Monday, 26 September 2011

USA based satellite-TV provider, Dish Network is mulling a possible take-over bid for a mobile network, or maybe just some form of joint-venture with one to be able to offer a single bill for multiple services.

"We'll look at partnerships, acquisitions, all of the above," Dish Network's Joseph Clayton told Bloomberg News in an interview. Asked whether that could include buying or partnering with Clearwire or Sprint, he said: "Could be."

The company has radio spectrum and a license to operate a terrestrial mobile network, but would struggle to build out a network on its own.

"There are several missing pieces," Clayton said. "Wireless infrastructure, additional technology capabilities and even distribution are pieces that we're still working on. Stay tuned."

The news sparked speculation that either of the struggling Sprint Nextel or its Clearwire subsidiary could be in play for a takeover. Such a move might be seen as beneficial for the T-Mobile/AT&T merger as Sprint would itself also end up financially stronger as part of a larger organisation.