Will Internet Radio, Music and Podcast Streaming Apps Lead to the Demise of SiriusXM?

[Kevin]

Hulu for me started out at $8.95 a month, now I’m paying only $5.95 a month, Netflix started out at $12.95 a month now I’m just paying $8.95 a month and here’s one more my Metro PCS started out at $60. a month now I’m paying just $40. a month. Bottom line my monthly rates have decreased substantially. You have to do your shopping.

 

[davideduardo]

Of course at first but the more users then the rates will decrease. Economics 101, I currently have a 5G plan with unlimited data for $40 a month with Metro PCS. I would never use Verizon or AT&T they’re the worst for service, terrible coverage with both companies.

You know that Metro PCS is now T-Mobile?

In the areas where I have lived or live they have the worst coverage. Right now, they have essentially no coverage where I live.

In other words, they all have issues!

 

[TheBigA]

There is a trend over the last two decades for ISPs to provide better speed at lower cost.

It may be lower cost to them, but the goal is to charge consumers the same. I just had that conversation with my isp. I was looking to lower my monthly bill, and their line of conversation was improving my internet speed at the same price.

The theme of the last 20 years has been consolidation in the phone and isp business. Their goal is to hold the line on prices and eliminate competition. This will continue to happen.

 

[gr8oldies]

Dude, what world do you live in? Rates never go down. It's the other way around. Just look at all the introductory pricing for Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and alike. Now you're seeing rates go up 10% or more. Economics 101? These are businesses, and they like to make money, more money as more people sign on.

Buy all the streaming services and you have your cable bill back

 

[wadio]

Internet radio is simple in a vehicle that’s connected. The new vehicles that have internet connectivity already have apps on the dashboard screen, IHeart is already on most screens and its just as easy to use like AM and FM radio.

But iHeart is a terrible app and its offerings are limited. Non-iHeart stations should get off of there.

 

[Kelly A]

What is incessantly going up is content.

And that was my point to Kevin. Content drives consumers. Once the streaming companies get the needle in your arm (metaphorically speaking), the rates go up once the honeymoon ends.

 

[davideduardo]

This royalty thing is truly a non-issue. The music industry can’t shut down free music streaming services and besides the music industry is getting free exposure and what about streaming from other countries. If it comes down to royal fees then the cell companies will just simply charge another tax on your monthly bill and call it a royalty tax just like the 911 tax we all are paying on our cellphone bills currently. Most people won’t even know it exists.

The music industry wants all consumers to pay for music streams of any kind. Since there is essentially no physical product sales any more, their income is enhanced through the paid streams, particularly the on-demand streams.

And the music industry can continue to advocate increased fees and to promote further legislation via lobbyists in DC.

Other countries will follow the larger most developed ones... technology always leads regulatory systems. Countries that don't follow suit will have US ISPS forced to block them.

 

[anotherguyTN]

That's been the problem for over 20 years. All because of the patent royalty. When that goes away, things may change.

When is the patent running out?

 

[TheBigA]

When is the patent running out?

The patent was granted in 2003, and will expire in 2023.

 

[Kevin]

The patent was granted in 2003, and will expire in 2023.

So when 2023 is here does that mean cheaper HD Radios and possibly some product available on store shelves.

 

[TheBigA]

So when 2023 is here does that mean cheaper HD Radios and possibly some product available on store shelves.

Maybe

 

[Kevin]

Maybe

I think it’s possible that Xperi can renew the patent for another 10 years and can keep renewing. So legally that patent can go on forever.

 

[TheBigA]

I think it’s possible that Xperi can renew the patent for another 10 years and can keep renewing. So legally that patent can go on forever.

Nope. From trademark & patent office:

You can't renew a patent after it expires. After the patent expires, the inventor loses exclusive rights to the invention.

 

[Kevin]

So will Xperi be out of the HD radio business when the patent runs out or can they still charge fees on the HD Radio usage and still rake in the cash on anything HD Radio like they’re doing now?

 

[TheBigA]

So will Xperi be out of the HD radio business when the patent runs out or can they still charge fees on the HD Radio usage and still rake in the cash on anything HD Radio like they’re doing now?

As my post says:

"After the patent expires, the inventor loses exclusive rights to the invention."

They can do what they want, but other companies can use the technology without paying for it.