SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 41

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY



5119L.01I

Whereas, EchoStar Communications Corporation proposes to acquire Hughes Electronics; and



Whereas, through their services known as Dish Network and DirecTV, the two companies together control virtually one hundred percent of the market for direct broadcast satellite services (DBS); and



Whereas, a significant portion of Missourians have no option for multi-channel programming services other than through satellite services; and



Whereas, EchoStar's acquisition of DirecTV would result in the consolidation of the DBS industry to one DBS provider; and



Whereas, there is no reliable mechanism to enforce the commitments by EchoStar and DirecTV to provide a national pricing plan, rural broadband, and local television stations into the local television markets; and



Whereas, competition is the best way to ensure innovation, quality service, and a fair price to consumers; and



Whereas, the companies have made application to the Federal Communications Commission asking that they be allowed to transfer licenses to complete the merger; and



Whereas, the companies have notified the United States Department of Justice, as required by federal law, of their intent to merge:



Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-first General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, believe that continued competition in the marketplace by retaining independent DBS companies is the best way to provide continued pricing incentives, technological innovations, and more choices for consumers; and



Be it further resolved that the Missouri General Assembly does not believe it to be in the best interest of consumers for this merger to be approved; and



Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice.



Return to the Missouri House of Representatives