As an investor this scares me. The idea of keeping a subscriber for 6 additional months is great, the radio probably only costs $20 to make and keeping customers is way better than paying high SAC costs.

On the other hand, why are they doing this?? Is this loss prevention/smart business or is there a bigger issue behind it?

Joe don't worry. I bet this is in anticipation of the new equipment. They need to clear out the old stuff to bring in the new. XM has been selling their older basic equipment for super-cheap ($20) with 6 month scripts for a while. That is how I got my super cheap MyFi (not quite $20).

It's also a way to get people to buy a second subscription, which is more money into their bank account with very little effort. I think it's a good idea, and it plays on the loyalty of current customers and is pushing to get them to listen in their homes.

There is no bad here. They are getting rid of old radios and upping their revenue at the same time. This should not scare you as an investor. Mel indicated at the first quarter CC that Sirius can and should do more promotion in the way XM has with their "Family" Promotions. This is just part of that type of promotion. Win/Win

I added 2 subs with this promotion when they first did it a while back. Great idea for them.