The Basics

This article was written by Kevin Bonsor for the website “HowStuffWorks.com.” It is a section of the “How Satellite Radio Works” article and goes into further detail about satellite radio. In this article, Bonsor explains that the idea of satellite began around 1992 when “the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the “S” band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS).” From there, four companies applied for a license but only two received them. In 1997, CD Radio (now Sirius Satellite Radio) and American Mobile Radio (now XM Satellite Radio) each paid over $80 million for space on the S-band. Bonsor states that there are currently three satellite radio broadcasters: Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite and WorldSpace. These broadcasters have varying plans for their systems, but Bonsor notes that the companies share some key components. The similarities in these systems consist of satellites, ground repeaters and radio receivers.

Although the significance of satellite radio on conventional radio is being compared to cable TV on television, Bonsor lists one major difference between satellite and conventional radio. He explains that satellite radio does not pick up local stations. However, listeners have the option of listening to a greater range of music genres.

I did not realize that satellite radio does not pick up local stations. Although having a wide variety of music is great, a big disadvantage of satellite radio is that I won’t know what’s going on locally. This means I won’t be able to listen to traffic reports in my area, as well as, weather conditions. I believe the radio is more than just talk shows and music; it should also provide listeners with information about their communities.

INTRODUCTION:

• In 1992, Bonsor explains that “the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the “S” band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS).”
• Although four companies applied for licenses, in 1997 only CD Radio (now Sirius Satellite Radio) and American Mobile Radio (now XM Satellite Radio) were granted licenses.
  Each station paid over $80 million for space.
• There are now three space broadcasters: Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio and WorldSpace.
• According to Bonsor, there are key similarities between the three systems that include satellites, ground repeaters and radio receivers.

RELATIVE ADVANTAGES:

• Satellite radio provides access to hundreds of radio stations that play a variety of genres.

COMPATIBILITY:

• Satellite radio does not pick up local stations.

CONCLUSION:

• Bonsor states that “Satellite radio companies are comparing the significance of their service to the impact that cable TV had on television 30 years ago.” (456)