I received a letter today telling me not worry about the merger. My radio would NOT have to be replaced, it will still work with the merger.....of the two companies.

 

Got the same letter. BULL$%&@! This is bad for consumers and should not go forward. The merged monopoly will gain pricing power; we will all be hosed.

The reasons that XM and Sirius suddenly need to merge are the following:

1. Both spent ridiculous sums recruiting "name" talent when all they needed to do was play commercial-free music. It was IDIOTIC to make Howard Stern a multi-millionaire.

2. Neither one recognized that their marginal cost is nearly zero. Thus, any amount of subscription income is profit. They were stupid to set and defend prices that are unacceptable to 90% of Americans.

3. Neither one took care of their existing customers. XM let me go without a fight when I balked at the renewal price for my former TL's subscription. The customer you already have is almost always more profitable than the customer you need to woo.

Forgive my passion. Stupidity really pi$$es me off. Especially when hundreds of millions of dollars are involved. Hello!!? Get an MBA!!

 

I don't know. I listen to a lot of sports on XM and the combo of the two services will give us fantastic sports coverage. It probably won't happen, but I am not adverse to the merger.

 

Listening to sports is about as much fun as watching music!

 

I understand your wanting the NFL and NBA because Sirius has it. The problem is that when there isn't competition prices go up. The reverse is true as well- New Jersey cable prices are falling because Verizon is now in the TV business.

Yes, the equipment will be compatible, but the prices will go up. Right now you can get XM for $77/year. There's no way that low price will continue. The other thing that will happen is that the new combo XM/Sirius unit will have more features and possibly more coverage so a demand for the new units will increase. That will cause people to buy new portable/home units, and frankly the car manufacturers think they'll sell more cars. The merger will be good for the car business.

 

To each his own, I guess.

 

You know I am driving a $50,000 car, so if I have to pay a couple of bucks more for a combined service, then bring it on. I am for the merger. It probably won't happen, but I won't mind if it happens.