Antenna Woes May Hurt Sales

Staff On Dec 3 2001 - 8:00am

The less-than-glamorous antenna has suddenly found itself in the limelight of the satellite radio launch, as a shortage in glass-mount antennas is causing some customers to delay purchasing a new XM radio, retailers said.

Terk, the only glass-mount antenna supplier at present, said it is currently in a three week back-order position and it hopes to catch up with demand by mid-December.

Glass-mount antennas are popular because they do not require an installer to drill a hole in the roof, and consumers are accustomed to them as they have become popular cellular antennas, said suppliers.

The market should see another boost in antenna production this February when Antenna Specialists is expected to begin shipping a competitive XM glass-mount antenna model. The company said it will offer a unit with a 12-inch radome length and a footprint of 2.5 inches wide by 3.6 inches long. While pricing has not yet been finalized, it is expected to sell in the $100 range. The Terk TRK-SR1 has a $99.95 retail.

Sirius may avoid the issue of shortages by requiring its aftermarket tuner suppliers to offer antennas to dealers initially, said suppliers.