When will XM and Sirius merge? Should I wait to subscribe to one?

Question

I want to buy satellite radio for a friend for christmas, but I heard they were going to merge and do not know if I should wait until then.

Answer 1

If you want Howard Stern, I would get it now.  I've heard the low dollar deals, post merger, will not include Stern, current Sirius customers (like me) can keep their currnet service at the same price and same channels.

Answer 2

1) The  Merger: I saw something last week that indicated they may actually close the deal before the end of the year. As unlikely as that sounds (most were predicting early to mid-2008) it's possible.

2) The receivers (radios): Though there are some engineering types who say receiving either or both is possible now with certain sets and a slight modification, both XM and Sirius still maintain that it will be a while before a dual receiver will be available.

3) What you will get: If the deal closes, Mel Karmazin, Chairman of Sirius and projected leader of the pack, insists that there will be many deals available for subscribers to select favorite channels from both services and listen to them on currently available receivers. One proposed deal gives you 50 channels from either service at $7/mo. Others will be announced soon (there are lots of rumors about this on web sites and blogs (including YA), use your favorite search engine and/or search YA with the search box (top of every page).

4) What you should do about buying now for the holidays: I would give your friend the option to purchase the receiver and service of his/her choice - perhaps with a gift card to Best Buy or the like. Both services have holiday specials on their websites. I think you are safe buying now. Neither of the services (nor Mel - not exactly Mr Warmth, but a very bright guy) would be dumb enough to tick-off holiday shoppers with any post-merger surprises. So go for it and happy holidays to you and your friend!

-a guy named duh