Radios are a great way to keep abreast on the news, hear your favourite music or get updated on the local weather. Unfortunately since radio signals can only travel 30 to 40 miles, many island locations are too remote to get a radio signal. Therefore an alternative technology that many island owners invest in is satellite radio. Satellite radio, also called digital radio, offers uninterrupted, near CD-quality music beamed to your radio from space.

Satellite radio is a relatively simple concept. Music, news, or talk stations beam the signal up to the satellite from the respective satellite radio company (i.e. XM or Sirius). The satellites broadcast the signal back to Earth, where it’s picked up by a receiver unit (your radio).

To get satellite radio you need to have a tuner or a receiver (the radio). The radio typically connects and plays through a home stereo system however many island owners get a stand alone or portable satellite radio system. The portable system comes with a rechargeable battery and a built in antenna, and can be listed to any where a radio signal can be received. Much like other satellite equipment objects such as trees and buildings can interfere with the signal.

Once you have decided on the satellite radio system you want, you then need to subscribe to a satellite radio service provider. The two most popular options are XM and Sirius. It is important to remember that the hardware you buy is service specific, such that you can only play XM on XM products and Sirius on Sirius products. In addition when buying a product ensure that it has the stations that you would like to listen to. For example, many island owners want to ensure they can get access to emergency broadcasting or weather channels.

Portable satellite radios cost between $50 and $200. When you subscribe to a satellite radio service you also need to pay a monthly service fee which is about $13.00 a month.

Filed under: Communication, Satellite Radio