What is XM Satellite Radio?
XM Radio is broadcasting over 170 digital channels of totally new music, news, sports and children's programming direct to cars and homes via satellite and our extensive repeater network, which supplements the satellite signal to ensure seamless transmission. The channels originate from XM's broadcast center, the world's largest all-digital studio complex in Washington, DC, and uplink to our satellites. These satellites transmit the signal across the entire continental United States. Each satellite provides 18kw of total power making them the two most powerful commercial satellites ever built, providing coast-to-coast coverage. XM Satellite Radio is changing the way people listen to radio in the same way cable changed television.


Does XM have commercials?
XM has the most commercial-free music channels in satellite radio. Today's FM stations carry 18 minutes or more commercials per hour.

Does XM carry local stations?
XM Satellite Radio is revolutionizing radio by offering exciting and unprecedented coast-to-coast programming. Listeners need to tune to the XM band on their XM radio to tune into our programming. XM's listeners still have access to their local AM & FM stations for local content.

What will I hear on XM?
XM offers a huge variety of stations you'll never hear on commercial radio. Many of our music channels are commercial free. Most are unique and innovative XM Originals, which include totally new programming. Virtually every musical style is represented in depth and variety. Some channels include Fow News Channel, BBC World Service, PBS's News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Bloomberg News Radio, NASCAR, CNN News, Radio One, Salem Communications, The Weather Channel, and many more.

How long before I hear XM after I activate my radio?
Please turn your radio on and tune to the Preview Channel, which is Channel 1. To ensure the activation process is complete, scroll through the channels in sequence (for example you will hear channels, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.). When you hear channels 7, 9, 47 and 122 your activation is complete.

For auto installed units, make sure that your vehicle is outside with an unobstructed view to the sky.

If you have a home unit, please make sure the antenna is located in a south-facing window with clear glass and with no visible obstructions to the sky.

If you do not receive over 170 XM channels after one hour, please call XM Radio at 1-800-XM-RADIO (1-800-967-2346).

How much does the XM Radio Service cost?
If you are a consumer, you will pay a $14.99 activation fee plus monthly service fee of $12.95 for over 170 channels. If you activate on our E-care website http://activation.xmradio.com, you will only need to pay $9.99 for your activation fee plus the monthly service fee of $12.95.

If you are a business, you must be set up as a commercial account. Commercial accounts are $27.95 with a one-time activation fee of $14.99. At this time, you cannot activate or manage a commercial account on the web. Please call XM Radio at 888-689-2300 for your commercial activation.

Do I have to sign a contract for XM service?
There is no contract, it is subscription based and you may cancel your service at any time.

What are my billing options?
XM accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards. XM also offers EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) from your checking or savings bank account, as well as invoice billing.

Due to escalating handling and processing costs, XM charges a nominal fee of $2 per invoice to subscribers who choose invoice billing.

Do I need to have a separate XM subscription for each radio?
Each radio that is activated will be charged its own set of fees.

Is XM Service available in the waters off the coast of the United States?
Yes, XM is designed for marine use. In addition to domestic waterways in the continential United States, XM's signal extends off the coast into all U.S. coastal waters.

Is XM Service available in Canada and Mexico?
XM is available in the continental U.S., its territories and adjacent waters, as well as in Canada. In Canada, the XM service is made available through XM's exclusive licensee, Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (go to www.xmradio.ca for the Canadian channel listing, online radio offerings and to subscribe). XM provides excellent coast-to-coast signal coverage to the densely populated regions of Canada through its satellites and a robust ground repeater network installed in major metropolitan areas. Currently, XM's service is not sold in Mexico.

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