XM and Sirius, the two large satellite radio providers, have teamed up to offer reduced rate a la carte-style programming, including a new choice that will allow subscribers to choose both XM and Sirius stations of their own choosing.
For $6.99 a month, subscribers of either network will be able to select 50 channels from a list of 100, although XM subscribers will only have access to XM stations and Sirius subscribers will only have access to Sirius stations.
The big news is that a $14.99 program will allow listeners to choose 100 channels of both Sirius and XM programming together, allowing them to switch between the two networks with one receiver.
Regular $12.99 per month programming of all stations on one network will continue, as well as a new $16.99 program that offers full XM or Sirius subscription and some channels from the other network.
The system will be finalized at the end of the summer and we’re expecting automakers to offer the services effective shortly thereafter. XM and Sirius say that no equipment upgrade will be necessary, so there should be no foreseeable delay in automakers offering the services.
07/23, 10:46 AM
posted by:
Bryce
That is awesome! There’s a lot of crap on XM that I never listen to. Likewise, I listen to stations that others don’t. 50 channels is plenty. But combining that with Sirius stations (I imagine) would be even better.
07/23, 11:34 AM
posted by:
MikeFX
I’m sure there will still be a few exceptions, where standalone programs like Stern will require an additional fee. Even with that possibility, this is incredible! Who wouldn’t buy this?
07/23, 11:39 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I’ve got a 70-mile commute. Satelitte radio will be welcome
07/23, 11:47 AM
posted by:
A4
I only listen to about 10 channels on my Sirius anyway.. XM is garbage.
07/23, 1:50 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
I think that satrad is a joke anyway, but for 7 bucks I might bite. I’ve had it in rental cars and can maybe find 2 stations that are tolerable so after 5 or 6 choices I dont care. Siri is better than XM, but Howard Stern got old a long time ago. Cant believe Karmazin blew over half a billion on Stern’s grizzly ass.
07/23, 2:29 PM
posted by:
sik59rt
this a la carte concept was first introduced when merger talks started happening….this is old news…the price is the only thing that is new news.
07/23, 3:37 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
R-Head.
You’re right, stern is tired
07/24, 4:34 PM
posted by:
Get Real
Can’t wait until I get a la carte for my TV at home.
No more mexican channel, women channel, cooking channel, shopping channel, nature channel, sewing channel…….
If we all dump these channels they will go away and die.