XM subscriber base tops 5 million

XM Satellite Radio's subscriber base in the U.S. now exceeds 5 million, the company said Tuesday.

The company, which leads the fledgling but growing satellite radio market, also said that it's on track to have 6 million customers by the end of the year.

The network recently signed a $100 million, 10-year agreement to broadcast National Hockey League games. XM also has deals to air Major League Baseball playoffs and the World Series, and has announced plans to launch a 24-hour talk radio channel for women.

XM, which competes with Sirius Satellite Radio in the emerging market, recently bought into WorldSpace radio, in an attempt to reach out to other markets in Asia and Africa.