In a post XM-Sirius merger scenario, would the red headed stepchild of satellite radio - WorldSpace - step in and start covering the U.S. market? Maybe so, if the FCC required the newly merged company to relinquish one of its SDARS licenses.

"We would love to look into that if that’s available," Worldspace Chief Executive Officer Noah Samara said on Monday. "We’ve always felt seamless global coverage is something the planet needs."

WorldSpace, of course, isn't banking much on this hypothetical. A heck of a lot needs to happen before broadcasting in North America becomes a reality. But it's an interesting possible side-effect if XM and Sirius are successful in merging. (Though, something tells me they rather have that second license even post-merger since using the combined spectrum is sort of the whole reason behind merging.)

[Examiner]
Thanks Rob!

The suit charges Worldspace as well as several of it's executive officers, with violations of federal securities laws.

The plaintiff claims that Worldspace had made false and misleading statements concerning the company's operations and financial performance that caused the WRSP stock price to become artificially inflated.

If you purchased Worldspace stock or options, you're not required to have sold your WRSP stock or options in order to claim damages. 

[Press Release]

Here's a separate firms' filing (PDF). 

WorldSpace Satellite Radio (remember them?) has announced their fourth quarter and full-year 2006 results, where subscribers have grown to a whopping 199,000.

In Q4, WorldSpace added 22,274 net subscribers ending the quarter with 199,105 subscribers worldwide, 73% higher YoY. In India, WorldSpace added 23,945 net subscribers during 4Q06, ending the year with 162,010 subscribers in India, 117% higher YoY.

It's not all peaches and cream in India though. WorldSpace continued to experience high churn rates in Q4 in India as 3-month trial packages came up for renewal. About 59% of subscribers that came up for renewal during the year had actually renewed their subscriptions to a higher pre-paid package. Youch. The good news is that WorldSpace has phased out the 3-month package and hoping to reduce churn numbers in favor of longer term prepaid plans.

Interestingly enough - WorldSpace has delayed their earnings call - citing "negotiations for a potential financing transaction" as a reason.

[Press Release] 

WorldSpace Satellite Radio CEO Noah Samara will speak at the Mobile Satellite Forum 2007 conference on March 20th in London.

Samara will join executives from SES Global, Alcatel and other industry leaders on the "Mobile Broadcasting" panel, and discuss strategic issues facing emerging business models for satellite-delivered broadcasting.

Samara will specifically address the path to success for satellite radio in the UK and Europe.