American Telecasting to Distribute DirecTV

DirecTV said American Telecasting Inc. has agreed to distribute DirecTV to its 141,600 subscribers in 16 states. DirecTV, a unit of Los Angeles-based Hughes Electronics Corp., provides satellite television service to subscribers. ATI, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., is one of the largest operators of wireless cable television systems in the United States. The DirecTV/ATI service will initially roll out in the Rocky Mountain and Midwest regions beginning early next year, DirecTV said. Financial details of the deal were undisclosed. ATI becomes part of a nationwide network of more than 200 DirecTV system operators that sell direct satellite systems in multiunit buildings. Under the agreement, ATI also would provide its customers with access to the U.S. Satellite Broadcasting premium movie service. Shares of Hughes Electronics, a subsidiary of General Motors, fell $1.13 to close at $63.94 on the NYSE.