Massachusetts Satellite TV Tax Update

Defending the rights of thousands of satellite TV subscribers in Massachusetts, DIRECTV Inc. and DISH Network, the two providers of satellite TV service in the nation, filed a lawsuit January 2010 in the Suffolk County Superior Court challenging the constitutionality of Massachusetts's 5% discriminatory tax on satellite TV.

Over the last two years, the cable industry has been on a lobbying blitz trying to convince state legislatures to impose discriminatory taxes on its main competitor, satellite TV. The vast majority of state legislatures have rejected these discriminatory tax proposals. Unfortunately, a handful of states including Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Utah, have succumbed to cable's lobbying pressure and enacted these unfair tax schemes. The satellite television industry has aggressively pursued legal action against states imposing discriminatory taxes. DISH Network and DIRECTV encourage their customers and the hundreds of retailers in the state to contact the state agencies and legislators to voice their disapproval for discriminatory taxes that punish citizens for choosing satellite TV.

In the News

Boston Herald – In a galaxy far away

Worcester Telegram & Gazette – Free the dishes

The Lowell Sun – Satellite TV discrimination must end

The Springfield Republican – Satellite television companies fight…