An artist's concept of XM radio broadcasting spacecraft built by Boeing Satellite Systems.

XM Satellite Radio commenced a nationwide soft launch test program this past week, deploying dozens of teams of testers equipped with XM radios to more than 20 markets across the country, in preparation for its commercial service launch later this summer.

With both its high-powered satellites broadcasting from their final geostationary positions, XM is road-testing the XM Experience utilizing selected testers comprised of employees and business partners across the nation.

"This is the first step in a multi-staged XM launch preparedness effort," said XM President and CEO Hugh Panero. "We now have teams of people listening to XM content originating from our Broadcast Center distributed nationally by our two high-powered satellites and received on XM radios in 20 markets. The testers are providing feedback as we put our system through its paces in preparation for a commercial launch later this summer."

Last month, XM's second satellite, "Roll," was formally handed over to XM by Boeing Satellite Systems and began broadcasting as part of the preparation for XM's commercial launch. The satellite, launched May 8, is performing beyond expectations, like its twin ``Rock.'' By using two powerful satellites, each with the same nationwide coverage, XM will ensure maximum signal and system reliability.

XM will transform radio, an industry that has seen little technological change since FM, almost 40 years ago. XM will offer up to 100 channels of digital-quality sound and provide coast-to-coast coverage of music, news, sports, talk, comedy and children's programming. XM successfully launched its second satellite on May 8, completing its constellation. Commercial service is scheduled to begin late this summer.

XM won several awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January, including "Best of CES" in the automotive category. XM's strategic investors include America's leading car, radio and satellite TV companies -- General Motors, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Clear Channel Communications, DIRECTV and Motient Corporation. XM has a distribution agreement with General Motors to integrate XM radios into its vehicles commencing in 2001. "XM- ready" radios are being manufactured by such household names as Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion, Blaupunkt, Delphi-Delco, Visteon, Panasonic, and Sanyo and are available through retailers including Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Sears and Crutchfield. XM tuner modules will be available before service launch.