Satellite Radio

By Yosef Solomon on December 1st, 2008

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In 1992, the FCC approved a broadcast music service, Satellite radio. The first licenses were granted by the FCC in 1997 for the use of satellite in space. Satellite radio uses the 2.3 GHz S band frequencies. Satellite radio is technically known as Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). Satellite radio broadcasters currently include Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio and World Space. XM radio relies on two geostationary satellites; Sirius Satellite Radio uses three satellites which travel in elliptical orbits. World Space currently uses two geostationary satellites, but is expected to add a third satellite to extend service to Central and South America. Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio both serve the United States. World Space currently serves Asia and Africa.

Satellite radio is also referred to as digital radio and because normal radio frequency is very low, the signals can be limited and you can listen to your favorite radio channels up to a certain limit. Have you ever noticed that when you are traveling once you get past a certain distance you will lose your favorite radio station, this is why? When you go beyond a certain mile your radio won’t get the proper signals. You need to keep tuning to get the nearest radio station so that clarity is good.

On a satellite radio you can listen to specific radio stations from anywhere in the world. It’s a set and permanent radio station, no matter where you are. You can receive up to 100 radio stations with very good frequency and of superior quality. There are two-satellite radio services in the US, Sirius and XM. Subscribers must pay a monthly fee of $9.95. Many car manufacturers have started installing satellite radio receivers. If you want to listen to satellite radio at your home or office you can buy a portable satellite radio and listen to your favorite radio stations. There are many companies manufacturing satellite radios and you can buy them online or at retail stores.

The radio stations that are available by Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio are available 24/7 and have their own program schedule. Sports, entertainment, talk shows and many other programs are aired. People who opt to use satellite radio have more options available to them. Satellite radio is the cable television of the radio broadcasting world. With the subscription there will be various broadcasting available that otherwise would not be.

There are also still some limitations in the availability of satellite radio but the numbers of people that want satellite radio is ever increasing so the limited availability is beginning to decline. It is best to check for the availability of satellite radio before purchasing any satellite ready receivers. Satellite radio receivers vary quite a bit in shape, style and output range and are available to fit the needs of most any satellite radio listener. Deciding which one is best will require the purchaser to do a little research into satellite radio and what local options are available.