"My husband wants to get me a Satellite Radio for Christmas and I'm having a really, really hard time deciding which one I want. I read your comparison of the 2 and I still am having a hard time. On one hand, I really want Howard Stern and I love some of the stations on Sirius...but....if my husband wanted to use it, I'd love for him to get the Nascar and baseball channels."
No doubt this dilemma is occurring in many relationships across the country this month.
Both satellite services, SIRIUS and XM, have acquired much programming to attract new users. But, both also have exclusive arrangements with their high-profile personalities and many content providers.
The only way to have Stern and NASCAR and Major League Baseball is to buy both services.
And my solution to the problem is to do just that. Here’s why:
It's War
XM and SIRIUS have locked horns in a battle over new subscribers. They're discounting hardware to make it easier for you to get into Satellite Radio. That's why the hardware for both services has never been cheaper.
The SIRIUS Deal
SIRIUS is offering a $50 rebate on selected radios. That means, for example, you can purchase the CRSR-10 Plug & Play System with receiver, car kit, and home kit for $39 dollars after rebate. That’s low! There are other radios also available with rebate and the prices vary.
If you activate your new radio online and choose an annual plan or greater, the fee is only $10 dollars and you'll save another $5. ($15.00 over the phone.)
By choosing a one-year plan, you will also get 1 month free and your subscription cost for the year works out to be $142.45.
So, for about $200 dollars total, you can have SIRIUS for one year. And next year you won’t have the cost of hardware or activation.
The XM Deal
XM Satellite Radio is also offering a $50 dollar rebate on selected radios and a $30 dollar rebate on others.
You can activate your hardware on the XM web site for $9.99, or over the phone for $14.99. (Unlike SIRIUS, you can get the lower activation price without a one-year or more commitment.)
XM also offers a one-year plan which is $142.45 ($11.87/month).
Again, when you add it up you can get yourself into the XM service for just over $200 for the first year.
So, the magic number for your 2006 budget is $400 for both you and your significant other to both enjoy different satellite services. And don’t forget: your net upfront cost can be as little as about $110 - $120 dollars for both this month if you take advantage of rebates, low activation options, and one-year or greater plans.
So, if you can afford to spend $120 bucks this month you'll put two gifts under the tree that will last all year.
Just A Few Channels Justify the Cost
One final thought: if you only listen to two or three channels out of all the programming offered on a Satellite Radio service, it is still worth the $12 bucks-a-month for your subscription. That’s about 40 cents-a-day. Is your ride to and from work with commercial-free music of your choice, any Major League Baseball game, or unrestrained Howard Stern worth that pocket change? If so, then you’ve made your decision.
Someday, every family member will have his or her own satellite radio. In the meantime, you just might be a trendsetter this year.
