[Satellite TODAY 04-01-11] A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Sirius XM’s subscribers against the satellite broadcaster is heading to trial after a New York judge authorized the proceedings to continue and set a May 2 trial date.
    According to lawsuit documents filed with a New York State District Court, subscribers accuse Sirius and XM of violating anti-monopoly laws following the merger of the two companies. Sirius Satellite Radio’s $5 billion acquisition of XM Satellite Radio Holdings faced strong opposition from consumer groups before the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the buyout in 2008.
    Subscribers said the new Sirius XM entity raised prices by as much as 40 percent after promising lower prices during proceedings with the FCC. Sirius XM declined to comment on the lawsuit.