XM Satellite Radio - Homeland Security - defense contractor Ratheon Corp?

[Lex]

.
Wow, who knew? :tinfoilhat:

The Mobile Enhanced Situational Awareness Network?

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http://billboardradiomonitor.com/radiomonitor/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000968940


XM May Have Military Applications
June 27, 2005
By Ken Tucker


In an interesting development, XM Satellite Radio might be drafted by the U.S. military for homeland security purposes.

XM and defense contractor Raytheon have built a communications system that would use XM’s satellites to relay information to soldiers and emergency responders during a crisis, according to a story in the Washington Post. The Mobile Enhanced Situational Awareness Network (MESA) would utilize a dedicated channel on XM’s satellites and would be accessible only on slightly modified receivers given to emergency personnel.

The partnership arose from Raytheon’s search for a less expensive, lightweight alternative to current crisis communications systems. The new system would allow emergency personnel to view maps and other imagery when the receivers were plugged into portable computers. The system could also be customized to communicate with individual users.

Official assessments of MESA, which was demonstrated to military leaders earlier this month, will take months, but early reviews are favorable according to a military spokesperson. Because XM’s footprint only covers North America, Raytheon has signed with another company for coverage of Asia, Africa and Europe.