WASHINGTON — Federal regulators on Thursday halted a review of satellite television company EchoStar Communications Corp.'s proposed $26 billion merger with Hughes Electronics until EchoStar provides more records and data.
EchoStar, which offers Dish Network, and Hughes, the parent of DirecTV, are seeking government approval for a merger that would create the largest pay-TV service in the country.
The Federal Communications Commission had been reviewing whether the merger would create a monopoly in the industry and subvert the public interest. The review was scheduled to be completed in no more than six months, but the process has been stopped until the agency gets more information from EchoStar, according to FCC officials.
The FCC had asked both companies to provide detailed information on their profits, losses and products.
Some of the requested information was filed with the FCC by March 6, but some critical data were not included, said an FCC official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
EchoStar officials could not be reached for comment. Hughes officials refused to comment.
Both companies have said the merger would also expand high-speed Internet access for rural residents, whose high-speed access lags behind urban areas.