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Trump Administration trying to block AT&T and Time Warner merger

Posted at 8:49 AM, Mar 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-22 08:49:51-04

The Trump administration is facing off against AT&T to block the telephone giant from absorbing Time Warner, in a case that could shape how consumers get -- and how much they pay for -- streaming TV and movies.

Opening arguments come Thursday in the landmark antitrust case in federal court in Washington.

The Justice Department has sued to block the $85 billion deal, saying it would hurt competition and consumers would have to pay more to watch their favorite shows, whether on a TV screen, smartphone or tablet.

AT&T insists the merger is needed to compete in a rapidly shifting marketplace as more people use streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and others.

It denies the government's assertion that the merger would limit choice and push up prices.