Sirius radio increases subscribers 82% in 2006

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., operator of the second-largest pay-radio service, increased its subscribers 82% to more than 6 million last year, in line with a reduced forecast last month.

The company also had its first quarter of positive free cash flow in the fourth period of 2006, according to preliminary data, New York-based Sirius said.

Sirius said Dec. 4 that it would have 5.9 million to 6.1 million subscribers at year-end, fewer than the 6.3 million predicted Nov. 8, after holiday shoppers opted for other high-end electronics.