Sprint, DISH Team on Fixed-Wireless Broadband Service Trial
Sprint and DISH Network plan to jointly develop and deploy a fixed-wireless broadband service on a trial basis in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The communications giants say the service will be available in the middle of 2014 with plans to expand into additional markets.
Depending on a customers location, DISH will install either a ruggedized outdoor router or an indoor solution to deliver the best possible broadband service to that site. Both solutions will feature built-in, high-gain antennas to receive the 4G TDD-LTE signal on Sprints 2.5 GHz spectrum.
With millions underserved by inadequate broadband, the potential to bring a high-speed fixed wireless solution is very compelling to both DISH and Sprint,” said Tom Cullen, DISH executive vice president of corporate development. We both bring distinct skills, not the least of which for DISH is a workforce of professional technicians who visit thousands of homes every day performing professional installations for both video and broadband.”
This trial with DISH has great potential as it combines the key capabilities and assets of both companies to provide another option to customers with limited broadband access,” said Michael Schwartz, Sprint senior vice president of corporate and business development.
This news comes a few months after DISH came up short in its attempt to buy Sprint. Instead, America’s third-largest wireless operator accepted an offer from Japan’s SoftBank to buy 70 percent of the company.
DISH has long been interested in getting into the wireless business, whether via acquisition or partnership.
Follow senior online managing editor
@Craig_Galbraith
on Twitter.
