The Justice Department last week approved Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $5 billion buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., saying the deal was unlikely to lessen competition or harm consumers. The companies have a combined total of 17 million subscribers.

Some key events related to the Justice Department decision:

-March 3, 1997 - The FCC approves rules creating the satellite radio industry consisting of two licensees. The rules prohibit one licensee from acquiring control of another and require applicants to "certify" that their service includes a receiver that picks up signals from all operators.

-Oct. 6, 2000 - XM Satellite Radio Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. say in a letter to the FCC that they anticipate that "inter-operable chips capable of receiving both services will be produced in volume in mid-2004. The receiver manufacturers will begin producing the new radios and marketing thereafter."

-Feb. 19, 2007 - XM Satellite Radio Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. announce a merger. Sirius boss Mel Karmazin is to become chief executive officer of the combined company.

-Nov. 13, 2007 - XM and Sirius shareholders approve the merger.

-March 24, 2008 - The Justice Department clears the merger, saying the proposed merger not likely to lessen competition and will therefore not harm consumers.

-Yet to come - FCC will vote whether to approve the merger, deny it or approve it with conditions attached.