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[Joe]

http://nypost.com/business/38810.htm

While talks have not advanced far, executives from both sides have been meeting lately to discuss the possibility of a merger, according to several sources close to the matter.

while that would be absolutely awesome, i doubt it would be legal. i dont see how they could get around the antitrust laws?

 

[videogamer]

afaik, satellite radio plays by different rules because it doesn't use the airwaves. Furthermore, satellite radio competes with normal radio and internet radio.

 

[Dilbert]

Does anyone know if their networks are compatible in terms of communications protocols, frequencies, etc.? Would it be as simple as getting upgraded firmware in your existing [XM | Sirius] receiver, or would this require the purchase of new hardware?

I'm still scratching my head at the Sprint/Nextel merger for just that reason -- TOTALLY different network protocols.

 

[DarienA]

Man that would rock... all sports on one sat company.... *drool*

While many people in the media industry say it's inevitable the two companies will eventually merge, sources say a deal could be at least a year away.

Sweeeet.

 

[marko]

afaik, satellite radio plays by different rules because it doesn't use the airwaves. Furthermore, satellite radio competes with normal radio and internet radio.

Sounds similar to dish network/Directv merger except that was tv, and that merger was blocked by FCC.

 

[ChumsGum]

Does anyone know if their networks are compatible in terms of communications protocols, frequencies, etc.? Would it be as simple as getting upgraded firmware in your existing [XM | Sirius] receiver, or would this require the purchase of new hardware?

I'm still scratching my head at the Sprint/Nextel merger for just that reason -- TOTALLY different network protocols.

The Sprint/Nextel merger means that all those Nextel customers will get screwed and will have to eventually switch to Sprints network and phones.

 

[sprsk]

sports yay

i hope they dont remove any stations though.

 

[DarienA]

The Sprint/Nextel merger means that all those Nextel customers will get screwed and will have to eventually switch to Sprints network and phones.

Uh those Nextel customers were gonna get screwed either way iDEN is a dead-end. Problem for Nextel customers now is PTT over CDMA sucks and they have to hope that PTT over EDVO works better.

 

[theo]

i subscribe to both, so this would be cool with me. one receiver compatible with both services would also kick ass. but...

Mel Quashes Sirius-XM Merger Rumor
Jan. 26, 2005

Mel Karmazin characterized a New York Post report of a potential XM-Sirius merger as the “third rumor” he has had to deal with in his first eight weeks as Sirius CEO. “I have not met with the [XM] chair or the CEO, so I have no idea where this has come from,” he said during his firm’s Wednesday morning (1/26) earnings conference call.

Commenting later in the call on a question about potential antitrust restrictions for such a merger, Karmazin said he would never try to predict what the government would or wouldn’t approve, adding that he thought such a merger would be a “difficult deal to get through.”

According to Post writer Tim Arango, the two satellite competitors have been meeting lately to talk about the possibility of a merger but the discussions have not advanced. Among the topics reportedly discussed is how to maneuver antitrust concerns that would arise from what would amount to a monopoly in the fledgling satellite radio business.

To alleviate those concerns, the Post suggests the two rivals’ strategy would be to convince regulators that satellite radio is part of the exploding mobil music market.

Combining XM and Sirius would ease a price war for content, reduce marketing costs and provide other cost efficiencies.

 

[xsarien]

The Sprint/Nextel merger means that all those Nextel customers will get screwed and will have to eventually switch to Sprints network and phones.

GOOD. That damned chirping makes me want to do horrible things that involve cell phones and their owners' body cavities.