Satellite DBS and wireless provider DISH has entered into an agreement with AT&T to resell AT&T internet services, the companies announced yesterday. The agreement is effective immediately.
The DISH deal is for AT&T home internet services, including AT&T Fiber. It does not include AT&T wireless services.
A DISH deal with AT&T makes sense even though not too long ago they were arch rivals thanks to AT&T’s ownership of Directv. But that’s ancient history now. The two already have a network services agreement for wireless, with AT&T providing wireless network service to DISH’s growing wireless business.
AT&T recently shed off all of its TV business and is now back to concentrating on communications services. Fiber broadband is key to the company’s future, so having a reseller relationship like DISH with a national reach could be helpful with its fiber business goals.
“At AT&T, we’re constantly thinking of ways we can better serve and provide for our customers. Through this new arrangement with DISH, we’re able to do just that by seamlessly offering our super-fast broadband services to more customers across the nation,” said Jenifer Robertson, EVP and General Manager – Mass Markets, AT&T Communications in a prepared statement. “This is another step towards our goal of becoming the best broadband provider in America.”
DISH already resells internet from other providers and markets a TV and internet bundle. This AT&T agreement should expand that reach.
“DISH is always looking for ways to improve the overall customer experience,” said Amir Ahmed, executive vice president of DISH TV in a prepared statement. “Adding AT&T Internet to our robust lineup of TV and home integration services enhances our ability to provide better overall service, technology and value to our customers.”
Deal terms were not disclosed. Presumably, this deal may allow DISH to offer a mobile and home internet bundle, matching that effective bundling strategy now being executed by DISH’s cable operator competitors.
