Frequently Asked Questions
The Copyright Board of Canada has reached a decision regarding fees associated with
broadcasting copyrighted music through satellite radio. As a result, effective May 1, 2010, a
Music Royalty Fee of $0.97 per month will be introduced on new plans and upon renewal of
current subscription plans.
Additional details about the Music Royalty Fee are provided below.
1. What is the Music Royalty Fee?
The Music Royalty Fee offsets the cost that XM is required to pay the music, recording and
publishing industries for the use of their music on XM Canada.
2. What is the cost of the Music Royalty Fee?
The cost of the Music Royalty Fee is $0.97 per month per radio for the duration of a
subscriber’s plan term.
3. Who benefits from the Music Royalty Fee?
The Music Royalty Fee is used to offset the fee that XM Canada now pays to the Society of
Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), the Neighbouring Rights
Collective of Canada (NRCC), the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA)
and the Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in Canada
(SODRAC).
4. Does the Music Royalty Fee apply to all subscription plans?
All subscription plans (including family plans) which include music channels will be charged
the same fee. Data packages and XM online+ subscriptions are not subject to the Music
Royalty Fee.
5. When will I pay the Music Royalty fee?
The Music Royalty fee will be automatically added to all subscription plans entered into or
renewing after May 1, 2010. For current subscribers, there will be no change to your current
plan until your next renewal date. Roughly 30 days prior to your renewal date, you will receive
notification of the changes and information as to how the fee will be charged on your future
plan.
6. I am on a quarterly plan, will I see this fee applied each quarter?
Yes. Since your subscription renews each quarter, the Music Royalty Fee will be added to
your total bill payment each quarter.
7. Does the Music Royalty Fee included in my consumer subscription include copyright fees for commercial use?
No. The music royalty fee included with your consumer subscription plan is limited to your personal non-commercial use of the XM Satellite Radio service in your home or vehicle. If you wish to use XM Satellite Radio in a commercial or business setting such as doctor's offices, dentist's offices, restaurant/bars, retail stores, hair salons, malls, etc. please register for an XM for Business account which includes a commercial license to use XM Radio as background music to entertain your customers, guests, and employees in a commercial setting.
8. Do I need an XM for Business account?
If you are using the XM Satellite Radio service as background music or as music on hold in a physical place of business that would require background music licensing such as a doctor's office, dentist's office, restaurant/bar, retail store, hair salon, mall, etc. – yes. Please contact us to establish your business account.
9. Can I avoid paying the Music Royalty Fee if I am already an XM subscriber?
Yes. XM Canada will pay the Music Royalty Fee for current subscribers who upgrade their
subscription to a longer term plan. For more information on available plans, please call 1-
877-438-9677 to speak with a customer service representative.
10. How can I find out more information about the Music Royalty Fee?
For additional information regarding the Music Royalty Fee and how it affects your
subscription, please call Listener Care at 1-877-438-9677 to speak with a customer service
representative, or email us at care@xmradio.ca. For more information on our Terms and
Conditions please visit xmradio.ca/terms.
