Sirius XM Rate Increase For March 11th CONFIRMED
For those of you who may have heard the news about the “potential” Sirius XM rate increase this afternoon, I can unequivocally confirm that this is in fact true. Customer support representatives are now confirming to the general public that the rates will go into effect on March 11th and they are encouraging current subscribers to lock in at their current and soon to be grandfathered rates for 3 years, before it is too late.
As suspected there will be a $2 increase for additional subscriptions and a $2.99 fee for the online internet radio service. The silver lining in all of this is that all internet subscriptions will now feature the 128k “premium” feed.
Whether or not there will be more channel lineup changes or new content offerings surrounding this rate increase is yet to be seen as even the representatives who I spoke with personally were a little fuzzy on this information.
What is certain is that these new price increases could be just what the company needs to get them out of their looming debt issues. Whether it’s subscribers looking to spend more money to lock in at long term lower rates or new subscribers willing to pay the slightly higher fee, either way Sirius XM wins.
As far as the FCC and those pesky merger concessions go, I think it is safe to say with the Base, Best of, and A la Carte packages remaining unchanged, the legal hurdles have been cleared.
I just called customer service and they said the same thing. Seems like an interesting time to be charging people more for something that is a luxury for most.
I have never bashed this stock check my previous post. I hold way too many shares.
Mel knows bankruptcy will create mass cancellations from shareholders and non shareholders.
What will he do to stop you from cancelling? He is bating us with the ultimatum. EITHER PURCHASE LIFETIME SUBS OR ON MARCH 11th THE RATE WILL GO UP.
What Lifetime subs do is guarantee that subs remain on board during operational service in bankruptcy allowing him to emerge from bankruptcy with the same amount of subs as pre-bankruptcy. CBS will be happy to buy Siriusxm while in bankruptcy but will only do so with the Subs as part of the package. NO OTHER EXPLANATION ON WHY HE WOULD RAISE RATES AT THIS POINT OF A FALLEN ECONOMY. PLEASE MARK THIS POST AS I VOMIT. THIS SOB ROBBED MY FAMILIES FREEDOM.
question: how does a lifetime sub (in which one does not need to pay anything more for the life of the sub, i.e., forever) help a company emerge from a bankruptcy?
answer: it does not! a lifetime sub has no further revenue stream; however, it has a cost to the company. however, a lifetime sub might be used to prevent a bk by obtaining necessary funds.
Your answer, Shark, in part is that a “lifetime” sub is a little misleading. You are paying for the lifetime of your radio, not your own lifetime.
If you can lock in subscribers with a “lifetime” now, then you still have the same subscribers 2 years from now. BUT, as most of us subscribers know; these radios are NOT built to last. The XACT line of radios burn out very fast (I have had 2) and your warranty is on the original, not the replacement. I am also on my 2nd Starmate unit. If your radio burns out, you pay a $75 fee (on top of buying a new unit) the first time it happens. After that, you have to buy a new “lifetime”! Sound confusing? It is.
I have a lifetime subscription, but I now know that at best, I can break even by not paying month to month. Also, I have lost EVERY dime that I invested in Sirius stock (Closing today at .10!!). Am I bitter? Yes. Do I still love Sirius? Yes.
O-Kwa-Tan-Zi-Wan.
nope, closed at .1115 today…
after-hours all in the 11’s today, too….
will it last? who knows…
I have my trading platform with the basis for my stock all the way to the right so that I can’t see it…too depressing.
I would cancel my cell phone before I canceled my radios. The service is dirt cheap to begin with. As an investor I say bring it on!!!
I say double it Dread and then place an investor excise tax on it, rebated to shareholders.
That would be sweet!! I went for the lifetime sub with best of sirius. What surprised me was I was told that it was 500.00 + tax, when I got my bill it was 480 / and change, the service is way undervalued, and I agree with sxminvestor, if people want to cry about this, then stop blowing your money at the bar!!! Or hookers!!
Well remember that “lifetime” is only lifetime of the radio and since I’m on my 4th radio because they don’t seem to last I wouldn’t be welcoming a price increase.
3 radios after that you start over. I still have my first plug and play radio from 2002. Works great even after I dropped it on the driveway. I put it back together, and its been fine.
Hey Dread SCR, SXM, & everyone !!
Cut costs and increase prices, keep it up Mel!!!
Let him do what needs to be done to get this company profitable.
I have a lifetime sub and I am still on my first radio after nearly four years. I have gotten my money back.I have a new spare radio that I bought on sale as a back up when my first does quit. Now if I could just get my money back from my sirius stock investment.
vaporgold
Mel knows what he is doing.
The influx of cash for subs wanting to lock in their rates may just bring in enough cash to get them over the short-term hump and increase revenue enough to make up for the slowdown in the economy and crisis with OEM’s.
Now the few thousand cry babies can cancel and then hopefully find another place to post as well.
I wonder why they picked March 11th, as opposed to March 1st. It’s about about 50 days from now, just strange date in my opinion.
I find it more interesting that they picked the day Kevin Martin is gone.
I have a regular subscription and also listen to the internet feed. A few weeks ago, I chose to upgrade to the 128k premium feed. The quality of sound is noticably superior to the regular 28k feed. To me, it is worth the extra 2.99/month (less if you are on a quarterly, annual plan, etc.)
I would imagine that those who do not want to spend the $2.99/month for internet service will still be able to get the regular service.
I think this is a very smart move on the part of Sirius XM!!!
dread: You obviously have XM service, correct? I assume because you said you bought best of Sirius package…
So the rate changes are effective for XM customers as well? I wander when we get the email. I have already paid upfront for 3 years, but if this is the case, I may switch to Lifetime and add best of Sirius.
Never thought of the entire fact of the huge cash infusion prior to March 11th… This could be good news. I just wander how the FCC feels about it…
Newman, Yes I am an XM’er,
When I called about the lifetime sub around Christmas, I asked How long the offer for the lifetime sub was good for. The service rep said until the end of the year. (about 2 weeks)
I am hoping they extended it, (for your case) but it was a very discrete email, not well promoted at all. I jumped on it after a few days of thinking about it. Had trouble getting someone that spoke english, on the phone. 🙂
I would not worry about the FCC, as far as I am concerned, they can go to HELL!!
I hope you can still snag a lifetime sub Newman!! The lifetime sub is good for the use of 3 radios, and excludes OEM built in radios, I use the plug and play radios. Not sure if XMP3’s are included as one of the 3 radio limit, or another subscription has to be paid for.
Almost forgot Newman!!
The no. they sent out in the email for lifetime subs = 1-888-247-5596
OH YAH JUST GREAT! Banks are getting ready to go bankrupt, foreclosures galore, government bailout up the rear and GOOD OL MEL RAISES THE SUBSCRIPTION COST….BOY AM I HAPPY I INVESTED IN THIS COMPANY TODAY? WHAT A JOKE.
I pay over $100 a month for cable and internet hook up….NOW thats a rip off!! considering i watch about 6 of the 3000 channels and use the internet for home work… As far as i can see…$2 is nothing. They can add $10/month and I’d pay…
Bottom line is that SiriusXM is going to be making positive $$$ very soon. I think the few nay sayers on this board can be ignored
Thanks for the confirmation Charles. Sounds to me that the packages being raised are clearly not the ones identified on the FCC concession agreement so it should be smooth sailing. For those that want to stay with the agreed to plans there still their. This is a smart move and gives investors who are also a Sirius XM shareholders a way to get more value while adding to the company’s bottom line.
Here are the agreed to “price capped” programs with the FCC concession agreement:
1. The combined company agreed to not raise the retail rate for its basic 12.95 per month subscription package
2. The a la carte programming: 50 channels for 6.99 and 100 channels for 14.99 per month
3. The Best of Both Programming for basic Sirius, XM, or 100 channel A la Carte subscribers for 16.99 per month
4. Mostly Music or News, Sports and Talk Programming for a cost of 9.99 per month
5. Discounted Family-Friendly Programming: basic Sirius or XM programming for 11.95 per month and Best of Both for 14.99 per month
No where in the agreement is Internet Radio or the additional subs deal even discussed.
cos1000, First, thats because the FCC has no control over the internet. Second the extra subscriptions as you said were not part of any deal, then again why would they be, as long as they stay less then the original one SIRIXM is covered.
cos and john,
my points exactly!
the second sub is not really a plan…I have never been able to find it anywhere on their website.
it seems to be more in the nature of a discounted rate for already having a sub.
as to the free internet radio, appears they are now only going to have the premium internet radio…wonder if those who have the free internet can continue to use it during the duration of their current plan.
Well, it will put a stop to the complaints about the poor quality of the free internet feed.
Anyone who doesn’t have a subscription feel the sudden urgency to get one?
I mean because the internet feed will be the higher quality only now it sounds like.
The people complaining about a couple of bucks need to stop and think about what they are saying. What service do you have that doesnt increase in time? Your gas increases from time to time. You going to stop driving? Your cable increases? Perhaps youll stop watching Tv. Your internet fees increase. No internet maybe?
Your home heating, water, utilites increase. I guess youll just stop that too. Use your heads a little bit. This isnt the end of the world. Its a couple of bucks for a very good service and product. I get tired of all the complaining. If you want to cancel your service then do it. Just dont ramble on around here about it.
ramble ramble ramble ramble
You people are the most complacent bunch of chumps one would think you all work for the company.
Quality tanked, prices go up and they lied about the merger.
But you are all happy to pitch in.
Obviously you have never studied cable tv and it’s rates and service from birth to today.
This gives me a positive feeling that Sirius XM is taking control of the company and doing what is necessary for survival.
The service is a steal at the current price.
I believe the only reason more people aren’t subscribed is the cost of equipment…at least thats my current position.
I’m not saying the price bump isn’t deserved, but for me, I haven’t been listening as much in the car since Sirius canned the Disorder channel, and I never listen at work anymore, where Disorder was streamed to my PC and on anytime I was desk-bound. Is the extra $$$ worth it overall to most people? You bet, and it’d be a bargain at twice the price, but without Disorder, I am having doubts about continuing on as a subscriber.
So, the internet service is optional right? I have no need of it and won’t pay $2.99 for it…period.
i think a lot of subscribers are in your position, IMO.
I’m really glad I bailed in November after the channel switch. I found Slacker radio fills the void quite nicely. Now if I could get XM to stop calling my house…
Katie
If i could only get idiots to stop blogging?
Katie,
How’s that working out for in your car?
Cancel your home phone and go natural. string and tin cans like your terrestrial radio.
Mel has Chapter 11 papers all ready to file in Q3. “Lifetime” subs should enjoy the music while they can. The band played until the last smokestack of the TITANIC disappeared.
SIRI at $0.01 will be a Yahoo! Finance screen capture.
My five XM radios will be collectors’ items on eBay some day.
I just called to cancel my Sirius, the programming has been rubbish since the channel shuffle.
They offered me 3 months for free, I took it. I’ll cancel in April… ..if they still exist.
And they say nothing is free…………..
Bonehead move and the stocks continue their painful downward spiral to worthlessness even on an otherwise up day.
Last week in New York City I got a Swiss cheese sandwich at a coffee shop. It cost $6.95, and with tax that came out to about $7.50. To get to and from work costs $4 a day.
No matter what city or town you live in in America, the cost of living is very high. So, we’re talking about 2 or 3 bucks a MONTH additional for the luxury of having EXTRA satellite radios or great internet service.
So, in the scheme of things, the extra 7 to 10 cents a day is a really a pittance to all of us. However, collectively this minimal increase will potentially mean millions of dollars a month to Sirius XM.
I do agree with you when you look at this on its own. The problem is that when you take into account the cumulative effect of all the increases in your life, it becomes enormous. With Sirius, this is a discretionary expenses. The question is…Are you getting value for you money? What is acceptable? Is this the first of more increases to come?
I think this is a great sign. This will translate into some very needed short term cash. In addition, I looks like this might be the beginning of a more broad content delivery strategy. Perhaps a Zune or Ipod service priced seperatly from the SAT delivery service!
I think Sirius is making a huge legal mistake. The democrats are going to jump all over this as they sided with terrestrial radio prior to the merger.
Perhaps the largest benefit will be the publicity gained. As for the legal aspects, Sirius CANNOT win this one. Watch for an NAB supported congressional backlash.
But don’t you think this has been vetted completely by their team of lawyers with experience with SEC-related matters and the specifics of their agreements already in place with the SEC?
What about their agreement with the SEC about “extra” subscriptions?
Also, a point could be made that they are NOT raising prices for their internet service at all. A point could be made that they are merely discontinuing the 28k internet feed, but still offering the 128k internet feed at its current price of $2.99 per month for regular service subscribers?
think that may be the argument…plus, during the merger, I never saw any mention of the second subscription prices in the merger documents with the FCC. I always wondered about that aspect of it, but never raised the issue as I am a shareholder and figured I would benefit more from any subsequent price increase on second sub’s than I would be harmed by it.
And, if you look at how it is advertised on their website, they really don’t advertise it as a subscription package,…merely says something like multiple sub may be eligible for a discount. I saw nothing in the merger stuff that said that they had to continue with their discounts on second sub’s.
For everyone’s benefit I posted what was included in the Concession Agreement with the FCC regarding plan offerings and price. Also as John pointed out the FCC does not regulate the Internet. Added subscriptions at $9 are still under the agreed to cap of 12.99. I don’t see the problem with what their doing at all.
Cos has this one in the bag. Read his posts, company is finally starting to screw it’s users. A good sign. Just check many others, when you get loyal customers you start jacking up the rates.
Brandon what are they going to do? First say well you are not sticking to your VOLUNTARY concessions. Or maybe they will say, we know you did not agree to not raise these prices and we know we dont have any control over your internet fees but that should have been in the agreement in the first place and we want it in now. Yea those will fly wont they.
Brandon,
I see where you are coming on this one; however, I really think that they (Congress) has more important things to worry about than Satellite Radio this time…
Last year was a whole other millennium.
The public is not going to put up with Congress bickering about Satellite Radio while Rome burns (banking collapse, auto industry collapse, housing collapse, investment Ponzi schemes, credit market collapse,…)
Good point. Also, Sirius currently offers Internet Radio only for 12.95. The 2.99 rate is for their existing 128K Premium Feed offered to existing Radio subscribers.
When your between a rock and a hard place somethings gotta give. I think they had no choice. They are not rolling in dough. As a consumer I’m not thrilled about it, but its not going to kill me. Besides if it helps keep the company a float I’m happy because I want my Sirius radio. We are heading into the darkest hour before dawn. If we survive the next few months I think Sirius Xm will have weathered the storm and be a stock that will finally get some positive attention.
With regard to the $2.99 charge for internet service, if there is no roadblock caused by Sirius XM’s negotiated terms with the SEC which would not allow them to discontinue the 28k internet service, they can simply say that they are discontinuing the 28k internet service but are going to continue their higher quality 128k internet service. That way, it could be said that they are NOT raising the cost for their internet service, but merely discontinuing their lower quality internet service. They can merely say that being a quality service, they want their listeners to be able to enjoy quality sound quality, and that they no longer see a need to have two internet services.
does the FCC even have jurisdiction over the internet radio aspect of their business?
The people who dont mind this increase seem to be newer subscribers. Correct me if im wrong here but us long time subscribers are a little more pissed off about the state of things.
They hailed this merger as a way to cut fees and give better service.
They are doing exactly the opposite of what they promised.
Am I the only one who remembers this????!!!
Mark my words, Sirius will not survive 2009. I had my blinders on long enough to lose 68 grand and now I finally accept the fact that I’ve been screwed as an investor as well as a customer.
No surprise here. Totally expected. I mean, Mel and company conspired to break the previous promises that both of these companies made on previous FCC issues (interoperable receivers), etc. So when rewarded with a merger to monopoly for previous lies, no reason to follow new promises either.
Isn’t this EXACTLY what the NAB cited as one of the reasons to deny the merger? That the combined company would not keep their promises?
You not only lost your 68K, you lost your personal integrity for campaigning for a merger which clearly had no positive “Public Interest” issues, but only promised some sort of secret financial payday for supporters.
You can always get more money, but you can’t get back your lost personal integrity.
And so it goes,
PCSTEL
mel should run for president because he’s one of the biggest liars Ive ever seen.
Mel needs some TARP money.
I was peeking through some of the FCC documents and it mentions the XM Online at no additional cost to existing subscribers. Although the FCC probably doesn’t have jurisdiction of the actual online service, part of the agreement was the base $12.95 package would not go up. It’s less service for the same price for that service level. I don’t see how it’s not a violation.
2 key words in that statement.
existing subscribers
So basically new subs will be getting the reach around.
Lets try this differently. They did not raise the price of their Internet 128K Feed, Premium Service. They discontinued their Free Internet Feed because they could not support the Royalty Fees and did not feel that they should pass this on to subscribers who do not use the internet feeds.
In addition, The FCC allows them to bill expenses that are statutorily or contractually imposed by the music, publishing and record industry after 1 year from the merge, around Aug 5, 2009. These fees can be billed to customers directly or viewed and paid for through customers online accounts. The fees are also based on usage from the music industry. The free service, 32K feed, costs the company money. The paid internet service will help offset these Internet Related costs. In the FCC Concession Agreement, these expenses incurred after the merger are not considered to be part of the CAPPED Subscription Fees. It was the FCC’s attempt to be equitable, knowing the expenses over the 36 month period may increase and without an expense escalator of this type, the company’s margins would continue to shrink over time creating an undue hardship from the concession cap agreement. JMHO
If you are the CEO what would you do? You need to raise revanue or face possible bk. I don’t think SXM has a choice. They are fighting to stay a float and they are at least taking some action. I just wish I saw some innovation from management. They also need to re-do their image, it lacks in so many ways. It’s vague at best. Marketing is very weak. I know they have to watch their budget, but the product is still new and not well known or even understood. If I had a product this great I would not short on money for a marketing campaign. To know it is to love it. That’s why most stockholders are subs. What more proof do they need to believe in their own product? I keep saying because I believe it “it’s the best kept secret in entertaiment”.
Well, Sirius has blindly ignored the Blind Community as a potential revenue source. All we Blind Folk do is listen and touch! Ten percent of North Americans are legally blind. There is no Accessible Satelite Radio available although the technology to make units speak is an has been available for decades. Consider the folks at http://www.rockbox.org. Open Source firmware for MP3 players. I Asked and they delivered. Why can’t Sirius?
Cheers…rocker
Ten percent of North Americans are legally blind.
What! I don’t even know one person who is legally blind, and I know a lot of folks..
Please post a link to a study that validates your position.
As of 1993 that would be 1.3 million out of about 258 million or 0.5%. I can’t imagine its changed that much since then.
http://www.afb.org/Section.asp.....=4398#prev
and
http://www.michigan.gov/docume.....6029_7.pdf
That said, even though the original poster had the numbers wrong I agree with the point. I’ve found that assistive technologies are beneficial even for people without disabilities.
CC on streaming video would be helpful too.
Wow, im not suprised. I wonder how one hundred million a year would help out this company. Sxm siriusly needs to examine how much they are overpaying their tallent.
As a long time subscriber, I’m not concerns about the price hike. Good things are work paying for and compared to rip of cell phone rates, or the Criminal Subscription rates of DirecTV, SiriusXM is the best game in town!
I am curious though if these price hikes are being done to raise cash, or as a precursor to a more robust push into the internet channel.
It seems, like these price changes will not result in a significant cash infusion. It feels more like a setup for Internet Parnerships. For Example: a deal with Apple or Microsoft where an IPhone or Zune user could pay $2.99 to SiriusXM an get access without the full blow subscription fee.
I’m be curious to hear your thoughts on this.
Thing is, the internet fee is $12 without a regular sub, but I do believe this is a push towards maybe lowering that and getting into something like you say.
Are you mad? This is the DUMBEST thing they could do. Hey, GM is in trouble, right? Maybe they should raise the prices of their cars? DUH…
It’s economics…elasticity of demand. Lots of people (like me) are going to dump their “extra” family subscriptions for the bonus XM player in the family room, etc.
Morons…they’ve always been morons. And, what happens when the FCC goes, “um…this wasn’t supposed to happen” what? rates going up 10-20% after your primary competitor is eliminated? (yeah, I know, its really free radio and ipods).
I’m looking at a reason to just buy another ipod, dump my 40 gigs of music on it, and be done with it. I’ll miss comedy, but thats it…
These price ncrease are fair. I love my Sirius radio and would probably pay $25 per month for it. No commercials, Howard Stern, every single NFL game, etc. I can’t even listen to regular radio anymore with it’s censorship an annoying DJs.
I currently have a 1 yr subscription with Sirius because it came with the car. I managed to download a program for my phone that enables me to listen to them on my phone (via the Internet). Sounds good right? Wrong! Problem is, the Internet stream, even when set to the highest quality setting is like listening to AM radio. And this is listening through the headphones – not the phone’s crappy speaker. It’s below the quality of FM radio and not even close to CD. In my car, I can also hear the difference between FM radio and Satellite radio. It’s so bad that I don’t even bother with Sirius and just listen to the FM or my MP3’s. If you’re an audiophile, satellite radio is a waste of money. The only thing going for it is the absence of commercials and highly specialized channels to suit your listening tastes.
The final dealbreaker for me is that everytime I pass under a bridge, park in an underground parking lot or garage, or pass under anything that blocks the view of the sky, I lose the signal. I don’t know if it’s just my car or what but it’s just annoying.
Now they want to change the pricing structure and charge more. Fair or not, in these economic times, increasing prices is not a good thing. I sense a sinking ship.
I don’t think I will renew when my free subscription expires. In order for them to get my business they will need to increase the quality to something close to that of CD.
I just called Sirius myself to confirm and they explained that when my quarterly subcription is up I will be required to pay an addtional 2.99 for the internet service. But I could prevent that from prepaying my account now. The longer I prepay the longer the Internet service would be free. I informed them that I would not be strong-armed in to prepaying for my service and before it comes up for renewal (End of Feb) I will discontinue my service. Why should I pay an additional price for something that was free when I joined? They haven’t changed the service, or done anything that would warrant a price increase.
Howard or not , I am telling every one I know to cancel their service like myself until the internet is free again. These are troubled times and people are trying to lower their bills.
I’m all done. Joined for Howard when he moved to satellite. I have 3 radios and they want to increase the rates. My guess is there’s alot folks like me who will cancel. Their 17 million subscribers is going to drop like a rock.
Recession – Yes, we are in a recession folks. You do not RAISE your prices and cut services in a recession.
This I believe is the final nail in the coffin for Sirius/XM or whatever they are called. I have owned XM since it came out. I did not like it when they removed my channels. Now, they want to charge me a monthly fee for internet? Nope – I will never pay. I rather listen to free internet sites then.
Siruis/XM – you messed up by signing huge contracts with these celebrities and now you want a bailout. Sorry guys, no bailout here. RIP Satellite radio
Live by the subscriber – Die by the subscriber……
By the end of 2009, this company will be bankrupt.
As a loyal fan and Sirius customer, I find it really aggravating that NO ONE from the Stern show
or Howard 100 News has spoken about the recent underhanded moves by Mel and Sirius management
regarding pricing and internet streaming.
Raising prices in a down economy isn’t smart to begin with.
What Sirius has done is basically tell their customers, “Too Bad! Cancel if you want!”.
That’s just bad business and even worse customer relations.
I, for one, will be dumping Sirius when my current subscriptions expire.
I currently have 3 subscriptions that I pay for a year at a time.
I have been a subscriber before Howard even started at Sirius.
I have a Stiletto 2 and the fact that I will have to pay EXTRA for a basic feature of the unit, wireless internet access, is a deal killer for me.
ANYONE, with any of the Stiletto units, knows that the satellite reception is NON-EXISTENT indoors and spotty, at best outdoors.
For Sirius to place a premium on their portable unit is the height of arrogance.
Why anyone would pay for a Stiletto now when they can simply use an iPhone or Blackberry and the internet is beyond me.
Mel Karmazan promised no price increases to Congress during the hearing on the merger.
We now know that he was lying.
Mel’s brilliant management skills have caused the stock to lose over 95% of it’s value.
There is not a single company, in the history of the stock market, that has lost over 95% of it’s value and survived.
Sirius is now a penny stock and will remain so until it goes belly-up.
Sell your shares now, they are, for all intents and purposes, already worth ZERO!
I got Sirius for one reason, Howard Stern.
The fact that Howard is leaving at the end of his current contract and that Sirius will probably be in bankruptcy shortly,
has pushed me to finally pull the plug on my Sirius subscriptions.
When they expire, I’m done.
Mel, Howard and Sirius management can go pound sand.
If this is how they treat loyal customers, I don’t need them.
I received the first email it says; it’s so unclear that this will clearly result in confused customers who NEVER listen to Internet radio; sounds like it was written to be intentially confusing to everyone who receives it:
“if you renew now, you can continue to listen online FREE for the entire length of your subscription. Effective March 11, 2009, online listening will be upgraded to a higher quality digital audio and no longer included as part of a base subscription at no charge.”
Why not say “In addition, you can continue to listen to Internet Radio free for the entire length of your subscription. After March 11, Internet Radio is NOT free.”
So I called. They told me I should consider a $399 Lifetime Subscription, and he said it included Internet Radio. Well, the online license agreement says the real truth — they should call it a Lifetime Device Subscription — that’s right, you can’t change devices without paying $75, and you can only do that 3 times in your own life. So much for lifetime. In addition, it specifically DOES NOT say you get Internet Radio included with Lifetime.
I’m not renewing or anything, simply because it sounds like they’re in serious financial trouble if they are sending marketing like this. Plus, it’s misleading. They’ll end up in another lawsuit.
I canceled my XM account this morning after almost 3 years of service because of the internet streaming BS.
I use the streaming because I wore out the docking connectors on 2 radios moving them back and forth between the car and home.
Streaming let me listen to the music at home without the wear and tear on the receiver.
I was half thinking of quitting anyway due to the programming changes and the noticeable recent degradation of sound quality.
Charging me for internet streaming was the feather that broke this camel’s back.
I think I’ll be doing the same next month.
should have known it was only a matter of time, i like the service but nowdays just cant handle increases, think my time with sirius is done
The poll question should have been, how many radios will you have after the March 11 increases. My vote would have been 1.
I just received the e-mail from Sirius, I do like the service they provide to a point, but do think Sirius as well as XM have gone downhill since the merger. If Sirius XM keeps paying personalities no one cares to listen to big dollars , there is no choice other than raise rates making it a unfordable niche market.
As for me, because the economy we are in, I figure this is the wrong time for me to be forking out more dollars for luxury items. I just got off the phone with CS and did end up canceling my service. They did offer 2 free months on the primary receiver, I declined ,figuring it might be a hassle later on to cancel. my concern was paying more on my additional receivers. To keep the extra receivers at $6.99 a month I would have to pay one year in advance for each, I said no thank you and canceled everything.
Sirius good luck with those debits! And enjoy my $0.00 a month you now receive..
I feel betrayed. I know that sounds completely ridiculous, but after the months of me telling people they “HAVE” to get Sirius, now i’m going to look like an idiot to these people. A price hike, right after they subscribed! For shame!
Sirius should just keep Howard, and dump the rest. Who the hell listens to anything else but music, sports, and Howard? Get rid of the other personalities, they arn’t bringing in subscribers!
I have 3 receivers, and they end in April…and that will be when I end it too. Maybe i’ll come back when the price drops, till then, I can’t afford it for my kids sake!
I completely agree I have been a subscriber for almost five years and this was like a slap in the face. They are punishing the loyal customers with more than one reciever. To make it worse I did not recieve any notice from Sirius and heard about it from members of my car club.