Cable radio monoploy

[Gonz]

February 19, 2007 -- Satellite radio operators Sirius and XM are expected to announce their long-awaited merger today, according to a source familiar with the deal.

The two sides were locked in negotiations over the weekend trying to hammer out a final agreement with an eye toward going public with the merger today in Washington, D.C., where XM is based, this source said.

Will the FCC allow it?

NY Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02192007/business/heavenly_deal_business_peter_lauria.htm)

[Inkara1]

I haven't seen anything about it at any other site... but $5 says the FCC won't allow it because it would create a monopoly.

[Gonz]

A monopoly where barely an industry exists.

[A.B.Normal]

I haven't seen anything about it at any other site... but $5 says the FCC won't allow it because it would create a monopoly.

Really??? http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,252775,00.html

[Inkara1]

That came up later, but it was quoting the NY Post as were the other stories I found... until this up on XM's site:

http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1423

[Inkara1]

Of course, now my question... the two services use different types of satellites and different compression algorithms... if I have to buy new equipment I'm going to be sufficiently pissed.