Ever experienced turning on your car radio, flipping to the radio station of your choice, then as you drive farther away from the city, the signal slowly breaks up and goes into static? Bothersome, right? That is because most radio signals can only work up to 30-40 miles from their source. On very long trips, you might have to change radio stations every so often as the signals fade in and out.

Now, there is a solution to that predicament. Just imagine driving through anywhere in the country yet still have crystal clear radio signal. You can listen to your favorite station in your car radio without those annoying static interfering with your favorite song. The answer is satellite radio. Satellite radio, also known as digital radio, is a radio service that uses a satellite orbiting around the Earth to broadcast its programming. It provides uninterrupted, near CD-quality music broadcasted to your radio from space.

This idea has been over a decade in the making. In 1997, four companies applied for a license to broadcast over the allocated spectrum in the “S” band, only two of those companies were given the said license. At this time, there are three radio broadcasters that use this technology. When listeners sign-up for this service, their radio will not be able to pick-up local stations, but they will have access to hundreds of radio stations with a wide selection of music genres.

Each company employs different methods in broadcasting using the satellite, but they also have some similarities. The basic components in satellite radio systems are: (1) satellites, (2) ground repeaters, (3) radio receivers. In all cases, the radio receiver must have a clear view to the satellites. For areas where tall buildings and bridges obscure the signal, repeaters are placed to make the signal available.

Satellite radio works similar to a satellite TV wherein you need to have a receiver and pay a monthly subscription fee. Basically, programs are beamed to the satellites that are circling the earth. These satellites then transmit the signal to the antenna or the radio receivers installed in homes and cars. Ground repeaters positioned throughout the country also receive the signal. They help make certain that the signal is transmitted to the receivers, in instances wherein there are buildings or other structures that might block the signal.

One company uses two Boeing HS 702 satellites, aptly named “Rock” and “Roll” and placed in parallel, geostationary orbit. Geostationary orbit is the commonly used type of orbit for communications satellites. Another company has a different configuration for the set-up of their satellites. Instead of geo satellites, they opted for three satellites following an elliptical path, saying that it ensures that at least one satellite will be hovering over the country at all times.

Most satellite radio companies have contracts with car manufacturers in the installation of receivers in the cars. One of the challenges faced by these companies is to move away from cars and into the homes of consumers. For this purpose, portable satellite radio receivers have been produced and released in the market. After which, their next move would be to make sure that they become more widely used in the homes of consumers.

Another biggest hindrance to satellite radio may be the personal music devices which make it possible for people to download thousands of songs and bring them anywhere they go. Portable music devices give the convenience of listening to any of their favorite songs with just one click.

Some people say that this endeavor will soar in the coming years and may likely replace the FM stations. In spite of its growing reputation, experts still say that it is not probable. Currently, conventional radio stations have 50 times more listeners than the satellite radio’s current subscribers. Chances are the satellite radio system will complement free radio, similar to cable television complements local broadcast networks.