NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell, Markey Call for Conditions on Satellite Radio Merger Decision If Approved by the FCC

Washington, D.C. – Reps. John D. Dingell (D-MI), the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, today sent a letter to Kevin J. Martin, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), regarding the proposed XM-Sirius satellite radio merger. The congressmen urged the FCC to take steps to protect consumers in connection with any decision to approve the merger.

“This merger will impact millions of consumers,” said Dingell. “It is essential that, if the FCC approves this merger, it ensures there are appropriate safeguards in place to protect consumers. It should allow any manufacturer to offer devices that are compatible with the newly-formed company’s satellite radio service. Just as consumers should be permitted to bring non-harmful compatible devices to wireless networks, they should have the opportunity to bring their choice of devices to the service of the newly-formed company created by this merger.”

"As the FCC evaluates the proposed XM-Sirius merger, they must remember their mandate to consider consumer welfare and protect the public interest," said Markey.

In the event the merger is approved, the lawmakers specifically urged the FCC to require the new company to adhere to, at a minimum, the price constraints that XM and Sirius have already submitted to the Commission. Dingell and Markey also asked the Commission to ensure that any device manufacturer is able to develop equipment that can deliver the new company’s satellite radio service. They said the company should also be prohibited from limiting consumer access to these devices or features that might be included in such devices through exclusive contracts or otherwise.

The Department of Justice approved the proposed XM-Sirius merger without conditions last month. FCC approval is the final step in the merger approval process.

Read the letter »

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