Groups who were pushing for concessions in the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., praised the reports that the companies have agreed to certain conditions. But they're also holding out for more details (something that Wall Street appears to be doing as well).
Public interest group Public Knowledge and manufacturer U.S. Electronics had asked the FCC for an open access provision to be included, allowing for any device manufacturer to produce satellite radio.
"U.S. Electronics is extremely gratified that the Chairman reportedly has recommended adoption of an open access regime by the parties to the merger as a condition of approval," USE representative Kathy Wallman told Orbitcast. "The angels are in the details, though, so assuming these reports are accurate, U.S. Electronics will remain involved in the process to make sure that consumers and competition get the benefit of an open access condition that really works."
Public Knowledge, along with Media Access Project, also had pushed hard for a set-aside of spectrum for educational/non-commercial use.
"From what we can tell, the statement covers 95% of what we had suggested," a Public Knowledge spokesperson told Orbitcast. "The set aside also looks great, but we'll wait to see the details."
Both the open access provision and non-commercial set aside were reportedly concessions that Sirius-XM have agreed to, and that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will be circulating to Commissioners as soon as today.
Wall Street too seems skeptical of the details.
Shares of SIRI are up just 4.72%, to $2.66. The stock closed at $3.69 on February 16th, 2007 which was the last trading day before the merger was announced. Similarly, shares of XMSR rose 4.68% to $11.38, down from $13.98 just before the announcement of the merger agreement.
I truly believe that even with the FCC approving this, it will be at least 3-4 years before you see money in this stock.
At that time if things start moving in the economy and you see one of the XM/SIRI units standard in each Honda FCX Clarity, you will really see this puppy fly..
I think you are on to something, getting satellite radio standard on all Honda FCX Clarity's should be a top priority/
Here's my bet (assuming the economy doesn't get worse) SIXM will be in the black Q3 of 2009. It will not take 3-4 years.
With Martin "pre announcing" (to take his ass out of the fire) now we can have another six months with Congress trying to grandstand while more vermin like Georgetown crawl from the woodwork looking for handouts.
G.D. it FCC... make a fucking call and quit pussyfooting already. the clock is still ticking....
Yeah, just because Martin says he's recommending approval, it's quite another when they'll actually get down to voting on it. That could be months away yet, for all we know.
to be honest
i think this is over.....its a done deal.....the battle has been won....lets hope there is something left though after the war....otherwise it was a waste
to be honest
i think this is over.....its a done deal.....the battle has been won....lets hope there is something left though after the war....otherwise it was a waste
Is it ME or does Kevin look like Harry Potter?
:=)
Sure hope us electronics continues to push for public disclosure.
So XM may be allowed to jump into the quicksand right alongside Sirius. The stockholders will get a little smooch. Maybe they will have bought a little time...then what? There aren't any more cards to play, folks! If this deal doesn't result in great radio and sales to match - uh oh.
I hope Kathy Wallman is not trying to take credit for future interoperability. Especially when the company she represents may not live to see the day.
little Max, Are you still here trying to wow us with your unintelligence? Do you feel your a better person than Kathy Wallman? Are you so ignorant that you think the new news of the "merge" scheme is something that prompts you to throw your hands in the air in a unintelligent victory?
"This is the last time I am responding to you a little turd like you. When Ryan wants to restore the quality of his site, I'll be back. It's his to lose. If you had any brains or decency, you would just STFU and crawl back under the rock you came from.
Have a nice day, putz."
Posted by: Max | June 14, 2008 9:19 PM
PS don't you worry about Kathy Wallman and U.S. Electronics they will be in better shape than you.