Q: Where can I get a printable version of the XM Channel Lineup?
A: Please visit http://channels.xmradio.com. You'll find printable versions in HTML and PDF formats that you can print out on your home computer.

Q: What will I hear on XM?
A: 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.

Q: Does XM carry local stations?
A: 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.

Q: What is XM Satellite Radio?
A: XM Radio is broadcasting over 120 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 two (Boeing 702) 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.

Q: Does XM have commercials?
A: All of XM Radio's music channels are 100% commercial free. Today's FM stations carry 18 minutes or more commercials per hour.

Q: Why would I pay for radio?
A: In 2004, XM offers over 120 channels of new and existing programming with exceptional sound quality. It is a nationwide service, available coast-to-coast, for a low monthly subscription price.

Q: Can I get XM in my area?
A: XM Satellite Radio service is available across the continental United States. XM's service is not available internationally, including Canada and Mexico.

Q: How long has XM been in business?
A: Based in Washington, D.C., XM Satellite Radio was founded in 1992 as American Mobile Radio Corporation. In 1997, the Company purchased one of only two satellite radio licenses from the FCC to deliver this cutting-edge service and was renamed XM Satellite Radio.

Q: Is XM Service available in the waters off the coast of the United States?
A: 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.

Q: Does XM offer customer support?
A: XM's Listener Care Center provides efficient and reliable support services to XM subscribers through a dedicated toll-free telephone number, 1-800-XM-RADIO (1-800-967-2346). Listener Care Representatives provide amazing care in dealing with activations, general inquires, trouble shooting and billing care services. Our hours are:
Mon - Sat: 10AM - 11 PM EST
Sun: 12 PM - 8 PM EST

Q: What is required to upgrade to XM?
A: In order for an XM Ready radio to receive XM programming, you will need a XM Ready radio, a tuner box and an antenna. Cassette Adaptor and FM-modulated units are available and will work with your existing car or home stereo. The tuner box enables the radio to receive and transmit the XM signal. The antenna needs to be installed or mounted on the outside of the automobile where it will have the maximum exposure to the sky.

Q: How long before I hear XM after I activate my radio?
A: 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 120 XM channels after one hour, please call us at 1-800-XM-RADIO (1-800-967-2346).

Q: Why is there a difference in cost from Commercial ($24.99) versus a regular consumer account ($9.99)?
A: A consumer account is established when customers listen to XM programming for personal use in their vehicle or home. In a commercial or business setting, such as a doctor's office, dentist's office, restaurant/bar, retail stores, hair salons, fitness clubs, malls, greyhound buses, airlines, river cruise boats, etc. many customers and/or employees are listening to XM programming as background music. Due to our licensing and royalty obligations to artists when their songs, jokes, etc. are used in a business setting, XM must create these accounts in our Commercial structure.

Q: How much does the XM Radio Service cost?
A: If you are a consumer, you will pay a $14.99 activation fee plus monthly service fee of $9.99 for over 120 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 $9.99.

If you are a business, you must be set up as a commercial account. Commercial accounts are $24.99 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 us at 888-689-2300 for your commercial activation.

XM is now also offering our Premium Channel - Playboy at a cost of $2.99 a month. For a limited time, a one-time transaction fee of $4.99 will be waived for current subscribers who wish to add our Playboy Radio premium service, which is only available upon request by the XM account owner.

Q: What are XM's service and subscription terms?
A: Please read our Customer Service Agreement for more information about XM's service and subscription terms and conditions.

Q: Do I have to sign a contract for XM service?

A: There is no contract, it is subscription based and you may cancel your service at any time.

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

Q: What are my billing options?
A: 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.

Q: Is XM Radio available over the Internet?
A: XM Satellite Radio is an entertainment service delivered to cars and homes via satellite. Although we do plan on continuing to use the Internet to provide samples of our audio, our over 120 channel lineup is only available using dedicated XM hardware. (Additionally, the state of Internet streaming technology and limited consumer bandwidth would necessarily degrade the clarity and quality of our service.) If you'd like to sample XM, please visit http://channels.xmradio.com and listen in.