Satellite radio
Satellite radio is defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s ITU Radio Regulations (RR) as a broadcasting-satellite service.[1] The satellite's signals are broadcast nationwide, across a much wider geographical area than terrestrial radio stations, and the service is primarily intended for the occupants of motor vehicles.[2][3] It is available by subscription, mostly commercial free, and offers subscribers more stations and a wider variety of programming options than terrestrial radio.[4]
This article is about satellite radio as a broadcasting-satellite service (in line to article 1.39, ITU RR). For satellite radio as a radiocommunication service (in line to article 1.111 ITU RR), see Satellite radio system.Satellite radio technology was inducted into the Space Foundation Space Technology Hall of Fame in 2002.[5] Satellite radio uses the 2.3 GHz S band in North America for nationwide digital radio broadcasting.[6] In other parts of the world, satellite radio uses the 1.4 GHz L band allocated for DAB.[7]
System design[edit]
Satellite radio uses the 2.3 GHz S band in North America for nationwide digital radio broadcasting.[6] MobaHO! operated at 2.6 GHz. In other parts of the world, satellite radio uses part of the 1.4 GHz L band allocated for DAB.[7]
Satellite radio subscribers purchase a receiver and pay a monthly subscription fee to listen to programming. They can listen through built-in or portable receivers in automobiles; in the home and office with a portable or tabletop receiver equipped to connect the receiver to a stereo system; or on the Internet.[37] Reception is activated by obtaining the radio's unique ID and giving this to the service provider.[38][39]
Ground stations transmit signals to the satellites which are 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Equator in geostationary orbits. The satellites send the signals back down to radio receivers in cars and homes. This signal contains scrambled broadcasts, along with meta data about each specific broadcast. The signals are unscrambled by the radio receiver modules, which display the broadcast information. In urban areas, ground repeaters enable signals to be available even if the satellite signal is blocked. The technology allows for nationwide broadcasting, so that, for instance US listeners can hear the same stations anywhere in the country.[7][40]
Content, availability and market penetration[edit]
Satellite radio in the US offers commercial-free music stations, as well as news, sports, and talk, some of which include commercials.[41] In 2004, satellite radio companies in the United States began providing background music to hotels, retail chains, restaurants, airlines and other businesses.[42][43] On April 30, 2013, SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer stated that the company would be pursuing opportunities over the next few years to provide in-car services through their existing satellites, including telematics (automated security and safety, such as stolen vehicle tracking and roadside assistance) and entertainment (such as weather and gas prices).[44]
As of December 2020, SiriusXM had 34.7 million subscribers.[45] This was primarily due to the company’s partnerships with automakers and car dealers. Roughly 60% of new cars sold come equipped with SiriusXM, and just under half of those units gain paid subscriptions. The company has long-term deals with General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Bentley, BMW, Volkswagen, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.[46] The presence of Howard Stern, whose show attracts over 12 million listeners per week, has also been a factor in the company’s steady growth.[46][47] As of 2013, the main competition to satellite radio is streaming Internet services, such as Pandora and Spotify, as well as FM and AM Radio.[44]