A satellite radio or subscription radio (SR) is a digital radio that receives signals broadcast by communications satellite that covers a much wider geographical range than normal radio signals.

The satellite radios function anywhere there is line of sight between the antenna and the satellite, given there are no major obstructions, such as tunnels or buildings. SR audiences can follow a single channel regardless of location within a given range.

As the technology requires access to a commercial satellite for signal propagation, SR services are commercial business entities (not private parties), which offer a package of channels as part of their service –requiring a subscription from end users to access its channels.

The satellite radios use the 2.3GHz S band in North America, and generally shares the 1.4GHz L band with local Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) stations elsewhere. It is a type of direct broadcast satellite, and is strong enough that it requires no satellite dish to receive. Curvature of the Earth limits the reach of the signal, but due to the high orbit of the satellites, two or three are usually sufficient to provide coverage for an entire continent.

Presently, the main radio satellite service provider in Europe, Asia and Africa is WorldSpace. WorldSpace has its own satellites covering most of Europe, Asia and Africa.

XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio are the two radio satellite gains in the United States and entire North America. A monthly fee is charged for both services. Sirius offers a one time fee plan of nearly $500 valid for the lifetime of the equipment. These offer the news, weather, sports, and several music channels.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) commenced the Canada’s first satellite radio operations on November 1, 2004.

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In June, the CRTC granted satellite radio licenses to two groups – the CBC, which is partnered with New York-based Sirius, and CSR, which is partnered with Washington-based XM. The federal cabinet has upheld the CRTC’s decision to issue two new satellite radio licenses. As part of the deal, all applicants agreed to include more Canadian and French-language material. This is typical of Canadian media regulations and has made headway for the satellite radio push and representation. Groups such as Liberal MPs, Quebecers and other cultural groups did have some opposition to the deal. “In effect, the Americans have wonThis is a black day,” said Ian Morrison, spokesman for the lobby group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

Sirius Canada Inc. and Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (CSR) say they are pleased. CSR CEO John Bitove said in a statement that his company intends to be a “proud” representation of Canadian business and satellite radio to the Prime Minister, the government and the country.

As per conditions of the licenses, The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will begin holding hearings asking for public input on the new commitments. The decision was made by the CRTC in June however the issue has been a heated one as cabinet debated whether to uphold it. Cabinet had the option to approve it, reject it, or send it back for further review.

As part of the agreement, CSR and Sirius have been forces to increase the French-language influence and broadcasting. Both promise to include 8 Canadian channels, which are half English and half French.

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