Are you able to pick up a signal for an XM or a Sirius satellite radio unit, even if you're outside America?

Question

http://www.xmradio.com
http://www.sirius.com

Answer 1

Although both services are broadcast from satellites, the satellites focus their signal on a specific area which is why not a whole hemisphere can pick up the signal. This does not mean that the signal is restricted to the continental US either. Both XM and Sirius have signals well enough into Canada to have made it viable to start selling radios there (after CRTC approval). Because of Sirius' orbit which takes their satellites directly over top of North America, they provide better coverage in Canada than XM. The difference is more pronounced the further North and away from the US you go.

XM and Sirius have been received elsewhere as well such at the Carribbean and Central America. Extreme northern portions of South America have been said to have Sirius coverage. XM had been received in the Azores as well. Coverage in these fringe and sidelobe areas are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed. They are a byproduct of the intended service and coverage area. The further you get from the US the harder it is to receive. Some antennas with better gain such as the Terk SIR6 help to a certain degree. Anything beyond that a custom antenna such as the Til-Tek S band circular poliarisation antenna could snag the signal if you are just beyond what is considered the fringe for others but this will not come without a cost. Sirius reception with highly directional antennas will also require a tracking system to follow the satellites which move in the sky. All of this comes with no guarantee. If you are in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica or most of South America, you won't be receiving a satellite signal.

An alternative would be to use their online streaming services. Both providers will allow you to sign up for a high quality bitrate online only service for you to listen to their channels. Also, the Sirius Stiletto 100 can receive Sirius via the internet through a WiFi connection as well as via satellite so if you do travel to the states and overseas or just like to have something portable, this may be the radio for you. It also has an MP3 player so you can listen to recorded music. I have heard that this radio must be activated through the satellite signal first so you might want to have someone in the states expose it to the sky for a minute first.

Answer 2

As surprising because of the fact the iPod is, it gets boring after a protracted motor vehicle experience. I took a highway holiday from Austin, TX to San Diego, CA and had to close off the iPod. as a substitute, I grew to become on my Sirius because of the fact it has a brilliant style of categories of music, information radio, comedy, etc. once you're driving, Sirius wins hands down. You mine besides say XM besides on the grounds that they merged.

Answer 3

I havnet been outside the untied states with my XM so I can't help you there!!

Answer 4

no. you will need a separate subscription for canada and a separate company for asia and parts of europe. (worldspace)

Answer 5

Yes you can, it's fed through sattelite system.