Satellite radio subscribers will grow in number 46.8 million by 2014, when industry revenue will reach $7.6 billion, according to a forecast from Monterey, California -based Kagan Research. The firm predicts that by 2014, 75 percent of new subscribers will come as a result of satellite radio partnerships with automakers like GM, Ford and Toyota, which now offer factory- and dealer-installed satellite radio receivers. Satellite radio advertising revenues are estimated to reach $27.9 million in 2005, rising to $854.4 million by 2014. Kagan further projected that XM will break even by the third quarter of 2007, while rival Sirius will reach positive cash flow in 2008; by 2014, XM earnings are expected to top $2 billion, while Sirius earnings will hit $1.4 billion.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...