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FCC approves Sirius/XM merger with conditions

By Justin Mann

On July 28, 2008, 4:15 PM

We haven't heard much out of Sirius and XM since they were sued, following their attempt to merge. Though the merger has been rocky at best, the FCC has apparently given the go-ahead to both companies provided that they follow some “voluntary” restrictions that might actually make satellite radio more appealing.

For one, it seems the companies will, within a year of the merger, create “dual-service” receivers that function with both Sirius and XM stations. That seems like a no-brainer if the companies become one, but the second part of the interoperability statement is what is really interesting. It seems the companies will allow any third-party to manufacture compatible equipment, with no restriction, giving radio manufacturers all the room they want in designing custom receivers.

Some other conditions include a price rate lock and not making exclusive deals with hardware manufacturers for receivers. None of that is nearly as exciting as an “open” receiver, however.

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User Comments: 2

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  1. i hate them satellite radios. i hated their gimmicks from the day one. when i first purchased their add-on receiver at BestBuy, they offered $30 rebate on the reciever, therefore i bought it. only after coming home and opening up the box found out that in order for the rebate to work, you had to subscribe by a certain date. i bought the reciever as a christmas gift, how TF was i gonna get the rebate. at on where on outside of the box it stated that, and in BestBuy, sales person neglected about that piece of vital detail. i took it back to BestBuy and their manager apologized to me and offered me refund. great!
  2. Sounds like a good idea, kinda... but now that there is no competition what will happen to prices...they can only be controlled so far. I think screw radio thats what HDD Players are for you car, just like a computer, load the cds you want directly or by wifi or off your next work. no need for cds ever again. And much music as you want and no stupid radio adds.

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