Ondas Media, the satellite radio broadcaster, has entered into a commercial agreement to install satellite radio receivers in Renault vehicles across Europe as the broadcaster readies its first commercial service in 2011
“Satellite Radio has been hugely successful and this is yet another milestone in our progress towards launching pan-European subscription-based services in 2011,” said Dave Krueger, CEO of Madrid-based Ondas
Through its digital satellite transmission network, Ondas will broadcast its multi-lingual radio, music, video and data services to European consumers with radio receivers in cars, homes and mobiles.
In 2007, the European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI) first approved the SES SDR standard for satellite digital radio services in Europe. The standards working group included Ondas Media, Delphi Electronics & Safety, Fraunhofer IIS and Kenwood Electronics.
“Our detailed market research confirmed that Satellite Radio has a strong appeal for all Europeans,” said Krueger.
“Following our deals with BMW and Nissan last year, this agreement with Renault reinforces that every type of car buyer has a high interest factor in our satellite radio service: 80% want it in their next car, and 40% will subscribe at a reasonable price,” said Krueger.
Renault can also equip vehicles manufactured and sold in Eastern Europe and Russia. “These have been and continue to be major growth markets for the car companies and are high-interest markets for our service,” said Dave Krueger.
Ondas is in the process of planning and a satellite network which will broadcast radio servcies acreoss Europe. It is scheduled to launch its pan-European subscription-based services in 2011.
The satellite infrastructure is being developed and built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L).
In July 2008, the Madrid-based satellite radio company announced radio systems contracts with Delphi, The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Institute (FHG) in Germany and Certicom to begin integration activities of its satellite radio reciever in Nissan vehicles, thios was folowed by BMW and now Renault.