The proposed merger of XM and Sirius satellite radio companies cleared a major hurdle on Monday when the deal was approved by the U.S. Justice Department. Perhaps you read that headline and wondered what was going to happen with your current satellite radio or when the combined service would be available. Nobody knows for sure, because the matter is still pending before the Federal Communications Commission. But we can remind you what has been proposed:

• Existing radios (including those for sale now) will not be made obsolete by the merger. Both companies made a promise to that effect months ago.
• Subscribers will have more pricing options. According to XM’s website, “There will be new subscription packages priced below our current offerings. The best of both XM and SIRIUS will be available for a lot less than the $25.90 monthly cost of subscribing to both services separately. And subscribers who want their current service after the merger will not have to pay any more than the $12.95 per month they pay today. Any plan you sign up for now will be honored by the merged company.”
• The two companies told the FCC that a la carte programming would be available to owners of new hybrid radios within a year of the merger.
• “Best of Both” packages and other programming options will be available on existing radios within six months of the merger. 

Additional details are available at either siriusmerger.com or xmmerger.com.