Sirius Radio Completes In-Orbit Testing Of Third Satellite.

Sirius Satellite Radio announced that in-orbit testing of its third satellite has been completed. Payload and signal testing showed all systems performing to specification. The satellite was launched on November 30, marking the completion of Sirius’ three-satellite constellation. Sirius is scheduled to begin broadcasting its audio entertainment service in January 2001.

With the completion of its three-satellite constellation, Sirius commenced its comprehensive quality assurance program. This includes end-to-end testing and integration of Sirius’ receiver, studio, broadcast, transaction management and customer service systems.

From its three orbiting satellites, Sirius (http://www.siriusradio.com) will directly broadcast up to 100 channels of digital-quality radio to motorists throughout the continental United States for a monthly subscription fee of $9.95. Sirius will deliver 50 channels of commercial-free music in virtually every genre, and up to 50 channels of news, sports, talk, comedy and children’s programming. Sirius’ broad and deep range of almost every music format as well as its news, sports and entertainment programming is not available on conventional radio in any market in the United States.

Sirius has alliances to install three-band (AM/FM/SAT) radios in Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Mercedes, Mazda, Jaguar and Volvo vehicles as well as Freightliner and Sterling heavy trucks. Numerous manufacturers will furnish radios to automakers, and will also provide adapters to electronics retailers that will allow radios in existing vehicles to receive Sirius broadcasts.