SoftBank Inches Closer to Sprint Nextel Corporation (S), What About DISH Network Corp (DISH)?

On the other hand, DISH continues to say ‘that Sprint has tremendous value.’ While Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) complains DISH never made an actionable proposal, the satellite TV provider says that it gave all the required information pertaining to the deal. DISH has its last chance to make a final offer to Sprint by June 18. The company is putting in effort to break into the telecom world. In addition to making a counterbid for Sprint, DISH has also made a counter offer to Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR). It recently again outbid Sprint’s increased proposal of $3.40 a share by offering $4.40 a share.

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR)’s fate is still in doubt. SoftBank needs the regional carrier’s spectrum to build a robust LTE network and to have greater synergies with Sprint. DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH), on the other hand, wishes to partner with an existing wireless company to enter the telecom space and bundle its pay TV offerings with wireless services. So, where DISH is headed remains unclear. If no deal works out, DISH might as well target T-Mobile. Or as earlier pointed out by Chairman Charlie Ergen, will it put up its wireless spectrum for sale?

The bottom line

SoftBank is inching closer to Sprint, while DISH’s wish to acquire Sprint in this bidding war is fading away. The deal is expected to close in the first half of July. Sprint has suffered for years but the carrier has great potential if its position is nurtured with SoftBank’s expertise, professionalism, and knowledge in this arena. With over 55 million subscribers and majority stake in the spectrum rich carrier, Sprint gives SoftBank ideal conditions to build a stronger telecom player to fight the big two.

Rajesh Marwah has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Rajesh is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

The article SoftBank Inches Closer to Sprint, What About DISH? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Rajesh Marwah.

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