As part of XM Satellite Radio's expanded EAS initiative, XM is also working to develop a crank-powered satellite radio receiver that would allow listeners to receive signal during power outages. So during emergency situations where terrestrial radio networks are down and cell phone networks are rendered useless, you'll be able to receive emergency notices without any power source.

Not only would this be useful for government agencies, but the benefits for the civilians who live in areas where power outages are common for crisis situations (which is pretty much... anywhere).

Keep in mind that XM's Emergency Alert Channel (XM 247) is received free-of-charge to any XM receiver. So even non-subscribers have the capability of getting timely updates in disaster situations.

(Eton terrestrial-based Crank Radio pictured)

According to Banc of America analyst Jonathan Jacoby, XM's RoadyXT radio got the stamp of approval for meeting the FCC standards for FM emissions. The FCC compliance was granted with the addition of a 25-cent part (a ferrite bead) which restricts the FM emissions enough to meet FCC limits.

XM has also resumed shipments of the RoadyXT, SKYFi2, and the Sportscaster based on outside tests that demonstrated the receivers were in line with FCC standards. Shipments of the Xpress will also likely resume over the next few weeks.

[Forbes]