XM Radio Promotion - One year for $60

[jrosenf]

I recently learned of an XM Radio promotion that extends your subscription by one year for $60. I don't have a promotional code but just asked about the "Additional year for $60 deal".

When I called, the first customer service rep said I would have to call back once my current 3-month free trial ended. However since I was worried that the promotion might expire prior to that, I called back a little while later and the rep I spoke with this time said no problem and that my service would be extended by a year after my free trial ends.

I believe that the promotion is limited to XM acquired through new vehicle purchases but I'm not positive about that. The phone number I was told to call by the initial XM rep was 800-998-7900, which I assume is the Promotions Department.

You will need to provide your XM Radio ID which you can get by tuning your radio to Channel 0.

[acoolra]

Originally posted by jrosenf
I recently learned of an XM Radio promotion that extends your subscription by one year for $60. I don't have a promotional code but just asked about the "Additional year for $60 deal".

When I called, the first customer service rep said I would have to call back once my current 3-month free trial ended. However since I was worried that the promotion might expire prior to that, I called back a little while later and the rep I spoke with this time said no problem and that my service would be extended by a year after my free trial ends.

I believe that the promotion is limited to XM acquired through new vehicle purchases but I'm not positive about that. The phone number I was told to call by the initial XM rep was 800-998-7900, which I assume is the Promotions Department.

You will need to provide your XM Radio ID which you can get by tuning your radio to Channel 0.

That would be sweet. I definitely want to get XM permanently but didn't see such a deal mentioned on their website. I will give it a shot. Thanks for the info.

[psuwife]

Actually Bedard Bros told us about this. They said they had a quarterly/half-yearly and annual sale going on which was cheaper than the 9.99 per month normally charged.

[Scowern]

Thanks, I just called and ordered it. No problem.

[jrosenf]

Originally posted by Scowern
Thanks, I just called and ordered it. No problem.

Cool!

[FLT7151]

Good looking out jrosenf !

I'm currently in the process of researching XM vs Sirius. I prefer XM (especially since it's already integrated into our NAV) but, what I like about Sirius is the Lifetime Subsciption, which was $399 and is now $499. XM offers $499 for 5 years. Since we plan on owning the Ody for longer than 5 years (more like 8-10) Sirius would be a better deal. However, I'll consider your information before I finally decide. I'm at the point of thinking how the Sirius would work in the Ody (I doubt it could use the Ody stereo, but not sure). I may go with XM since it's already integrated.

Again, good work !

[feichua]

Don't mean to sidetrack this discussion. I like XM so far after having it for 3 days, but the reception has not been good in my area (Seattle). Do you guys have reception problems?

In the last 3 days, the signals went out on me a few times, and I get a few seconds of static noise every time it went out. Other than one time I was in a tunnel and another time I was between mountains, the rest of my trip was either on the highway or on open road when reception was interrupted. That didn't make sense to me.

Also, if and when your XM reception does go out, do you get reduced quality signal or no sound at all? For me, I get static with reduced sound quality which seems strange because if XM were to be purely digital, it should either give us great sound or no sound at all - assuming basic digital encoding is used.

[mochisushi]

Originally posted by feichua
Don't mean to sidetrack this discussion. I like XM so far after having it for 3 days, but the reception has not been good in my area (Seattle). Do you guys have reception problems?

In the last 3 days, the signals went out on me a few times, and I get a few seconds of static noise every time it went out. Other than one time I was in a tunnel and another time I was between mountains, the rest of my trip was either on the highway or on open road when reception was interrupted. That didn't make sense to me.

Also, if and when your XM reception does go out, do you get reduced quality signal or no sound at all? For me, I get static with reduced sound quality which seems strange because if XM were to be purely digital, it should either give us great sound or no sound at all - assuming basic digital encoding is used.

If XM doesn't have a Repeater Tower in the area, traveling under a bridge will block the signal momentarily and cause the static sound. The radio will also show "No Signal". This is natural for any satellite system.

The NAV is unaffected because there is a Gyroscope used for direction and the speed is monitored to update the display when signal is unavailable.

As for your last question, I have only received good sound or no sound (static).

[feichua]

- Thanks. I didn't know there are repeaters XM towers. I thought XM is purely satellite based.

- $60 XM deal: check out this other thread on the Anandtech forum. Apparently the deal applies to new GM/Honda cars. One guy had to lie about his car's model year to get the the subscription...

http://forums.anandtech.com/messagev...VIEWTMP=Linear

[jpoklop]

Originally posted by mochisushi
If XM doesn't have a Repeater Tower in the area, traveling under a bridge will block the signal momentarily and cause the static sound. The radio will also show "No Signal". This is natural for any satellite system.

I was under the impression the XM receiver had a buffer to eliminate this problem if the signal is only lost for a few seconds, as would be the case going under a bridge or short tunnel.

$60 for a year of service sounds like a bargin.

[Wyeast]

Originally posted by feichua
Don't mean to sidetrack this discussion. I like XM so far after having it for 3 days, but the reception has not been good in my area (Seattle). Do you guys have reception problems?

Ack! I got duped by the fork in the road!

In Portland, we haven't had many instances of service interruptions. Not even going through the Vista Ridge Tunnel. And that trip's long enough that I had to wonder if there's a repeater buried in there...

The only times I've noticed interruptions are generally in parking garages.

*shrug*

--> Andy

[kapish]

I just called 1-800-845-3072 and told the rep that I am calling to extend the XM subscription. When I told him that I have received mailer with the code: "ZWINBACK MYP1" that extends my subscription for another year for $60, he had extended the subscription for another year AFTER my trial subscription ends!

This is GREAT! Thanks a lot for your help.
Edited to add the following:
When calling them make sure to have your XM Radio ID

[GizmoJoe]

Just got in on this deal as well (first try!). Just said I received a mailing regarding $60 for 1 year, she never asked for the coupon code. Also, I didn't have my radio ID number (where do I find that anyway?) but she looked it up using my info. Credit card won't be charged until trial period is over and one year begins. Great deal - thanks!

Joe

[vertrkr]

Originally posted by kapish
[color=darkblue]I just called 1-800-845-3072 and told the rep that I am calling to extend the XM subscription. When I told him that I have received mailer with the code: "ZWINBACK MYP1" that extends my subscription for another year for $60, he had extended the subscription for another year AFTER my trial subscription ends!

I finally got it too but it took 3 calls and some transfers. I tried to use the code listed above but after alot of hold time they said that was for a GM car and kept asking me how I got it. Finally got transferred to a supervisor who said no matter she'd add a year on to my trial for $60.

[jrosenf]

Originally posted by GizmoJoe
Also, I didn't have my radio ID number (where do I find that anyway?) but she looked it up using my info.

Glad to hear people are able to capitalize on this deal! As I mentioned in my initial post, tuning to XM Channel 0 will provide you with your Radio ID.