Satellite radio
A satellite radio is a special radio that receives signals broadcast by satellite. This allows the listener to follow a single channel no matter where they are because the signal's reach is not limited by station power and curvature of the Earth.
In the United States, two companies dominate satellite radio: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. A monthly fee is charged for both services (As of 2004 Sirius also offers a one time fee of nearly $500 valid for the lifetime of the equipment). Originally some XM music channels had commercials, while Sirius was commercial-free. Since February 2004 XM has commercial-free music. Both services also began traffic and weather reports for major cities. As of 2004 XM has 70 music-only channels. Sirius has 61 music-only channels. XM operates on 2 geostationary satellites while Sirius uses 3 geosynchronous satellites. Both services are available mainly via portable receivers in automobiles.
Local repeaters, on the same satellite frequencies, enable XM and Sirius's signals to be available even if the view of the satellite is blocked, for example, by skyscrapers in a large town.
Some critics of the service have expressed concerns that satellite radio will lead to a decline in the number and variety of local radio stations and programming and greater concentration of mass media in the hands of fewer companies, and a loss of jobs in the radio industry.
As of June 2004, XM claimed 1.7 million subscribers, and Sirius claimed 400,000.
In Britain, satellite radio is delivered by Sky Television, as part of their satellite television service. As of June 2004, there were around ninety radio stations on the Sky Digital service. Unlike in the US, where satellite radio is seen as a way of gaining additional choice, in Britain, most major radio stations also simulcast on satellite radio. Reception is currently limited to stationary receivers, and is not available in automobiles.
See also: Digital audio broadcasting
United States
Britain
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