Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. will soon be arriving in the Islands — only it won't be broadcasting by satellite.

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the subscriptions-only service's entry into the Hawai'i market. But instead of using satellite technology, the New York-based company will use a ground-based repeater, equipment commonly used in terrestrial radio broadcasting.

The FCC decision grants Sirius 180 days of transmission time. But such arrangements have repeatedly been extended in other markets, according to Sirius' November request.

The company told the FCC that the repeaters "will be used to overcome the effects of satellite signal blockage and multipath interference."

The National Association of Broadcasters had opposed Sirius' application and encouraged its members to also oppose the company's request to operate a single repeater in Downtown Honolulu.

Sirius said in its FCC filing that it believes that at less than 2,000 watts, the repeater won't interfere with other radio signals, including broadcast and wireless telecommunications devices.

Subscribers can listen to the service online or through receivers built into their vehicles.

On Monday, Sirius and competitor Washington, D.C.-based XM Satellite Radio Inc. announced a $13 billion merger, not including debt.

The companies will have to gain approval of the plan from the Justice Department as well as the FCC. Justice typically goes first in satellite mergers. The department looks at how mergers affect competition and has the power to block the deal.