Steve Mehs
11-01-02, 05:25 AM
It appears that the Justice Department's rejection of the EchoStar/DirecTV merger isn't stopping Cablevision from pursuing its satellite TV plans.
In a statement, Cablevision said it still believes a restructured merger agreement between the companies, "with the divestiture of spectrum and assets, provides a unique opportunity to ensure a programming and technology-driven, competitive future for the satellite industry."
The MSO added, "We are moving forward, pursuing advanced satellite technology, new programming, and the benefits of HDTV as we continue to explore all available options to meet these consumer demands."
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative and its president and CEO, Bob Phillips, praised the DOJ decision.
"This announcement is great news for the millions of Americans who would have been facing a monopoly for satellite TV and Internet service if this merger had been approved," Phillips said. "Our opposition to this merger has been on behalf of the millions of families, schools, and businesses in rural areas who deserve, and currently receive, the benefits of competition and choice.”
Phillips said he hopes the Justice Department decision will mark the end of the merger process. "The time has clearly come for these two companies – EchoStar and Hughes – to walk away from this ill-conceived business deal," he said. "We hope that with this decision, the entire satellite industry can now return its full attention to the marketplace and continue the business of providing American consumers with superior television and broadband services."
From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/nov2002/110102.shtm#three) (Used with Permission)
In a statement, Cablevision said it still believes a restructured merger agreement between the companies, "with the divestiture of spectrum and assets, provides a unique opportunity to ensure a programming and technology-driven, competitive future for the satellite industry."
The MSO added, "We are moving forward, pursuing advanced satellite technology, new programming, and the benefits of HDTV as we continue to explore all available options to meet these consumer demands."
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative and its president and CEO, Bob Phillips, praised the DOJ decision.
"This announcement is great news for the millions of Americans who would have been facing a monopoly for satellite TV and Internet service if this merger had been approved," Phillips said. "Our opposition to this merger has been on behalf of the millions of families, schools, and businesses in rural areas who deserve, and currently receive, the benefits of competition and choice.”
Phillips said he hopes the Justice Department decision will mark the end of the merger process. "The time has clearly come for these two companies – EchoStar and Hughes – to walk away from this ill-conceived business deal," he said. "We hope that with this decision, the entire satellite industry can now return its full attention to the marketplace and continue the business of providing American consumers with superior television and broadband services."
From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/nov2002/110102.shtm#three) (Used with Permission)