TORONTO – Sirius Canada said today that after a year in the market, it now has over 200,000 customers.
That’s more than double its rival in the market, XM Canada, whose most recent report said it had 91,200 paying subscribers and 120,000 customers. (The 38,800 difference are those with promotional offers, such as the three to four months of free service when a customer buys an XM-equipped new car.)
Sirius Canada passed 100,000 subscribers May 10, so the one aspect tempering this news is that growth in the second six months has remained stable and not accelerated.
Both companies, however, are expecting big things this Christmas season.
"Since its launch on December 1, 2005, Sirius Canada has maintained its position as Canada’s most popular satellite radio provider with the most extensive programming and advanced satellite radio products in the country," reads the Sirius release. "According to the NPD Group, Sirius leads the industry in Canada with more than 70 per cent of units sold at retail, year-to-date, within NPD’s measured channels."
“Sirius Canada’s first year anniversary, and the significant success we have experienced during this time, is a celebration to be shared with our 200,000 subscribers and our retail and automotive partners,” said Mark Redmond, president and CEO.
“Sirius Canada’s incredible progress in less than 12-months… reinforces the country’s interest and excitement in satellite radio as an entertainment medium,” said Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio. “As we grow our business and extend programming options across North America, we are confident Sirius Canada will continue to connect with Canadians as the country’s preferred satellite radio service, and build off the tremendous success it has achieved during its first year.”
Sirius Canada, which is co-owned by CBC and Standard Broadcasting, with a minority share held by Sirius U.S., offers 110 full-time channels, including 11 Canadian ones with content from Standard, CBC-Radio Canada, Astral Media Radio, The Weather Network and Score Media.
Starting in 2007, Sirius will become the Official Satellite Radio Partner of NASCAR and will carry every Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series race.
Sirius gear is also installed in Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Land Rover, Volvo, Jaguar, Aston Martin, BMW, MINI, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Subaru and by the end of 2007 more than 150 vehicle models will be available with Sirius.
