There was a time when satellite radio seemed like the pinnacle of infotainment. After all, it delivered a clean, digital signal with near CD-quality sound, and the ability to send text data, such as stock quotes and sports scores, alongside music. Plus, it provided coast-to-coast coverage and, best of all, complete freedom from annoying commercials—the primary source of revenue for local radio stations.
But a major obstacle stood in the way: Satellite transmission is contingent upon maintaining a line-of-sight (LOS) between satellite and receiver. That could prove difficult when cars pass under bridges, drive under tree canopies or parking garages, enter tunnels or go deep into natural or urban canyons.
To overcome this obstacle, satellite radio providers boosted their signal strength and developed an impressive array of repeaters. The result is gap-free coverage across the continental United States and into Canada and Mexico, with service extended even further offshore. In addition, some satellites are positioned so that there is always one above the country—which allows for uninterrupted service and allows subscribers to hear broadcasts on the same channels at the same time regardless of their location.
Most satellite radio services operate on a subscription basis. Subscribers pay for a receiver, which decodes the satellite’s encrypted digital signals and converts them into over 170 channels of music, news, talk, sports, and more—most of them free from advertising. Automakers offer satellite radio in their vehicles either as a standard feature or as an option. Tesla, for example, includes the equipment in its Model S and Model X, while Rivian chose to skip it entirely with its Air sedan.
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