Direct-broadcast satellite group DirecTV has decided to slash its $600 hardware price tag to compete with upstart EchoStar Communications Corp, the Wall Street Journal reported. EchoStar now sells its satellite dish for about $200. DirecTV’s promotion is likely to be unveiled around the Labor Day weekend at the start of September, the report said. It comes as direct-broadcast satellite services race to lock up customers before cable operators start rolling out their own digital devices this fall. The new cable boxes, already two years behind schedule, promise hundreds of news, entertainment and interactive services, the newspaper said. DirecTV, a unit of General Motors Corp’s Hughes Electronic Corp, confirmed that it is talking with dealers and manufacturers about a forthcoming promotion but declined to give more details.
