From: SkyREPORT [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:01 AM Subject: SkyREPORT 01/03/2008 - iBiquity Takes On Satellite Radio Merger iBiquity Takes On Satellite Radio Merger Should a combined satellite radio entity be required to include technology from a competing service in its receivers? Last month, iBiquity Digital, known for its HD Radio platform that allows FM and AM stations to deliver digital-quality audio to listeners, asked the Federal Communications Commission to consider a condition for the XM/Sirius merger that would require HD Radio technology to be included in all satellite radio receivers. It was the latest proposed condition aimed at the XM/Sirius transaction, which continues to wait for regulatory approval from the FCC and Justice Department antitrust staff. In a filing sent to the FCC, iBiquity stressed that it has no formal position on the merger. But the company suggested the condition would ensure "a level competitive playing field between satellite radio and HD Radio technology." iBiquity also said a combined satellite radio company should be required to terminate all exclusive arrangements with current partners and be prohibited from entering into exclusive deals with suppliers, retailers and automobile manufacturers in the future. In its FCC filing, iBiquity alleged that the satellite radio companies may have used subsidies and incentives paid to automobile manufacturers and their suppliers to discourage proliferation of HD Radio products. The company also said, "A merged entity will have a stronger economic position and more cash to fund subsidies and incentives. As the sole provider of satellite services, the merged entity will have greater leverage over retailers, car manufacturers and suppliers." iBiquity added, "This combined satellite monopoly would be in a better position to act anti-competitively to exclude HD Radio products." The XM/Sirius merger has been at the FCC for more than 180 days. The companies first announced plans to combine operations in February. _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
