In United States and Canada, satellite radio has become an alternative to ground based radio stations. Satellite radio has become a major provider of news, sports, weather, and music channels. Satellite radio offers uninterrupted near CD quality programs from space to a radio receiver. Satellite radio receivers such as Sirius Starmate 4 uses proprietary technology. This kind of digital radio receiver is mostly popular on long-haul truckers.

Some Features of Sirius Starmate 4 Satellite Radio Receivers:

• Simple, sleek, design
• Universal docking capability
• Replay-pause, rewinds and replay 44 minutes of live radio
• Slim vehicle docking cradle for easy in-vehicle installation
• Wide-angle, easy-to-read 5-line graphic display
• 30 Channel Presets
• Game Alert and Game Zone
• One-touch jump to different favorite channels
• Wireless FM transmitter
• Parental Control and Channel Lock

Source: http://www.tss-radio.com/sirius-starmate-st4tk1-p-3903.html

The good thing about satellite radio technology is it provides same audio programming almost everywhere. There’s no need to change channels as the signal is beamed from the satellite above rather than ground radio transmitters. You can listen to your favorite radio program with little or no commercial at all. No breaking of signal when traveling in great distance such as interstate driving.

Not only is satellite radio be applicable on vehicles, but it is slowly gaining acceptance in homes and businesses. It could be used to provide background music to businesses such as restaurants, retail chains, and hotels which are not reachable by regular radios.

Satellite radio providers in the United States like XM and Sirius have programs that are impossible to have on commercial radio stations which cover a wide variety of specialty stations that offer classical music, family talk, radio drama, and live events. Satellite radio is indeed a portable solution alternative to ground based radio stations.