Sirius Satellite Radio went nationwide Monday, while competitor XM chalked up higher subscriber numbers than expected.

Sirius offers subscribers 60 channels of commercial-free music coast-to-coast, featuring everything from classic rock, rap hits and symphonic selections, to smooth jazz, disco and bluegrass, plus 40 channels of news, sports and entertainment, including a trucking channel. Subscriptions are $12.95 per month and do not include the special receivers.
"Today is the birth of the nation's premier satellite radio provider," said Joseph P. Clayton, President and CEO, Sirius Satellite Radio. "Sirius invented the concept of satellite radio and is now delivering the reality, with 100 percent commercial-free music that's available across the country."
Sirius begins its first week of nationwide availability by declaring independence from commercial radio with Fourth of July-themed programs on many of its 60 commercial-free music channels.
For more information, visit www.sirius.com.
Meanwhile, XM Satellite Radio exceeded Wall Street second quarter projections, ending the quarter with more than 136,500 subscribers.
"With 136,500 subscribers, clearly the sale of XM radios and subscriptions through electronics retail stores have been terrific," said XM President and CEO Hugh Panero.
XM announced a net gain of over 60,000 subscribers for the quarter, most from retail sales at Circuit City, Best Buy, Tweeter, and Radio Shack and other retailers nationwide. XM remains on track to end the year with an anticipated 350,000 subscribers, Panero said.
XM's programming lineup features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels: 71 music channels, more than 30 of them commercial-free, and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment, including the Open Road truckers’ channel.
For more information, visit www.xmradio.com.