How Does Satellite Radio Work?
Monday, September 24th, 2007
Satellite Radio
is a relatively new invention. Traditional Radio works primarily via line of site - large towers transmit radio signals from a ground based transmitter to a receiver, typically a small radio. These receivers then convert the signal into audio.
Satellite Radio is different. It uses satellites in a geostationary orbit that transmit a digital signal from space to ground stations on the earth. Satellite Radio uses the 2.3GHZ band in North America to transmit. The signal is so strong that it does not need a satellite dish to receive the signal, but rather a small antenna will do the trick.
Since Satellite Radio is typically a subscription service, there needs to be a way for only authorized users to get access. Each radio has an individual id that connects to the satellite and gets authorized on first use, therefore preventing unauthorized access. Most companies have one “free and clear” satellite radio channel that allow users to test their radio before subscribing.
The main companies offering Satellite Radio in the US are Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio which are scheduled to merge in the near future.