Advocates for the XM/Sirius merger are signing an online petition urging that US Congress and the FCC endorse the XM Radio/Sirius merger deal. This adds another dimension to the XM/Sirius battle: now Congress must deal with consumer interests as well as economic interests. As the undersigned number grows, hopefully Congress and the FCC will allow the deal to pass in order to benefit the most important people of all: the subscribers.
Fear of XM-Sirius Monopoly
The FCC’s greatest fear is a satellite radio monopoly, which would hypothetically give Sirius complete economic control over the satellite radio industry. However, I along with others tend to disagree.
A combined Sirius and XM would not, under any definition, be a monopoly. Satellite radio is primarily a consumer-driven, paid-subscription alternative to free radio across the nation. The fact that well above ten million consumers have elected to pay for satellite radio when terrestrial radio remains free and readily accessible nationwide speaks volumes about what consumers want – unfortunately for the NAB and its members, consumers have tired of the pervasive, bland content provided on thousands of radio stations, for free, nationwide. (Source: XM/Sirius Petition)
For satellite radio customers (and former customers like myself), one satellite radio provider would simplify the annoying dance of choosing the right service. During the summer of 2006, I only subscribed to XM radio to listen to the World Cup 2006 via the world cup channel. Once the World Cup ended, I canceled my service because Sirius possessed a much better channel lineup at the time. But why should we as subscribers have to choose between Sirius or XM radio in the first place? I want to enjoy the NFL and Major League Baseball on the same network for goodness sakes!
Should The Merger Go Through?
What do you think? Should Congress give the merger two thumbs up?
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I have both of these stocks for some time now and as far as I’m concerned they can monopolize the whole industry just more money for us. I’m eager to see what’s going to happen with that.
I bought SIRI at around $3.20. I had been watching the stock for some time, and thought it may have bottomed. Then more negative news came and Sirius stock took a hit. But that’s Ok! I’m going to buy again because I’m long SIRI.
Whether it’s XMSR or SIRI, satellite radio is here to stay.
let them merge
Medical cost is the biggest racket in America. The same US products sell at much lower cost out of USA. But due to medical industry lobbying, our rsepected Congressmen donot take any actions. Whereas they are busy in SIRI-XM merger to stop monopoly in sat-radio business.
Honored Congressmen, I will not buy sat-radio if the price is not right. Please donot worry on its monopoly. High price of medicines I have to pay for it for my survival . Will you please act on a fair pricing on this, an essential and unavoidable cost item to all Americans.
Approve the merger as soon as possible. The stocks have really dropped because you were supposed to decide by 12/5 and missed that date.
PASS THE MEERGER DEAL ALREADY AND STOP DELAYING
I own alot of SIRI stock and have lost alot. I am in it for the long haul, congress has no right to hold up the merger especially since the subscribers and shareholders will benefit.If it is clear that people would PAY for what they want rather than settle on the free crap, then there is demand!
Who controls the cost when there is no competition. You would be free to change subscribers without buying a new radio if they had complied with the first set of rules. This is a bad deal for consumers.