TORONTO – Prospective satellite radio subscribers in Canada can become members of the company’s “Founder’s Club” as of today by logging on to www.xmradio.ca.
Canadian Satellite Radio today announced the launch of the new XM Canada brand but has not yet made official exactly when the service will officially launch in here but did confirm it will be soon.
“XM Canada receivers will be available to Canadians through GM dealers, leading retailers and online in time for the 2005 Christmas season,” said the release.
“The launch of the XM Canada service also gives rural and urban Canadian consumers, especially those who love music, equal access to near CD quality digital sound,” said Stephen Tapp, president and COO of XM Canada.
In addition to XM’s original programming, XM Canada’s 80-channel line-up will include four English-language and four French-language Canadian-produced channels. A highlight of XM Canada’s sports offering will be the more than 1,000 games per season of Canada’s favourite sport, the NHL. NHL games will be available at launch and beginning with the 2007-2008 season, XM will be the exclusive satellite radio network of the NHL.
XM Canada will begin broadcasting from studios in Toronto, Montreal and eventually Vancouver. Satellite receivers, manufactured by leading companies such as Audiovox and Delphi, will be available to consumers through retail partners that include The Source by Circuit City, Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, A&B Sound and other leading retailers.
Canadians will also be able to purchase factory-installed XM Canada receivers in new General Motors vehicles at launch. In the coming months, other exclusive automotive partnerships will be announced, said the release.
"Our customers are looking forward to the benefits of this great entertainment technology," said Michael Grimaldi, president of GM of Canada. "Without a doubt, satellite radio is the biggest advancement in mobile audio technology in the last 60 years and we plan to make satellite radio available in most 2006 GM vehicles very soon.”
“XM Canada is now a reality and we know that the team that has been assembled to launch and manage this service is dedicated to making XM the number one brand in satellite radio in Canada,” said Gary Parsons, chairman of XM Satellite Radio.
