Published: 29 September 2008
It's been in the works for a while, but it finally appears that a merger is inevitable between the only two satellite radio provider, XM and Sirius. Anyone for a game of Monopoly?
According to an article on endgadget.com the merger for 13 billion dollar deal will happen by the end of the year. Both companies have struggled a great deal for some time financially and this merger really comes as no surprise. I think the crowning point and buzz on the blogs is whether or not this is a monopoly and will they have unfair price controls. The answer is 'yes' and the following statement is... ' so what '.
The important thing to remember here is that the service XM and Sirius are providing is a new product that is desperately competing against a service that has been around for almost a century for free. The very thought of this merger resulting in rising costs to the consumer is like stating a single company selling ice in Antarctica is a monopoly. Again, who cares.
I'm a huge fan of satellite radio. I have an hour commute each work day so XM radio saves the day for me. I don't know what I'd do without Bluesville, Sonic Theater, Real Jazz, and the comedy stations. Now that March Madness is just around the corner, I'm kicking myself for not getting Sirius for the SEC teams. I've got to listen to my KY Wildcats!! So this is one monopoly I'm cheering for. If they raise my rates, I'll listen to CDs and talk radio every day just like I did before satellite, and I won't even have to pass Go!