AT&T is set to debut its CruiseCast mobile satellite television system this spring. Instead of a large elliptical dish, like the kind used by home subscribers to receive satellite TV programing, the mobile CruiseCast antenna is a low-profile pod that connects to the roof of an automobile. The antenna inside the receiver pod, likely a phased array of multiple smaller antennas, is able to receive the television transmission without having to keep a directional lock on the satellite. Initial reviews of the system praise the reception, which includes a digital buffer to deal with intermittent loses, such as when passing under bridges, and give its visual quality high marks.

With the $1300 system installed, including the receiver and decoder box, a vehicle with CruiseCast is able to receive around twenty satellite television stations, including CNN, Nickelodeon, Disney, and Comedy Central. The selection of stations seems to be a mix of news programming and content geared towards children. This makes sense for taking kids on long trips, as you don't want to risk running out of DVDs halfway through the trip and have the kids clamoring for something new to watch. Access to the transmissions is available for a $28 monthly fee, with availability for the service beginning this spring.

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