DirecTV, DISH sign up for Clearwire

Just as many analysts predicted following the two companies' failure to secure any spectrum during last year's FCC auction, both DirecTV and DISH-parent EchoStar have signed agreements with Craig McCaw's Clearwire to provide qualifying customers with high-speed wireless internet service (and by qualifying customers, we mean anyone who lives within a Clearwire coverage zone). What's more, current Clearwire subscribers will have the opportunity to sign up for satellite TV delivered right to their modems -- an American first, as far as we know. In other industry news, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that EchoStar and future DirecTV-owner Liberty Media are planning a multi-billion dollar bid for satellite-communications provider Intelsat, which would provide both firms with additional capacity and/or the capability to offer broadband from the heavens. So far all we know regarding a launch window for the Clearwire deal is that bundled packages will be available from all three parties later this year, once again making your satellite vs. cable decision a difficult one.

Update: D'oh! As several of you have noted, it's entirely possible -- nay, likely -- that Clearwire will simply be offering traditional satellite TV as part of a services bundle, rather than sending DirecTV / DISH content over its network.

Read - Clearwire
Read - Intelsat [Warning: subscription required]

[Kunikos @ Jun 14th 2007 6:30PM]

Wireless "Satellite" TV? How does this work?

In any case it sounds great for those who would like to have an alternative to cable TV providers in metropolitan or city areas where their apartment or condo lacks the proper facing and/or possible mounting surface for the dish.

[sean @ Jun 14th 2007 6:55PM]

I have to assume that they'll do the same thing XM does.
They'll just stream a section of the channels that cover the most-watched variety, and charge a lower fee (as you're getting fewer channels).

[eric.james @ Jun 14th 2007 7:12PM]

I have a wireless (line of sight) internet provider in my area called Fox Valley Internet and they provide broadband internet access at 4mbs connection rates; why can't Dish Network partner with or come out with its own service that provides the same service to peoples homes? Clearwire is only offered in limited areas and only at speeds of up to 1.5mbs; If I purchase a wireless card and service from Sprint or another cell phone carrier who offers high speed access it would still be faster than Clearwire provides and would cover a much larger area than Clearwire (like the whole US!). I don't understand why Clearwire is a good choice for a partner arrangement between any Satellite company.

[Cactus @ Jun 14th 2007 7:27PM]

I call shenanigans on this writeup. There's no mention, anywhere, of Clearwire delivering TV "to their modems".

The press release implies that Clearwire will be able to sell satellite service much like AT&T sells DirecTV service - as an agent. Just as Dish and DirecTV will be able to sell Clearwire broadband to their customers... all in order to complete with cable "Triple Play" packages.

Seriously, I'd love to be wrong. But I see NO indication of Clearwire providing TV-over-WiMax in this announcement.

[Cactus @ Jun 14th 2007 7:31PM]

make that "compete", not "complete"... durr!

[bpmcneill @ Jun 15th 2007 12:42AM]

Cactus is correct, this deal is just a cross-marketing agremeent, and not some exciting new Video over IP solution utilizing Clearwire's network.

[darkstar @ Jun 14th 2007 8:08PM]

i wish i bought their stocks!!!
man, i guess its my fate to be poor forever
:(

[SeattleRaps @ Jun 15th 2007 5:23AM]

Im getting ready to take clearwire to another level. With my trunking remote-powered clearwire soulution. And my ultra-portable "Beach Box" Consist of a Wi-Fi On board Clearwire Box With A Rechargable Battery 4 hrs Wi-Fi Life. Key Chain Remote for the trunking (in my car) and the Wi-Fi "follow me" hot bag/spot, i carry to buisness meetings. The hot spot From my vhicle has a 300meter Range. im seldom farther from that when i need Heat on the go. And last but not the least cool. Is My Hot swap - Docking Stations i use in my car, at work and at home. 1 clear wire box for all 3 locations. (we cant surf the i-net at work) so i do from my cl-bag. Kits and products will soon be available threw my company and others to take clearwire everywhere and the on my boat. Watch for my realease AT: www.NewConceptsUnlimited.com & My Old Rap : www.SeattleRaps.com For all your xbox modification Dreams. Xbox live on clearwire? yah right!

Seattle Reasearch And Prototype Systems = SeattleRaps Dot Com

[DirecTV Dish @ Jul 11th 2007 3:37PM]

Here is a site to get more info on Dish Network and DirecTV...
http://www.satellitesweeper.com/dish-network-vs-directv.htm

[Jemappelle @ Sep 9th 2007 9:47AM]

Great!

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