06:56 AM EDT, 09/16/2024 (MT Newswires) -- AT&T ( T ) and TPG (TPG) are in early talks to merge their jointly owned DirecTV satellite TV service with Dish Network's (SATS) EchoStar ( SATS ), Reuters and Bloomberg reported Saturday, citing unnamed sources. familiar with the matter.

If successful, the merger would create the largest pay-TV service provider in the US, with around 16 million subscribers.

In 2022, the US Justice Department previously blocked the proposed merger of DirecTV and EchoStar ( SATS ).

Reuters reported that if successful, the merger would strengthen the combined entity's bargaining power with content providers. For Dish, the merger would allow a stronger focus on developing its 5G wireless network.

AT&T ( T ), TPG, and Dish Network did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

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