Verizon Chief Squashes Dish Network Merger Rumor, Chalks Chatter Up To "Someone's Fantasy"
In case you were wondering -- and it would only be natural, given AT&T's recent move -- Verizon Wireless is not the least bit interested in acquiring satellite provider Dish Network. So says Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam, who is well aware of the rumors floating around suggesting Big Red and Dish Network might become a couple.
"I know there are reports out there that we are talking to Dish. I can tell you now, that is someone's fantasy. There were not, and there are not, discussions going on with Dish," McAdam said during the Media and Telecom Conference, according to Reuters.
Speaking bluntly, McAdam added that acquiring a satellite provider isn't something he's interested in pursuing at this point. Instead, Verizon's interest is in over-the-top programming, or content delivered over a network as opposed to content offered by a network.
Speculation about Verizon's interest in Dish Network arose after AT&T announced plans to acquire DirecTV for $48.5 billion in cash and stock. DirecTV had attracted multiple suitors, including Dish Network and Microsoft. However, it was AT&T that came through with the most lucrative offer. Should the deal get past regulatory hurdles and red tape, AT&T will be in position to offer some interesting bundles down the line.
"I know there are reports out there that we are talking to Dish. I can tell you now, that is someone's fantasy. There were not, and there are not, discussions going on with Dish," McAdam said during the Media and Telecom Conference, according to Reuters.
Speaking bluntly, McAdam added that acquiring a satellite provider isn't something he's interested in pursuing at this point. Instead, Verizon's interest is in over-the-top programming, or content delivered over a network as opposed to content offered by a network.
Speculation about Verizon's interest in Dish Network arose after AT&T announced plans to acquire DirecTV for $48.5 billion in cash and stock. DirecTV had attracted multiple suitors, including Dish Network and Microsoft. However, it was AT&T that came through with the most lucrative offer. Should the deal get past regulatory hurdles and red tape, AT&T will be in position to offer some interesting bundles down the line.
