Dish & Directv

[xdew]

TWICE Mag. reported that if the Dish and Directv merge they will replace all equiment free of charge we can only hold our breath for this merger to happen soon.

[borghe]

sigh.. Unfortunately, there is a very vaild argument against the merger. Now mind you, I am completely for the merger also, but that's because the argument doesn't affect me. The argument is that it will create a monopoly in the pay-tv market in rural America. Apparently, C-Band is no longer a viable choice and the only two real options are Echostar and DirecTV. If those two merge, there is no longer any competition in rural America. The two sides that seem to be shouting this are both rural Americanites who are seriously worried about how the new company will treat them, and of course the MSO cable operators who have no other agenda other than fear of what a satellite provider with some 15 or so satellites in orbit could provide (can you say 1000+ channels?) While the cable operators' participation is meaningless, rural American's have a point that is going to have to be decided on by the powers that be. Until then, it's anybodys' guess, but I wouldn't hold your breath for anything happening soon.