Satellite radio firms Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio Holdings, which are seeking federal approval to merge, said Monday they plan to offer a la carte plans to customers starting at $6.99 a month for 50 channels, the Associated Press reported.
The two satellite radio rivals, which are seeking Federal Communications Commission of their $4.7 billion merger announced in February, plan to offer eight plans costing up to $16.99 per month. They currently offer programming options costing from $12.95 to $25.90 per month.
While the two do not release their subscribers by auto vs. trucks, many truckers, particularly long-haul drivers, listen to satellite radio on their runs.
Under the a la carte option, customers will be able to buy additional channels for as little as 25 cents each.
A second a la carte option will allow subscribers to choose 100 channels and will allow customers of each to select from some of the best of the other’s programming, AP reported.
A la carte programming will be available beginning within one year following a merger, and the other options will be available beginning within six months following the merger, AP said.
