Getting Started

The Public Radio Satellite System^® (PRSS) is open to public telecommunications entities, producers, and distributors. By becoming an interconnected station, you will be able to use the PRSS to receive public radio programs.

How to become interconnected:

1. Sign an Agreement
   Stations and other public telecommunication entities are required to sign a Satellite Interconnection Agreement with the Distribution Division of NPR.

2. Pay an Annual D/I Fee
   All interconnected stations share financial responsibility for operating and maintaining the PRSS. The Distribution/Interconnection fee (D/I) is an annual fee set by the NPR Board of Directors to stations for access to the PRSS. The Board of Directors sets the rate annually.

Earth terminals utilizing the PRSS must be capable of receiving signals from Galaxy 16. They must also be capable of receiving signals from the two additional orbital locations to which the PRSS would transfer operations in the event of primary satellite failure. These two backup orbital locations are 95° and 127° W.L. In addition, earth terminals must utilize an interconnection that provides an L-band signal from the antenna to the studio demodulator location.

If you are planning to build a new station with the intention of joining the PRSS, please review our New Station Planning section for helpful guidelines. Funding information is also available for station satellite equipment.

Any public radio station that becomes interconnected with PRSS may also wish to consider becoming an NPR member station. To purchase programs or to become an NPR Member, contact NPR Services by phone at 800.329.5380 or by email at nprservices@npr.org.