If you are a US citizen, you should feel $240K richer right about now, thanks to a voluntary contribution to the US Treasury from satellite audio service Sirius XM as a result of a settlement with the FCC.
The FCC was investigating the companies compliance with promises made and condition set regarding the merger of Sirius with XM back in 2008. The FCC approved that deal 7/25/08.
The dispute seems to center on whether or not the satcaster complied with promises not to raise rates for three years subsequent to the merger.
The FCC indicated that in general, it does not have a problem with the company. It stated, “…we conclude that our investigation raises no substantial or material questions of fact as to whether Sirius XM possesses the basic qualifications, including those related to character, to hold or obtain any Commission license or authorization.”
The FCC also said, “Recognizing that the Parties expended resources in connection with this investigation and to avoid further expenditure of resources, Sirius XM agrees that it will make a voluntary contribution to the United States Treasury in the amount of Two Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($240,000).”
There were no other conditions placed on Sirius XM.
Sirius XM has not responded to a request for comment.
RBR-TVBR observation: It looks like in this case the FCC didn’t really have anything yet, but perhaps thought it still had matters it could continue to investigate. With Sirius XM’s generous offer to defray the national debt, it would appear that the two sides came to the mutual decision to simplylet the sun set on this matter.
Situation normal: Sirius/XM damages its competitors and its customers. Then what happens? An agency of the federal government, through a fine, enriches the coffers of the federal government by $240K. Problem solved!
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