(Cue the sound of Nelson Muntz from The Simpsons saying “Ha ha!” based on my oh-so-witty headline.)
So, getting back to the commentary on alternative distribution for content offered by Sirius and XM, it seems that Sirius have struck a deal to offer selected content to Sprint PCS customers. This is, evidently, going to be achieved via streaming digital audio content to mobiles.
I’m still a bit skeptical that we’re to a price point yet where customers would want to pay for the limited quality available via a mobile phone network. I think carriers have a tough story to tell with respect to sound quality. This is why I think the real value of the Motorola/Apple iPhone will be to let users bypass the carriers’ networks by trading songs with their PCs using Bluetooth. Even then I’m still somewhat wary that a phone has the proper form factor to make it an enjoyable music device.
It’s still good to see the satellite radio networks pursue alternative distribution. I’m just not sure this is the right way to go. I think Podcasting content (we all KNOW that it’s coming) would provide more bang for the buck with lower costs and without having to appease partners as touchy as the wireless carriers.
