RS,

To carry your "Logic" forward and based upon the 'emperical evidence'
(his posting here) that Mark already has a Computer and an Internet
Connection. We can conclude that Mark is currently 'paying' that
Bill. So by simply going to the BBC Website: Mark can Listen to the
BBC for FREE !

wmcis ~ RHF
..
..
= = = "Robert Sillett"
= = = wrote in message ...
I don't think any of the previous postings properly addressed Mark's
question.

Since the BBC stopped shortwave broadcasts to the USA in 2001, it's very
hard to receive them. And since Mark is looking at a budget portable, the
only broadcast that he could possibly listen to would be the evening
broadcast on 5975 kHz. Yes, there are other broadcasts that can be
received; however, none of the others are better than marginal.

The only way to properly hear the BBC in the USA is via a broadband Internet
connection.

On the other hand, Mark's posting makes a very good point. A decent
shortwave portable can cost only $100 to $200. But if Mark decides to
listen to the BBC via the official line, that is via broadband Internet,
then he's conservatively looking at $40 per month or $480 per year.

Bob