XM Bill - Royalty Fees

[jbazanshop]

I am finally at the point of having to make a decision about continuing my XM service.  I need some advice.

My bill lists 1-year ($142.45), 2-year ($245.00), and 3-year ($349.00) subscription rates.  It also lists the "U.S. Music Royalty Fee" of $21.79.

1.  Is the royalty built-into the annual fees or is it an additional charge on top of the listed subscription fees?

2.  XM cut off my online access.  Would that be $2.99/month ($35.88 annually) in addition to the annual fees listed above?  I can live without the online access as I use it only 2 or 3 times per month, but it chafes me to pay extra on top of an annual fee.  I have found plenty of free internet radio stations while at work.

3.  On top of the annual subscription fee, does XM charge other fees or taxes or processing costs?  I'm curious to know if there will be hidden charges.

I, too, have noticed my reception dropping more often as I go under bridges on the interstate.  I have no opinion on the sound quality.  I don't like the smaller play lists.  I could probably live with the 1-year subscription rate if it included a royalty fee and online access.

So, renew or not?  Pay the royalty fee or not?  Pay for online access or not?  Any assistance or advice will be much appreciated.  Thanks!

[YEKIMI]

1] Royalty fee is IN ADDITION to annual fees.
2] online fees are IN ADDITION to annual fees.
3] I think there are state/federal taxes involved...if I remember correctly.

I dumped mine because of that crap and the fact they reduced the playlists to the same songs I can hear for free on FM. So...why pay more when you get so much less?

[livingfruitvirus]

1] Royalty fee is IN ADDITION to annual fees.
2] online fees are IN ADDITION to annual fees.
3] I think there are state/federal taxes involved...if I remember correctly.

I dumped mine because of that crap and the fact they reduced the playlists to the same songs I can hear for free on FM. So...why pay more when you get so much less?

There are taxes depending on the state. I think Virginia is one of those states. There are far more states that don't tax it than ones that do.

[tommygraser]

What state are you in I am in PA. and I pay every 3 months and its 44 dollars that is with the Music Royalty Fee

[FRR]

I am finally at the point of having to make a decision about continuing my XM service.  I need some advice.

My bill lists 1-year ($142.45), 2-year ($245.00), and 3-year ($349.00) subscription rates.  It also lists the "U.S. Music Royalty Fee" of $21.79.

1.  Is the royalty built-into the annual fees or is it an additional charge on top of the listed subscription fees?

2.  XM cut off my online access.  Would that be $2.99/month ($35.88 annually) in addition to the annual fees listed above?  I can live without the online access as I use it only 2 or 3 times per month, but it chafes me to pay extra on top of an annual fee.  I have found plenty of free internet radio stations while at work.

3.  On top of the annual subscription fee, does XM charge other fees or taxes or processing costs?  I'm curious to know if there will be hidden charges.

I, too, have noticed my reception dropping more often as I go under bridges on the interstate.  I have no opinion on the sound quality.  I don't like the smaller play lists.  I could probably live with the 1-year subscription rate if it included a royalty fee and online access.

So, renew or not?  Pay the royalty fee or not?  Pay for online access or not?  Any assistance or advice will be much appreciated.  Thanks!

You may want to read my post on another thread. You can get XM to renew for $88.00 a yr, and that includes everything but sales tax. Just threaten to cancel and they give you the offer. Most folks who post here seem to agree that XM is doing better on their playlist, but not all agree. For less than a hundred, it was worth re upping for me.

[pberger]

They charge me an extra $2.00 invoice fee because I do not let them charge my credit card automatically.  If they could, they would probably charge an extra fee for every time you turn on the service.   

With the short play list, I am considering not renewing. My subscription is now in the "grace" period, waiting for me to renew.  I have my internet radio tuner ready to plug in in place of XM.

[Kent]

In my not-so-humble opinion, you're better off getting a smartphone and an unlimited data plan with your cell carrier.  Granted, that's not for everyone.  I would be out of luck for much of my commute as about 20 miles of it is through rural land, but my iPhone has an iPod as a backup when online radio isn't available. 

The unlimited data plan is only slightly more expensive than satellite ($4/month or less than the Sirius/XM monthly subscription) now that the prices have increased, and you have a lot more options.  It's just more for your money.  You can also get an FM transmitter for your smartphone if your car radio doesn't already have an auxiliary input for less than your typical satellite receiver.  I've been without satellite radio for awhile now, and I don't miss it. 

[Kent]

Please note that I meant to say "The unlimited data plan is only slightly more expensive than satellite ($4/month or less than 2 radios on the Sirius/XM monthly subscription) now that prices have increased." 

[magicjellybeans]

In my not-so-humble opinion, you're better off getting a smartphone and an unlimited data plan with your cell carrier.  Granted, that's not for everyone.  I would be out of luck for much of my commute as about 20 miles of it is through rural land, but my iPhone has an iPod as a backup when online radio isn't available. 

The unlimited data plan is only slightly more expensive than satellite ($4/month or less than the Sirius/XM monthly subscription) now that the prices have increased, and you have a lot more options.  It's just more for your money.  You can also get an FM transmitter for your smartphone if your car radio doesn't already have an auxiliary input for less than your typical satellite receiver.  I've been without satellite radio for awhile now, and I don't miss it. 

The Unlimited data plan is like $80 for the cheapest ,you cant just get data,you need the phone service too.
If you do get the data only its $50 a month.
Sirius is like AROUND $12.95/mo when I last checked.
how is this cheaper exactly?