Sirius, XM Will Offer A La Carte Programming

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 7/23/2007 8:43:00 AM

Washington — Sirius and XM announced that their proposed merged company would offer U.S. consumers the choice of lower-cost service on an a la carte basis. 

Consumers will be able to buy a basic package of 50 channels for as low as $6.99, which is almost half the price of the current $12.99 monthly fee charged by each service independently. (Full programming details here.)

The companies hope the choice of two a la carte options will demonstrate that the merger would be in the public interest and help win federal approval.

A second a la carte option will allow subscribers to choose 100 channels. Sirius customers will be able to select from some of XM’s programming and vice versa. The two a la carte packages would be offered within a year of the merger, said the companies.

Some of an additional six programming packages would be offered within six months of the merger. Among the six other options are two “family-friendly” packages that will allow users to block adult-themed programming and receive a price credit. The packages will cost $6.99 to $16.99.

Customers who order a la carte programming will be required to purchase new equipment. They will be able to select their channels online.