Subscription Radio

Subscription Radio - learn the ins and outs of exactly what this is, if it is for you and how to install it. Plus discover which companies have the best rates right now.

Introduction to Subscription Radio: Common Questions  

Subscription radio, sometimes known as satellite radio, is a high-tech alternative to traditional radio. Rather than using terrestrial radio-wave signals that only cover a limited region, satellite radio uses digital signals sent via communications satellites. Other than that, the experience is basically the same as old-fashioned radio. You use a dial to flip between channels, you can set presets, and you can use it anywhere a standard radio can be used.  

Beyond that basic information, here are some of the most common questions regarding subscription radio.  

What are the advantages of subscription radio? The main advantage of satellite radio is that you get access to a much greater variety of channels than you get from the terrestrial radio dial. No matter what type of music you like, subscription radio will provide you many appealing choices, and you’ll also have access to all kinds of news, entertainment, and talk radio. Plus, with satellite radio there are no commercials, and the signal is free of static.  

What are the disadvantages of subscription radio? The main disadvantage of satellite radio is that not all areas are covered. If you’re in the U.S. mainland or Canada, you’ll have no problems, but there is no coverage in Hawaii, Alaska, or other overseas U.S. territories. The other advantage is that with some weaker radio systems you may not be able to get a signal where there are blockages. For example, you may have trouble in a basement in an urban area.  

Is subscription radio expensive? When subscription radio was first rolled out about a decade ago, the equipment was rather expensive for non-wealthy people, but things have changed considerably. These days you can get a satellite radio receiver for as little as $30, and subscription fees are generally less than $10 per month. And subscribing is easy: Each radio comes with an electronic serial number, and you can use this number to activate your subscription online.  

Where can subscription radio be used? Subscription radio is useful almost anywhere. You can use it in your car, in your home, in an RV, in a boat, or anywhere else where you want to get your satellite radio fix. You can get a radio that’s designed to be installed and used only in one location, or you can get one that’s much more portable.  

What subscription radio services are there? In the U.S. there used to be two services—XM and Sirius—but the two companies have merged and now both fall under the umbrella of Sirius. Thus, when you’re considering your subscription, all of your business can be done through the Sirius website. Canada also has Sirius, but Europe has its own satellite radio networks.   

Is subscription radio easy to install? Some radio systems require nothing more than a subscription to set up. However, if you want to use your radio in your car, there are several options. You can use an in-dash subscription radio, you can get a radio that transmits a signal to your car’s old-fashioned radio, or you can get a radio that plugs into your vehicle’s auxiliary audio input.