$6.99 pricing from merged Sirius, XM

Washington -- Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. would offer $6.99 "a la carte" pricing plans if they merged, the U.S. companies said Monday.

The companies said listeners could choose from 50 radio channels for $6.99 a month, compared with the current standard $12.95 a month. Customers would have to buy new radios, "which will be developed following approval of the merger," the companies said.

The companies said they also would let listeners choose "family friendly" plans that give them a $1 monthly credit for blocking adult stations they find offensive.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin -- whose agency must decide if the merger is in the public interest -- has long wanted a la carte programming and to "clean up" the airwaves, The Wall Street Journal reported.
An FCC spokeswoman said Martin would not comment on the proposed pricing plans.

Several FCC commissioners have raised concerns about the deal because it would result in the creation of only one satellite radio service, The New York Times reported.

The agency is expected to complete its review by the end of the year. The deal is also being examined for antitrust issues by the U.S. Justice Department.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.