Satellite radio becomes more and more popular. It is a choice of
millions and the army of listeners is still growing. Three provider
companies offer this service: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite
Radio broadcast throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico and
they are the major players on the market. The third one, WorldSpace,
broadcasts to the rest part of the world (Europe, Asia and Africa).
Each of the providers offers more than a hundred of entertainment and
music channels, talk shows, sports games and many more. It also
includes adult-oriented broadcasting, since FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) does not regulate the industry. So, there's something for
everyone.
The service is provided through subscription. In the United States the
subscription cost varies from $10 to $15 per month for a single radio
receiver and many people are unhappy with this fact. However satellite
radio offers high quality sound and commercial free broadcast, and this
fact make customers still enjoy the service.
As stated above, there are two major competitors on the US market: XM
Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Both of the companies have
their own broadcast systems. They transmit their signal at a different
frequency and they require different equipment. For instance, if you
wish to change your provider you will need to purchase a new receiver
for the specific company. XM Satellite Radio has two satellites in
geostationary orbit with funny names - Rock and Roll, which is quite
enough to provide radio coverage throughout the United States. On the
other hand Sirius Satellite Radio employs three satellites in an
elliptical orbit. This scheme gives a greater redundancy in case any of
the satellites fails. In addition, both of the companies have spare
satellites that can be used when they are needed.
Both companies have partnered with major automobile manufacturers and
dealers to equip new vehicles with satellite radio receivers. This
increases the chance that car buyers will become subscribers. Over the
past three years the number of cars with an installed satellite radio
receiver has tripled.
Besides the car satellite radio receivers there are units for home
stereo systems. Plus, you can make your choice towards a portable radio
receiver, which has built in antenna and you can listen to it with
headphones. You can take this type of radio wherever you go. Almost all
the satellite radio receivers have an advantage over traditional FM and
AM radio receivers: they display the name and artist of song programs,
as well as the channel.
The growing demand has shown that satellite radio industry has a great
future. Like a cable television it has become a necessary part of our
information environment. And there is no reason to stay apart. With the
variety of options on the market you can make the right choice.
