Get the latest tech news How to check Is Temu legit? How to delete trackers
TECH
U.S. Department of Justice

Report: AT&T-DirecTV merger has DOJ approval

Mike Snider
USA TODAY
This file combo made from file photos shows the AT&T logo on the side of a corporate office in Springfield, Ill., left, and a DirecTV satellite dish atop a home in Los Angeles. AT&T, the second-largest U.S. wireless carrier, on May 18, 2014 agreed to buy satellite TV company DirecTV for $48.5 billion. (AP Photo/File) ORG XMIT: NYBZ407

AT&T's $48.5 billion acquisition of satellite TV provider DirecTV awaits only Federal Communications Commission approval after a report that the deal has passed antitrust muster.

Officials at the Justice Department have closed their investigation without demanding any special conditions, a person close to the situation told Bloomberg. Those requirements could have included sales of certain business units and promises not to interfere with Internet traffic.

AT&T, which announced plans in May 2014 to acquire the satellite TV provider, earlier this week filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to extend the merger's termination date. In the document, AT&T also said that it "expects that the merger will be consummated shortly."

The companies still need final approval from the Justice Department's antitrust leadership, according to the report.

And the deal requires FCC approval. The agency is expected to approve the deal with conditions as early as next week, sources close to the matter told Reuters Tuesday. FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said two weeks ago that the agency is trying to reach its decision on the merger as soon as possible.

The agency could ask for concessions such as adhering to the FCC's new net neutrality rules. AT&T is currently among those challenging the new rules in court.

Featured Weekly Ad