MHz channels of the WCS A, B, C and D blocks

Each test channel is 5 MHz wide. Specifically the channelization is:

A: 2305-2310 MHz, 2350-2355 MHz
B: 2310-2315 MHz, 2355-2360 MHz
C: 2315-2320 MHz
D: 2345-2350 MHz

In case any of you missed it, you can find the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking here.

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OT: Microwaving Oranges

We came across this interesting experimental application the other day. Raytheon and Paramount Citrus are teaming together to test Raytheon's Tempwave™ frost protection system for citrus crops. The system is intended to prevent freeze damage to crops by delivering low intensity microwave heating to make up any net heat lost during a freeze event. Paramount Citrus will provide the test crop and power for at its location in Vasaila, CA.

Raytheon intends to market its system for the 2008-2009 season. It occurred to Raytheon last month that it needed to prove the system this season before marketing it next season.

The test setup is described as follows:

The test setup will consist of 4 towers at the corners of a 30 meter x 30 meter area within the orchard. Each tower is 10 meters tall and will have 4 identical transmitter/antenna combinations at the top. (There will be a total of 16 identical antennas/transmitters.) See figure 1 attached. The antennas are arranged, and the antenna patterns designed to uniformly illuminate the orchard and supply energy lost by the crop. The system should deliver energy directly to the crop during a freeze.

Our research shows that the crop needs small but steady energy input during a frost night. An analysis predicts an RF power density of 1.8 mW/cm2 at the tree tops within the test area. Tests inside a shielded will be performed assess various parameters of the equipment/configuration in preparation of the outdoor field test.

If successful, it could be good news to the citrus farmers.

Test will be conducted between January 10, 2008 and April 30, 2008. It should be far away enough in frequency (2.45 GHz) to not interfere with satellite radio.

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