Is KSDP the cell phone service provider in Sand Point?
No. Alaska Wireless Communications, LLC, which was recently acquired by General Communications, Inc. (GCI) is the cell phone service provider in Sand Point. Aleutian Peninsula Broadcasting, Inc. and the Shumagin Corporation both lease space to AWC at the transmitter site.
When will KSDP start streaming online and why the delay ?
As of now, we simply can not predict when we will be able to start webcasting. Technology is constantly changing and we hope newer technology will make webcasting more realistic.
The constant problem facing a project like this is all about bandwidth. Bandwidth is equivalent to a pipe that allows the internet in and out of a place - the more bandwidth (the bigger the pipe), the faster the internet access. Multiple constant streams of audio take up a good amount of bandwidth and, to avoid angry Sand Point web users marching on the station with pitchforks and torches, we are searching out the best way to make a high quality signal available to outside users without local internet service grinding to a halt.
How do I get to the station ?
KSDP is located in the Sand Point City Hall on the lower level. Our office is open during regular business hours and visitors are always welcome.
How do I get my event read on the air?
Call Shannon at (907) 383-5737, extension 1.
Why is KSDP an AM verses an FM station ?
KSDP is an AM station based on the many positive attributes of AM radio. The 1,000 watt AM signal allows KSDP to cover a much greater territory than could be covered with a comparable FM signal. AM radio waves also tend to better navigate the water and mountainous terrain that is found throughout our region. In addition, at night, AM radio travels amazing distances - KSDP receives several e-mails a month from listeners in Norway, Sweden, Canada and the lower 48 letting us know that they were able to pick up our signal.
HD Radio ? What is it and when is it coming to Sand Point ?
HD Radio is like HDTV in that it provides a much higher-quality signal while utilizing a good deal less broadcast spectrum. Converting to HD Radio, while also improving signal, frees up spectrum for additional radio stations and more cell phone service. HD Radio also allows for multi-casting on the FM band and data streaming. Multi-casting allows a station to broadcast two or more distinct signals on the same broadcast frequency and data streaming lets a station transmit data to your radio. How? We have no idea...but smart folks tell us that it works.
HD Radio will be deployed in Sand Point at some point in the future, but HD Radio will not replace the current analog signal. The two signals will broadcast, side-by-side, for some as yet to be determined period of time.
KSDP will make information available on where to purchase an HD Radio receiver once the signal becomes available.
Why is pledging to KSDP important?
KSDP is a public, non-commercial radio station. Simply put, the station exists as a public service, not to turn a profit. We don't air commercials. We don't interrupt programming every ten minutes with a commercial for some company telling you to go buy something. That is why we need People Like You, our listeners, to become a part of public radio through your financial support.