Satellite Digital Radio (SDR) as European Standard

[BGonaSTICK]

WORLDSPACE(R) Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: WRSP), one of the world leaders in satellite-based digital radio services, today announced its support for the recent adoption of a satellite digital radio (SDR) standard in Europe. After a comprehensive review lasting nearly two years, the Satellite and Earth Stations and Systems (SES) technical Committee of the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) approved the technical specifications of SDR. WORLDSPACE Europe contributed technological proposals to the SDR working group from the beginning of the ETSI process.

"With the SDR standardization, a significant step for satellite radio in Europe has been achieved," said Noah Samara, CEO, WORLDSPACE. "As a leader in the global satellite market, we not only recognized the importance of SDR technology but also understood the positive impact it would have on the industry as a whole."

ETSI's approval is necessary for communication systems in the European Union. The SDR standard is the core of the technology that WORLDSPACE is implementing in its satellite radio communication networks in Europe, combining terrestrial repeater networks and satellites. The standard permits the most efficient use of the allocated spectrum, maximizing digital capacity while maintaining excellent service quality, even in difficult reception environments such as urban centers.