Direct TV and DISH Network attempt to join forces

The U.S. Department of Justice blocked the attempt made by DISH Network and Direct TV to join forces in October of 2001. Such a merger would have resulted in a complete monopoly. The new company would have served the entire US with no competition. Without competition, the possibility of inflated prices looms. Even in areas with cable TV, the merger would result in a monopoly with each providing its own technology. DISH Network and Direct TV said combining their forces was neede to compete against giant cable TV companies. Satellite TV was growing at a fast pace and cable TV subscriptions were on the decline and the time of said application. It is in everyone's best interest that DISH Network and Direct TV are in competition. Aggressive marketing campaigns by both companies are resulting in super deals being offered by these two satellite TV providers.