Sirius XM Subscriber Files Antitrust Suit Over Fees
| RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT |
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A Sirius-XM subscriber has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the satcaster, alleging the merger of Sirius and XM last year created an abusive monopoly that has raised prices "above competitive levels," reports the Wall Street Journal. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, alleges the combined companies has raised its prices while to failing to increase consumer program choices.
"The company's illegal and deceptive conduct has harmed competition and injured customers in the (satellite digital audio radio service) market in the United States," the complaint said.
The suit also claims that both Sirius and XM committed to the FCC not to raise prices of its basic package for 36 months after the merger was completed. Instead, the suit alleges, Sirius XM raised fees not governed by the FCC's order, including the fee for multi-radio subscribers which the suit says has increased 40% since the merger.
The suit, which is seeking class-action status, was filed by Carl Blessing, a Florida resident and Sirius XM subscriber.
