Remember when XM was the one to beat? Billboard reports that XM also made the leap to positive cash flow in the last quarter of 2006, even if it missed subscriber projections by at least 100,000 (or, 1.4 million, if you're still looking at original projections).

Billboard reports, "XM Satellite Radio Friday reported it added 1.7 million new subscribers in 2006 giving them a total subscriber base of 7.6 million. The year-end total fell short of the satcaster's projected range of 7.7 to 7.9 million, which had been lowered twice earlier in the year from an initial projection of 9 million. XM reported that it achieved positive cash flow from operations during Q4 '06."

Analysts keep calling for a merger between XM and Sirus but, I'm not so sure that's what we want. It may be inevitable but, a merger would seriously lower the bar for innovation in what is still a very new industry. I'd like to see both companies have another year or so to develop differentiating qualities before the whole industry consolidates to one bland lump.

See also:
Sirius checks bank, finally