SBC Outlines Challenges to Offering Satellite TV with Dish Network

[John Corn]

ASPEN, Colo. (Reuters) - SBC Communications Inc.'s deal with satellite television provider EchoStar Communications will pose a host of challenges to getting the partnership up and running, SBC President William Daley said.

SBC, the No. 2 U.S. local telephone company, agreed to invest $500 million in EchoStar and market satellite TV services in packages along with its own portfolio of telephone, wireless (news - web sites) and Internet services.

Before the launch early next year, the companies will have to sort out billing systems, educate customer service representatives and technicians about the products and installation, and develop an understanding of customer needs, he said in an interview on Monday.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030819/media_nm/telecom_sbc_satellite_dc_1

[ccarmichael]

ASPEN, Colo. (Reuters) - SBC Communications Inc.'s deal with satellite television provider EchoStar Communications will pose a host of challenges to getting the partnership up and running, SBC President William Daley said.



I used to work in the telecom industry; and I am familiar with this telco.

When I first heard about the deal, I had my doubts.

The press release confirmed them.

:nono: It won't be easy,