BetaNews | XM to Increase Monthly Fees
In an unexpected move, XM Satellite Radio increased its monthly access fee to $12.95 per month, in line with its competitor SIRIUS. The change will take effect April 2; however, the company said customers who sign up for a prepaid plan before that date would be able to lock in the old $9.99 rate from anywhere between one to five years.

While the new rate is nearly $3 more, XM sweetened the deal for its users. All basic customers will now have access to XM Radio Online, formerly a $3.99 per month premium service. XM Online allows customers to listen to programming over a broadband connection.

Also joining the basic lineup is High Voltage, Opie and Anthony’s XM channel.