First lets go over the concessions.

1.)Turning 24 channels over to non-commercial and minority programming.

I know many think this to be the worst of them. I actually think it is one of the best. The reason is simple, from what I have read and understand SIRI and XMSR both already have most of the channels that comply with this. So one of two things happen both are not so bad. One is SIRI/XMSR do not have to give a full 24 channels up anyway. The second one, is the better of the two though. Because they already have many of these channels they can stop carrying them and let the Public Knowledge and minorities pick up the cost for the content. The best part is that as I understand, The enities dont pay anything for the lease but have to pay for their own content, and people still have to subscribe to get them. So in the end while the quality will go down on those channels, because of the need for more commercials to pay for the content will go up. It will actually save SIRI/XMSR money that they would have had to pay for at least 12 out of the 24 channels (that is being conservative).

2.)Three year price freeze

This is not so bad ether. Lets face it, if Mel could afford to keep the prices down he would he knows there is only so much the masses are willing to pay for radio. That is why I believe this is not even really a concession. They would do this anyway if they could.

3.)Open Access

Who here, would really think this is even a big deal at all anyway. I dont know if most know this, but manufactures are not breaking down SIRI/XMSR doors to build satellite radios. Even if they were, I am sure Mel is going to make dam sure, it is at the very least not harmful to satellite radio. As proof look at the concessions he was able to get.

4.) A-La-Carte pricing available within 3 months of deal closure.

I posted on this before this is what I said about that:

Here is a thought, How many subscribers do you think hold both SIRI and XMSR right now, and are paying the 25.9 each month for both. I have to say, I think the percentage is very very low. Now how many subscribers do you think that have had all the content that they have been exposed to from ether SIRI or XMSR would go down to the 6.99 subscribtion that really only offers music channels. I think that percentage is very very low, as a matter of fact if they would go for that package then chances are there is a big percentage of those that would have (churned out) left anyway. Now how many people that pay 12.95 a month to get one would not mind paying 2 or 4 dollars more to get the SIRI/XMSR you have now plus the best 13 channels from the other. IMO, The al la cart will not only lower churn, but may actually bring up the ARPU. Give them a year and then you will have another price point that will offer, access to both full services, for some higher price.

Here is an example I think we all can agree with: How much did you start paying for your cable/satellite tv when you first got it. Now how much are you paying. I would be willing to bet most have upgraded to the extra package and are now paying more then they did when they first started it.

All I am saying is when you here analyst say the al la cart is going to bring ARPU way down think about what happen to your cable/satellite tv bill. Just a piece of common sense. I also believe Mel Karmazin has thought about it to.

5.) have to have a interoperable radio in 9 months.

Ho no, you mean that they are going to have to put out a radio, that when it comes out, (the sooner the better) will start the big savings and profits for the companies.

6.) Have to provide service to Puerto Rico.

I think that one speaks for its self, if you ask me. Sure there are cost to the towers but in a population of over 3 million plus it being a tourist spot. I think they will be able to find enough people and hotels that are able to afford a satellite radio subscription, to more then pay for the towers.

So there you have it, there they are, all the big bad concessions. Maybe someone can tell me, where are they all that bad, because I just dont see the big down side.

I thought Sirius/XM was required to lease without payment.