No iPhone App coming to XM Canada

[hugh]

After learning that the Sirius XM iPhone app had over a million downloads, I contacted Sirius Canada and XM Canada to see if either would be offering the iPhone app in Canada.

Sirius told me it would be coming to Canada (to discuss the Sirius Canada situation, please use this thread)

XM Essentially told me it wasn't coming and Canadians wanting to listen to XM will have to get an additional sat radio subscription through Telus or Rogers.

Official written response below

[hugh]

Following is statement I received today

“XM Canada offers 130 channels of the greatest variety of entertainment in music, sports, talk, comedy, and news. We want it to be incredibly easy to access XM Radio wherever you are – at home, at work, in the car or on the go. That’s why we are always assessing new ways of delivering our content. We already offer service to Telus and Rogers subscribers for mobile devices and smartphones and while we are still assessing an iPhone and iPod touch application, we remain committed to making it easier to get the most unique and original Canadian and international programming through innovative new technology applications.”

[mr weather]

In other words, unless you're a Rogers of Telus smartphone customer you're SOL.

[hugh]

Exactly! With the popularity of this App in the U.S., I am shocked that XM is ignoring it.

Once Sirius Canada gets it, then it will be a compelling reason for choosing Sirius over XM.

[hockeymancw]

I am confused. The iphone is only on rogers/fido, and rogers offers a subscripton to xm, so why would you need an app? Doesn't the app require an additional subscription anyway? Is there a price difference or better interface? What is the draw for an app?

[hugh]

so why would you need an app?

For your iPod Touch and for your iPhone when you want to use Wifi. Also More stations, lower cost, better interface.

Doesn't the app require an additional subscription anyway?

Yes and No. In the U.S. you need the add-on for internet access (in Canada you don't but that could change) But if you have internet access already, an additional sub is not required.


Comparing Telus to App

Telus requires special phone with a voice plan, does not use wifi, limited to 20 stations, costs $15 a month in addition to cost of voice plan.

App can use wifi to avoid wireless costs, can be used on iPod touch, 120 stations, cost is $0 additional or $2.99 if you use the U.S. model

[hockeymancw]

Gotcha. Thanks.