WorldSpace creates government unit

WorldSpace Corp., a provider of direct satellite delivery for digital radio and multimedia services, this week launched a government sales unit to take advantage of growing public-sector demand for satellite communications.

WorldSpace's satellite system serves Africa, the Middle East, Asia and parts of Europe, enabling the firm to leverage its satellite assets and spectrum licenses to serve government agencies needing to extend clear communication of voice and data into markets with limited telecommunications infrastructure, according to the company.

"With our focus already on providing satellite services to those in emerging markets ? the next logical step was to make these services available to the government market," said Noah Samara, chairman and chief executive of WorldSpace. "Focusing on this market allows us to identify increased revenue generation and partnering opportunities."

Through its subscription-based service, WorldSpace transmits information, education and entertainment programming to a global service area that includes more than 4 billion people. Using its two geostationary satellites, AfriStar and AsiaStar, and its ownership of broad-spectrum licenses, WorldSpace delivers more than 100 audio channels per satellite as well as Web content and data directly to portable receivers.