XM radio offers OTA fleets lowest rates

TORONTO — The Ontario Trucking Association is teaming up with XM Canada satellite radio in offering carrier members a guaranteed lowest subscription price.

“Through this agreement, we have guaranteed that OTA members who wish to purchase XM for their fleet vehicles will get the lowest rate possible, hassle free,” said OTA president David Bradley said in a press release. “This is another example of how the OTA is pursuing added value for its membership.”

XM Satellite Radio broadcasts up to 100 channels of the music playlists, plus news, sports and talk shows. XM’s lineup also includes original and exclusive Canadian programming plus 100 percent French language programming.

Of particular interest to truck drivers is Open Road, the XM channel (171) devoted exclusively to the trucking industry audience.

“XM is a popular option in the U.S. market and some fleet operators are using XM’s choice of news, music, comedy, talk, entertainment and the complete seasons of NHL and Major League Baseball coverage to help attract and retain drivers,” said Stephen Tapp, president of XM Canada. “The fact is with up to 100 channels to choose from on XM, truckers have almost every genre you can think of right at their fingertips.”

Satellite radio came to Canada last year when XM Canada and Sirius Canada were grated licences by the CRTC.

The CRTC demanded 10 percent of the programming be Canadian, and eight of the 80 channels offered are produced here in Canada and feature Canadian artists and content.