DirecTV, EchoStar to Launch Wireless Broadband Network

Posted on January 30, 2006

TheStreet.com reports that DirectTV is partnering with EchoStar to launch a nationwide wireless broadband network. TheStreet.com says the two satellite rivals are partnering to counter the triple threat of services (television, telephone and Internet) that phone and cable companies are currently offering to customers.

So far satellite companies have not been able to fully capitalize on this so-called bundling push because of their lack of two-way transmission capability.
If News Corp. is able to build out wireless data service through DirecTV, it could mark a large change in the competitive landscape.
"This could re-focus attention on satellite at a time when it is being largely ignored as a competitive threat to cable," said one analyst.

TheStreet.com article mentioned the following companies as currently offering triple threat services: Time Warner, Comcast, Cablevision, Verizon and AT&T.