Could this be a situation whre it may be too late? I do not think Echostar/DISH can become a 21st version of "Ma Bell". There are too many other options available. Already, Echostar/DISH has capacity issues with HD and adding new channels. They also have legal issues related to content providers and patent infringements. This is their core business. Their exapansion into phone and broadband, without solidifying the core, is only going to lead to doing all three at a subpar level or the company ceasing operations.
In my city, we have access to Comcast Fiber, city owned fiber, DSL and lower speed wireless broadband. Longmont is a city of 87,000. Denver and Boulder even have more options. Throw in cell phone providers on to of that. And where will that be 10 years from now?
So, unless Echostar/DISH is sitting on some new technology that people can get 1GB download speeds wirelessly, their wireless system will talk with other wireless providers and that their video capabilities are going to the next generation, then Mr. Ergan's vision, is just that, vision.
Finally, if Echostar/DISH does have the magic bullet, how cost effective will this be?
In my city, we have access to Comcast Fiber, city owned fiber, DSL and lower speed wireless broadband. Longmont is a city of 87,000. Denver and Boulder even have more options. Throw in cell phone providers on to of that. And where will that be 10 years from now?
So, unless Echostar/DISH is sitting on some new technology that people can get 1GB download speeds wirelessly, their wireless system will talk with other wireless providers and that their video capabilities are going to the next generation, then Mr. Ergan's vision, is just that, vision.
Finally, if Echostar/DISH does have the magic bullet, how cost effective will this be?
