DISH Network Acquires Two Satellite Providers, Eyeing Mobile Broadband Market
DISH Network announced that it closed on two acquisitions today: satellite providers DBSD North America, Inc. and TerreStar Networks, Inc. The company has been working on this since at least last summer, and now the details have apparently been nailed down.
DISH has shelled out $3 billion to get the spectrum it wants to launch its own 4G network to compete with the likes of Verizon and AT&T, and perhaps even Netflix on the streaming video front.
There’s still a huge hurdle in the form of FCC approval, however. In a press release that we’re pretty sure was penned by a DISH Network lawyer, the company stated:
DISH has shelled out $3 billion to get the spectrum it wants to launch its own 4G network to compete with the likes of Verizon and AT&T, and perhaps even Netflix on the streaming video front.
There’s still a huge hurdle in the form of FCC approval, however. In a press release that we’re pretty sure was penned by a DISH Network lawyer, the company stated:
DISH looks forward to working with the FCC on its forthcoming Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and remains committed to using this spectrum to help the Administration and the FCC solve the nation's spectrum crunch. In parallel, DISH will initiate efforts to enhance the performance and capabilities of handsets that utilize the terrestrial and satellite links while exploring its options for a broader market entry.Whether or not DISH actually helps solve the spectrum problems in the U.S., another competitor in the 4G market should reap benefits for consumers, directly or indirectly.
