xact-logo.gifU.S. Electronics, the company behind the XACT branded satellite receivers has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with agencies in the Federal Government. U.S. Electronics is seeking information relating to the interoperable receiver mandate that was issued as part of the grant of licenses to the two satellite radio operators.

As Sirius Buzz readers are aware, U.S. Electronics is currently in arbitration with Sirius over a legal dispute. The company came into troubles with Sirius when they contracted under a separate name to produce receivers for XM Satellite Radio. The relationship with Sirius quickly deteriorated to the point where the differences between the company’s went to arbitration.

In this latest filing, U.S. Electronics is seeking documents from the following:

Office of The Chairman, Office of Commissioners, Enforcement Bureau

Each non privileged, non exempt document from July 1, 2005 to date in connection with “Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Clarify The Lack of Enforcement and Implementation of the Interoperable Mandate”

Internal Bureau – Satellite Division

All documents from 2005 to present relating to certifications required of SDARS operators “that their systems include a receiver that will permit end users to access all licensed SDARS systems that are operational or under construction” They reference a letter to Sirius’ Patrick Donnelly.

International Bureau

All documents from January 1, 2003 to date relating to Interoperable Technologies, LLC. (Interoperable Technologies is the joint venture of Sirius and XM that works on the interoperable issue).

Office of Engineering and Technology

All documents from January 1, 2003 to date relating to Interoperable Technologies, LLC.

Enforcement Bureau – Spectrum Enforcement Division

All documents from January 1, 2005 to present relating to emissions limitations on satellite radio receivers.

Office Of Engineering And Technology

All documents relating to Sirius and XM’s compliance with the equipment authorization rules governing emissions limitations for satellite radio receivers.

Enforcement Bureau, Spectrum Enforcement Division

All documents from January 1, 2006 to present relating to XM and Sirius’ compliance with their respective authorizations for terrestrial repeaters.

International Bureau – satellite Division

All documents from January 1, 2006 to present relating to XM and Sirius’ compliance with their respective authorizations for terrestrial repeaters.

U.S. Electronics has set a search fee cap at $1,000. Clearly U.S. Electronics efforts are not specifically merger related. They are seeking information and documentation that they were unable to obtain in their arbitration with Sirius. It appears that U.S. Electronics is now trying to use the merger process as a way to get that which they otherwise would not have access to. As we have stated previously, U.S. electronics is acting like a scorned lover in their anti-merger chase. The company wants open access to work with two satellite radio companies that appear to have no interest in working with U.S. Electronics.

The drama continues.

Position – Long Sirius, XM