Satellite radio becomes more and more popular. It is a choice of millions and the army of listeners is still growing. Three provider companies offer this service: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio broadcast throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico and they are the major players on the market. The third one, WorldSpace, broadcasts to the rest part of the world (Europe, Asia and Africa). Each of the providers offers more than a hundred of entertainment and music channels, talk shows, sports games and many more. It also includes adult-oriented broadcasting, since FCC (Federal Communications Commission) does not regulate the industry. So, there's something for everyone.

The service is provided through subscription. In the United States the subscription cost varies from $10 to $15 per month for a single radio receiver and many people are unhappy with this fact. However satellite radio offers high quality sound and commercial free broadcast, and this fact make customers still enjoy the service.

As stated above, there are two major competitors on the US market: XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Both of the companies have their own broadcast systems. They transmit their signal at a different frequency and they require different equipment. For instance, if you wish to change your provider you will need to purchase a new receiver for the specific company. XM Satellite Radio has two satellites in geostationary orbit with funny names - Rock and Roll, which is quite enough to provide radio coverage throughout the United States. On the other hand Sirius Satellite Radio employs three satellites in an elliptical orbit. This scheme gives a greater redundancy in case any of the satellites fails. In addition, both of the companies have spare satellites that can be used when they are needed.

Both companies have partnered with major automobile manufacturers and dealers to equip new vehicles with satellite radio receivers. This increases the chance that car buyers will become subscribers. Over the past three years the number of cars with an installed satellite radio receiver has tripled.

Besides the car satellite radio receivers there are units for home stereo systems. Plus, you can make your choice towards a portable radio receiver, which has built in antenna and you can listen to it with headphones. You can take this type of radio wherever you go. Almost all the satellite radio receivers have an advantage over traditional FM and AM radio receivers: they display the name and artist of song programs, as well as the channel.

The growing demand has shown that satellite radio industry has a great future. Like a cable television it has become a necessary part of our information environment. And there is no reason to stay apart. With the variety of options on the market you can make the right choice.

For more information about satellite radio and other consumer electronics equipment visit Radio Shack.com. David Hunter is an author from California. And he likes playing golf.

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