WSJ: Dish Network in Talks to Merge With T-Mobile

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Posted June 4, 2015 at 8:21pm by iClarified Staff

Dish Networks is in talks to merge with T-Mobile USA, according to sources that spoke to the Wall Street Journal.

The two sides are reportedly in close agreement about what a combined company would look like. Sources say current T-Mobile CEO John Legere could become CEO, while Dish's Charlie Ergen would become chairman. Other issues such as purchase price, and mix of cash and stock remain unresolved.

The deal would provide synergies on both sides that help solve different strategic hurdles. Dish currently owns lots of wireless spectrum, but has no cellular network to put it to use. It also is struggling ways to find success in the declining satellite TV business. Merging with T-Mobile would help address both those needs.

Dish Network recently revamped Sling TV earlier this year to offer a $20 monthly streaming plan, very similar to what Apple is rumored to eventually launch.

Dish's rival, DirecTV is close to finalizing a $49 billion deal to be acquired by AT&T, which is expected to see regulator approval soon.

WSJ: Dish Network in Talks to Merge With T-Mobile

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Woz - June 6, 2015 at 5:14am

Apple's history with Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs shows how leadership affects a company, but T-Mobile's current strategy in the wireless market is a different landscape. Do you think a Dish merger would change their trajectory?

gamerscul9870 - June 6, 2015 at 12:33pm

Steve Jobs created a great legacy at Apple, and leadership changes always impact strategy. The 'Un-carrier' movement is driving customers to switch as Verizon and Sprint struggle to keep up with competitive deals and network expansion.

gamerscul9870 - June 12, 2015 at 4:32am

Doesn't the 'Un-carrier' ring a bell? Verizon may have large coverage, but speed and continuous LTE rollouts are where the advantage lies. Sprint has often struggled with coverage regardless of their deals. The NYC LTE speed tests show the reality of the situation.

Woz - June 12, 2015 at 4:48pm

And T-mobile still can't beat Sprint in customers. It must be nice to be in 4th place. Lol

gamerscul9870 - June 12, 2015 at 4:55pm

People were being falsely advertised as Sprint couldn't live up to its name so eventually millions are choosing the uncarrier for a good cause!

Woz - June 13, 2015 at 3:12am

Then why hasn't T-mobile been able to pass Sprint. And why did Sprint in Q4 of 2014 and Q1 of 2015 been adding customers. If Sprint was so bad then T-mobile would be able to pass them up. But apparently the gimmicks that T-mobile has been using isn't enough to even pass Sprint. On top of that the gimmicks that T-mobile are using is costing them lots of money. And now that the break up fee that AT&T paid them has run out what is T-mobile going to do? Maybe sell to Dish because nobody else wants them.

gamerscul9870 - June 13, 2015 at 3:31am

This deal with Dish is supposed to boost coverage in some areas. It's suggested that this deal is causing concern for Sprint and other competitors like Verizon and AT&T.

gamerscul9870 - June 5, 2015 at 2:11am

This could make another Verizon showdown with its cable except tmobile would use streaming service.