The continent of North America comprising of the United States, Canada and Mexico has two providers of satellite radio services. They are XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. In the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, the sole provider is WorldSpace. These providers offer hundreds of channels that cover varied areas of interest such as music, entertainment, sports, news, weather and traffic among others. Since this industry is not regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), many adult-oriented programs are also broadcast.

In the United States, both the providers have different broadcast systems, transmitting at different frequencies and necessitating different types of equipment. As such, if a subscriber wishes to switch providers, it will be necessary for him to procure new equipment. XM Satellite Radio is able to provide its services to all corners of the United States with the help of two orbiting satellites whereas Sirius Satellite Radio operates with the help of three satellites which are moving in an elliptical orbit. Both the providers have standby satellites in case of any malfunctioning of the main satellites.

Satellite radio receivers can be fitted in vehicles also, and both the above providers are joining hands with the main vehicle manufacturers and their dealers to equip the new vehicles with these receivers. The number of vehicles fitted with satellite radio receivers has grown manifold over the past few years, proving the popularity of satellite radios. Home stereo systems and portable radio receivers with built-in antennas are also adopting the satellite radio system. An added advantage of this system is that the names of the artists and the songs are also displayed for the convenience of the consumer.

The providers of the satellite radio systems levy a subscription fee of about $10 to $15 every month for each receiver from each consumer in the United States. Consumers do not like the subscription system, but the advantages of satellite radios in respect of some commercial free broadcast and excellent sound quality more than make up for the small fee.

The popularity of satellite radio has been going up with each passing day, and its future is extremely rosy. Just like the cable television boom, it won’t be long before each home and vehicle will have a satellite radio, especially because of the excellent audio quality and the limitless content of the programs.

**Note that the specifics cited about Satellite Radio services are true to the best of our knowledge as of the writing of this article and may have since been changed by the satellite radio company. If you choose to purchase service through Sirius radio or any other satellite radio provider, please read all of the terms and conditions provided by the company at the time of your purchase very carefully.

Satellite radio uses satellites to deliver radio programs to subscribers. The radio signal is broadcasted from Earth based stations to communicational satellites, which then redirect the signal to satellite radio receivers. The radio signal is broadcasted by communication satellites to a much larger area than traditional terrestrial radio antennas. For example, satellite radio is available all across the continental area of the United States. Satellite radio is available now in most parts of the world through services provided by companies like WorldSpace (in Europe, Asia and Africa), Sirius and XM Radio (in North America). The radio signal you receive using satellite radio is digital, which means that it is always clear and static-free, which is one of the great advantages of satellite radio. Another great thing about satellite radio is that at least some of its programming is commercial-free.

To begin listening to satellite radio you will need the actual satellite radio (also known as tuner or receiver), a satellite radio antenna (which is often incorporated in the satellite radio) and a subscription to the service you choose. There are several types of satellite radios from which you can choose. One of them is the dedicated car or home radio, which plays through your car or home stereo. A second option is the plug-and-play radio, which can be used in your car, as well as in your home by paying a single subscription.

Your third option is the portable radio, which has rechargeable battery, a built-in antenna and you can listen to it wherever you go using headphones. The radio signals offered by different satellite radio companies are proprietary, which means that you will need different hardware for receiving, decoding and playback, depending on your subscription. Each satellite radio receiver has its own serial number, called Radio ID. When you get your subscription, you will also get an activation code for your receiver. Besides the actual radio programs, satellite radio transmits metadata that contains the name of the artist, the title of the song or program, as well as the name of the channel. This makes it easier for you to decide which channel to listen to and which program to choose.

Satellite radio services provide the subscriber with more than 100 programs that vary in content from rock and jazz to rap and classical music. But satellite radio’s utility reaches far beyond listening to your favorite music without the interruption of those annoying commercials. Satellite radio also offers exclusive sports programs, cultural and educational shows, news and talk-shows. Some of the celebrities that have moved their shows from free radio to satellite radio include Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, Bob Edwards and Martha Stewart. Unlike terrestrial radio, satellite radio is not affected by bad weather or even calamities.

At first, many people wondered why they should pay for radio if they can get it free. However, satellite radio attracts more and more people every year due to its great advantages: commercial free music, extensive reach, theme programs and exceptional quality of sound.

**Note that the specifics cited about Satellite Radio programs are true to the best of our knowledge as of the writing of this article and may have since been changed by the satellite radio company. If you choose to purchase service through Sirius radio or any other satellite radio provider, please read all of the terms and conditions provided by the company at the time of your purchase very carefully.