Are satellite radio signals (Sirius and XM) receivable south of the Tropic of Cancer, at approximate latitudes shared by Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Havana Cuba?
No – probably. The two systems use different orbital strategies (Sirius uses three satellites in an inclined figure-eight configuration with two birds north and operating while the third one is south and taking a breather, whereas XM uses two geostationary satellites 30 degrees apart) but both use beam-shaping to minimize the signal spill outside the continental US.
That said, XM’s beam shape does cover most of the Gulf of Mexico, so one might be able to receive it in Havana. In Cabo you’re out of luck. Sirius’ beam shape will allow them to broadcast to much of southern Canada if they get a license to do so. Currently the signal is not available except right on the border.
Bummer. I guess the same holds true for DirecTV et al. I was hoping to take a little bit of home down to Cabo, where they do have cable TV, but only Mexican radio. There’s always the internet, but it ain’t cheap.
Thanks, Manhattan.