Now that a Sirius/XM Satellite Radio merger is one step closer to reality, you may be asking yourself logical questions about future types of programming packages and usability of older equipment. Thankfully satellite radio blog Orbicast spells it out in plain English.

Both companies have defended the possible merger as a venture that will benefit consumers, promising compatibility with existing radios and more flexible pricing and programming choices, including a delicious a la carte option. We break down the post-merger choices for you after the break.

Though XM and Sirius both proudly announced that current equipment will be compatible with both services, they’ve never explicitly said they were capable of receiving all programming from both services. As it turns out, Sirius subscribers will be able to add-on approximately 10 “select” XM channels for a total $16.99 per month (up from the current $12.95 monthly), and vice-versa for current XM subscribers. There will be a number of new packages offered, themed for Family, Sports, Talk, etc. In addition, a la carte packages where subscribers can choose 50 or 100 stations from either service will be offered for as little as $6.99 monthly. Here’s the full list of post-merger:

- View the XM channel lineup after the merger.
- View the Sirius channel lineup after the merger.

The major bum-out for current subscribers: those alluring a la carte packages will only work with a new line of radio units sold after the merger. If current subscribers want to get additional programming on their existing radios, they will be limited to the “Everything plus Select” 10-more-channels option.

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