TORONTO, Ont. – SIRIUS has inked a deal with CBC/Radio-Canada to bring satellite radio to Canada.

The joint venture, announced recently, will file an application with the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a licence to provide satellite radio here. Currently, satellite radio is only legally available to U.S. consumers, although the signals can be picked up north of the border.

The subscription-based service gives customers access to hundreds of commercial-free stations, including some dedicated entirely to truckers.

“Our agreement with CBC/Radio-Canada is an exceptional example of a time- honored brand joining with SIRIUS to bring an innovative national service to Canadians,” said Joseph Clayton, president and CEO of SIRIUS.

“Sixty of our 100 premier channels are commercial-free, and this makes SIRIUS an ideal match for Canada’s public broadcaster and its unparalleled Canadian programming content.

“Also, we have exclusive agreements with DaimlerChrysler, Ford and BMW car manufacturers, who sell nearly 40 per cent of all vehicles sold in Canada, which adds to our reach as well.”