Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ:SIRI) took a positive step toward getting regulators to get on board with its acquisition of rival XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:XMSR).

If the merger happens -- I know it's a big if -- satellite radio will become more like cable television. People who want fewer channels will pay less than the $12.95 per month that they do now, the same if they want their current level of programming and more if they want more.

Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin is pledging not to raise prices. The arguments from Sen. Herb Kohl and other critics that the merger isn't good for consumers just don't make sense.

It's in the company's best interest to give the public great programming at a reasonable price. Satellite radio is far from a monopoly. People who are upset with Sirius or XM can plug in their iPods into their cars or listen to free radio.

I realize the National Association of Broadcasters is lobbying hard against the deal. NAB got into some hot water after our sister blog Engadget noticed that its anti-Sirius was looked very similar to Mastercard's well-known campaign.

Priceless.

Still, I am optimistic that a compromise will be worked out.

Sirius and XM will have to accept some sort of government regulation and satellite radio will survive.