WorldSpace Enhances Retail Presence in South Africa

WorldSpace Enhances Retail Presence in South Africa

Arrangement with Major Electronics Distributor Increases Visibility and Makes Subscription Service More Accessible to South African Market

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WorldSpace, Inc., (NASDAQ:WRSP), one of the world leaders in satellite-based digital radio services, today announced a distribution arrangement with ElSat, part of the Ellies Group and the largest manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of television reception-related electronic products throughout the southern and central African region. Through this relationship, WorldSpace Satellite Radio receivers will be distributed to major retail chain stores across the region thereby raising WorldSpace's visibility and making subscription service more accessible to the South African market.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040319/WORLDSPACELOGO )

"Africa continues to be an important geography for WorldSpace. ElSat's reputation and its reach into the region make it an ideal partner to help us achieve greater market penetration in tandem with superior customer service," said Noah Samara, chairman and CEO, WorldSpace. We believe that the relationship will lead to business growth and will offer subscribers in South Africa an easy way to access our unique service offerings."

In addition to general product distribution, ElSat will implement extensive training of in-store retail personnel, as well as facilitate customer queries and installations. Installation requests will be fielded by ElSat's call centers and will be managed through the company's project management systems and independent installers -- all aimed at delivering an excellent overall product and service experience.

"As a market leader and a company that handles the majority of retail in South Africa, we believe that this relationship is mutually beneficial and will allow us to broaden our own offerings while delivering a product that customers will find of great value," said Grant Melville, sales director at ElSat.

About WorldSpace, Inc.

WorldSpace (NASDAQ:WRSP) is the world's only global media and entertainment company positioned to offer a satellite radio experience to consumers in more than 130 countries with five billion people, driving 300 million cars. WorldSpace delivers the latest tunes, trends and information from around the world and around the corner. WorldSpace subscribers benefit from a unique combination of local programming, original WorldSpace content and content from leading brands around the globe including the BBC, CNN, Virgin Radio UK, NDTV and RFI. WorldSpace's satellites cover two-thirds of the globe with six beams. Each beam is capable of delivering up to 80 channels of high quality digital audio and multimedia programming directly to WorldSpace Satellite Radios anytime and virtually anywhere in its coverage areas. WorldSpace is a pioneer of satellite-based digital radio services (DARS) and was instrumental in the development of the technology infrastructure used today by XM Satellite Radio. For more information, visit our website at http://www.worldspace.com/.

About ElSat

ElSat, a household name throughout southern and central Africa, has the dominant share of the satellite TV market. ElSat supplies a comprehensive range of dishes, receivers, LNB's, cable, connectors, as well as a complete range of remote controls and remote control extenders. ElSat facilitates installations nationwide through its call centres and its sophisticated system of project management to independent installers. The ElSat name has also become synonymous with satellite television throughout Africa.

ElSat forms part of the Ellies Group. The Ellies Group was established in 1979 in Johannesburg, South Africa and is presently the largest manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of television reception related electronic products. Ellies Group services retail, hardware and the independent market places in southern Africa.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040319/WORLDSPACELOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: WorldSpace, Inc.

CONTACT: Judith Pryor of WorldSpace, Inc., +1-301-960-1242,
jpryor@worldspace.com; or Dacrie Brooks of Brodeur, +1-202-775-2646,
dbrooks@brodeur.com, for WorldSpace, Inc.

Web site: http://www.worldspace.com/

-------
Profile: intent