XM and Sirius may be about to merge

Personally, I seriously DOUBT that the Feds will give this the go-ahead. IF it does get the go-ahead, I will be surprised as it is stipulated (somewhere, I don't remember where) that one satellite radio company cannot buy out another, that is why they are trying to merge and NOT buy each other out...it will be VERY slick if this is allowed to go through, I think this is simply a media "ploy" and free advertising for both. I could be wrong, but I doubt it...

 

The Fed's? at this stage of a company do they have a say? I read that stip. also, but not sure either on where. Slick yes, they can do it, look at US AIR and America West. Ploy for advertising? maybe, but thats such a far stretch for 2 company's that were doing OK, that is more of a last resort. They just want to be the biggest, Up there with Time Warner, and Microsoft. I think it may be good in a way and better if they tackle cell phones also... they have the technology.

 

The government created a duopoly by only granting two licenses for satellite radio - this was supposed to create competition. I don't see how this is going to fly pas the anti-trust regulators. I guess the only argument is that XM and Sirius can't survive staying independent. Probably what will happen is that the govt may end up regulating the fees they can charge, which would be good for consumers (assuming the deal is approved)...

 

If they are able to get passed the regulators and the merger does go thru the one thing I want to know is will I have to go out and buy a new radio?

 

I found this on Sirius website : http://investor.sirius.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=230306
And on XM Website:http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=115922&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=964623&highlight=


Both have podcasts of the anouncement

 

MMMM thanks fish I learned somthing:smt041 , I just don't think I agree with it, but what can I do, NOTHING....

 

This quote was from XM.
I interpret it, is if you bought car/radio that is capable of XM you will be OK, if your like me and got a dumb box that is only XM we will be out of luck.... start thinking about a replacement.

 

What? When did this happen???

 

The merger was completed 2 years ago. Didn't they deliver the memo to you?

 

I just thought it would be fun to be "Dig up the two year old Thread Guy."