Worldspace Satellite Radio signed with France’s Sodielec to develop terrestrial repeater prototypes for Worldspace’s expansion across Western Europe.

The contract, worth 800,000 euros ($1 million), includes design and development of the prototype. Sodielec will have until the end of 2006 to build the prototypes with production and deployment scheduled for 2007.

The terrestrial repeaters will allow Worldspace to transmit its content to consumers who do not have direct line of sight to a satellite and ensure subscriber can have seamless listening through their cars or portable devices.

In May, Worldspace Italia SpA, a majority-owned subsidiary of Worldspace’s European holding company Viatis Satellite Radio, received approval from the Italian Ministry of Communications to launch service in Italy.