So just what is satellite radio? Satellite radio is technology that uses satellite signals and other related equipment to broadcast radio anywhere you have a receiver. This concept started in 1992 when Digital Audio Radio Services was set up by the FCC. Since then, two big companies purchased licenses from the FCC. This has allowed them to put into place satellite radio broadcasting.
So just what makes satellite radio broadcasting different? Well for one thing, regular radio signal only allows about 40 miles or so before you lose the signal. Satellite radio allows for the radio signal to broadcast over 20,000 miles above the Earth. This means that you can get your radio signal just about anywhere on the Earth. In order to get Satellite radio services, you must purchase a satellite radio receiver and subscribe to the service. By subscribing, I mean paying a nominal monthly fee to listen commercial free radio programming services.
How does it work? Your program is digitally recorded in a studio. This recording is then encoded and sent to a satellite from ground stations. There are several of these stations, one based in New York and one in Washington D.C. Once the satellite receives the signal, you can get the signal through your satellite radio receiver, in your car or in your home or on a portable system. There are also ground transmitters in areas where something such as a tall building might block the signal. This is the way that satellite radio eliminates blocked signals and allows for constant sound without interruption or having to change the channel on the radio. It is a relatively ingenious way to receive your radio signal.
Some of you may ask why should I pay for radio? Here is why: Satellite radio has absolutely no commercials. Conventional radio uses commercials to pay for the radio that you listen to. With Satellite Radio services, you are paying for what you are listening to. This means that you are paying to listen to your program or music without the commercial breaks. Anther reason is that you get crystal clear sound quality. You never lose the signal no matter where you go. You can travel from the east coast to the west coast of the United States and still get the crystal clear sound and never lose your program. You can listen to anything from music to talk radio to sporting events and kids programs. You can get the local and national news, weather and traffic without having to stop and find another channel.