This concerned satellite radio broadcasting direct to portable receivers, fixed dishes, or into vehicles. Several systems are relatively close to implementation. Time of implementation in other countries cannot be predicted as readily. Dr. Messer does not see DBS as a serious threat to shortwave broadcasting, provided that shortwave broadcasting can be improved over the years by converting to a digital mode of modulation. The present 11-year cycle of sunspots is the 23rd since daily telescopic observations of the sun began late during the 18th century.
Sunspots are a measure of solar activity.
Cycle 23 began during 1996, rose slowly during 1997, and increased considerably during 1998. This would be the highest level of solar activity to occur since 1989. This is good news for broadcast listeners on the HF bands, since it portends exceptionally good reception conditions during the remainder of 1999. The greater number of sunspots, the stronger is the ionosphere, that electrified region in the earth's upper atmosphere which reflects HF radio waves over great distances. This means less interference between cooperating stations, and clearer reception.