How to Subscribe to Car Satellite Radio

Satellite radio is an innovative medium that has several advantages over conventional radio, such as the ability to maintain a signal over all of North America and the capability of offering uncensored material. Subscribing to car satellite radio is becoming much easier these days due to its increased popularity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Satellite radio receiver and accessories

Subscribe to Car Satellite Radio

1. Choose between the two satellite radio services in North America, Sirius and XM Radio, by comparing subscription rates, programming options, broadcast quality and the price of satellite receivers and accessories.

2. Purchase a satellite radio receiver from one of the many retail outlets in which they are available, including department stores, electronic retailers and audio-installation outlets. Choose from add-on receivers that use FM adapters to broadcast over regular radio frequencies and built-in units that are designed to replace factory-installed audio systems. You can even subscribe to satellite radio as an option when you purchase a new car, with dealers' specials often including free service for a year or more.

3. Install the satellite radio in your car according to the instructions in the owner's manual. Pay special attention to tips on how to install the satellite radio antenna, so that you will receive the best signal. If using an FM adapter to get the satellite signal, use an existing FM frequency that is not currently used by another station and program it into the receiver.

4. Subscribe to the satellite radio service by logging onto the website for either XM Radio or Sirius and choosing the subscription plan you want (see Resources below).

5. Enter the code on the back of the satellite receiver, and wait for your order to be processed. It usually takes just a few minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot activate your satellite radio subscription online, you do have another option. You can call the satellite radio provider to activate your subscription. Just use the toll-free number listed on the owner's manual.
• Consider a "head unit" if you want to streamline the look of your car's interior. A head unit can replace your existing receiver, allowing you to listen without adapters.

Resources

• Subscribe on the official Sirius satellite radio website.
• XM Radio website for subscription and activation.