Are XM and Sirius merging? If so, when is it going to be complete, and will the merged service cost more?

Answer 1

They want to merge but the FCC and FTC must both approve the deal. The shareholders will also have to vote on it.

Both companies want this merger to save themselves. Both companies have spent LOTS of $$$ to set up their respective businesses and the subscription and advertising revenue hasn't come in as well as they'd hoped. For instance, you should see the studios at XM in Washington - incredible and very expensive!

Both are public companies that fall under the authority of the FCC (among others). It is likely this merger will be allowed. Currently only one FCC commissioner is opposed. However the FTC must also approve and that won't be as easy to get through.

The good news is that the new company will be financially stronger than the two separate ones and the chances of you being able to enjoy satellite radio will be better under a stronger merged single company.

One of the things promised by Sirius boss Mel Karmazin is a special deal where you'd be able to select your favorite 50 stations from each service and only pay $6-$7 per month for that new plan. Or keep the full service for about $13 (what you are paying now). There will also be some other deals available.

It would be a good deal for all involved - except maybe terrestrial radio and certain employees who would be let go - as one of the reasons for the merger would be to cut costs by taking advantage of the economies of scale it would provide.

Others who might not benefit are those seeking jobs in the industry as there would be fewer jobs available and only the best, most mature and most experienced would be hired. The deal has a lot of steps before it happens, so I can't really say when it will close - probably next year. Your service shouldn't be interrupted in the meantime. So enjoy.

Hope this helps clear the air. Good question. A star for you!
-a guy named duh

Answer 2

They are planning to merger.If they merge, it should be complete in 2008, no news on when new radios for the merged company will come out. IF they merge the prices have said to come down. You can keep what you have now for 12.95 a month, if you want mostly music or mostly talk from XM or Sirius it will be $9.99. If you want complete XM Or Sirius With Selected Sirius or XM Channels it will be $16.99. All of thoes plans will work on current radios. Ala Cart Services will be available where you pick your 50 channels you want for $6.99 a month, extra channels can be added for a small free.

Answer 3

Umm, would not that violate American monopoly regulations? there is now no opposition for satellite tv for pc radio which potential they might value regardless of they choose. this is the reason monopoly regulations are in place, yet i think if Microsoft can do it, then anybody can!