Toronto — XM Canada launched its service here yesterday, saying it was the first satellite radio provider to turn on the switch in Canada.
More than 4,500 Canadians have preregistered for the service over the last month, said XM, which is offering the Delphi RoadyXT to some early subscribers for $79.99, or a 35 percent savings off the unit’s suggested retail price.
Portable and plug-and-play radios will be made available starting next week at retailers, such as A&B Sound, Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Dumoulin/Audiotronic, Future Shop, London Drugs, Sears Canada, The Source by Circuit City and Visions Electronics.The units will also be available for purchase on XM Canada’s Web site, www.xmradio.ca.
Sirius said it is planning to launch service in Canada in December, in time for the holidays.