The information is good, the graphic is pretty, but the graphic requires more explanation than is given. There are valid reasons for the slow penetration of the other services and the rapid penetration of satellite radio.
Satellite Radio:
Within the US, satellite radio was available to virtually everyone in the 48 contiguous states on day 1. The receivers were a tad pricey, but the service was economical.
Cell Phone
When cell phone services were launched, the service areas were limited, cell phone coverage today, does not equal the coverage satellite radios had on day 1. The initial phones were expensive and the service was pricey.
Internet:
When the internet started (and not by Al Gore), the access was limited primarily to the US military and colleges/universities. Even after advances were made so that it was available to the masses, the initial costs were high (a computer is needed) and service prices were moderate. The initial costs remain high (in most cases a computer is needed) while the services have become much more economical. Internet access is NOT available to all locations in the contiguous 48 states.
Cable TV
Cable TV had slow growth, starting, I believe in major cities, (I remember a TV repair book my father had in the fifties that talked about cable TV in cities) then in some remote areas, then throughout suburbia. There remain areas within the 48 contiguous states where cable TV service is not available. The initial costs were high (back in the 50s/60s) and the costs were moderate. I feel that cable TV costs have become pricey; they should have come down in a manner similar to other technologies or remain the same with improved and new services.
So you see, it was the technology made it possible for satellite radio to achieve this penetration. The generally available technologies at the start-up of the other topics hindered their initial growth.
A better comparison graphic might show the length of time for the 4 million milestone acceptance of (gasp) AM radio, FM radio, and television.
Right or wrong this is my opinion!
Happy XM'ing,
Bob
