Looks like the sleazy radio lobbyist have worked their magic (wrote checks)
to Dingel & Markey.
Otherwise why would Dingel or Markey care so much about HD Radio? If only
the cheap fuel lobbyist could do the same thing.. man we'd all have gas for
1.00 a gallon.
May 7, 2008 9:44 AM

Washington - May 2, 2008 - Representatives John D. Dingell (MI), chairman of
the House Commerce Committee, and Ed Markey (MA), chairman of the
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, sent a letter to FCC
Chairman Kevin Martin urging the commission to impose certain requirements
on the satellite radio merger proposal is if is approved. The key points of
the letter:
Any electronic device manufacturer should be able to develop equipment that
can deliver the satellite radio service;
Device manufacturers should be permitted to incorporate in satellite radio
receivers any other technology that would not result in harmful interference
with the merged company's network, including HD Radio, Ipod ports, Internet
connectivity or other technology;
The new satellite radio company should honor the price options, including a
la carte pricing, that they originally proposed.
According to the letter: It would be contrary to the public interest to
permit the merged company to bar HD Radio capability or Ipod compatibility
from being included in a new satellite radio receiver.
The letter also notes that the two congressmen not taking a position on
whether the agency should approve or deny the merger, but only including the
requirements if it is approved.