NationStates Jolt Archive

If you may remember, we discussed the XM and Sirius Satellite Radio Mergers in some previous posts and how this seems like it may be a monopoly since they are the only two satellite radio providers in the United States. Many actually said the FCC will prevent it or the other governemnt agencies etc. Well it seems it was full on approved.

As an XM Subscriber I received a letter from XM that said that they are merging with XM they expect the merger to be complete in late 2007. So it seems it went through. Is it a monopoly? Is it wrong?

Yes and no. It is a monopoly on the satellite radio market, but certainly not a monopoly on the music industry.

I'm surprised the FCC allowed it, but I'm glad they did. A single large provider provides better service (you don't need to compromise what you want, or pay for overlapping services to get everything you want). Nothing's stopping someone else from competing with them (aside from the huge barrier to entry in terms of launching satellites, but XM and Sirius managed it) should their service slip enough to create a market inefficiency.

If you may remember, we discussed the XM and Sirius Satellite Radio Mergers in some previous posts and how this seems like it may be a monopoly since they are the only two satellite radio providers in the United States.

If XM and Sirius are somehow a monopoly then Apple is a monopoly since they are the only ones who make Macs.

Satellite radio still has to compete against free radio and if they charge outrageous prices people won't buy it.

i wonder if this would open a slot in the duopoloy for a new satellite radio provider to come in.

I never like to see monopolies, especially large ones such as this. If it's going ahead, regulation is required.

It may be a monopoly on the satellite radio industry, but it is also saving satellite radio from going down the drain. It isn't like they are joining together to stomp out competition from little nobodies, they were fighting each other and no one else, and both were going down for it.

So it is sitll a monopoly you think even though there is no other providers? There is no term simply for an exclusive industry that no one has set foot in except two companies?

Satellite radio sucks.

Satellite radio sucks.

I like satellite radio. I mean you cant beat uninterrupted music (mostly uninterrupted except some DJ talk but no commercials) and the selection is better than any except major city radio stations. I mean its like you have over 40 radio stations you can listen to.