Calling Card Finder

Destination Country Phone Card Name (Optional)

Phone Card News

AT&T to end Dish service

Telecommunications giant AT&T said that it would stop marketing and selling Dish Network TV services at the end of the year, a move that comes as the Douglas County-based satellite-TV provider tries to stem subscriber losses.

Since 2003, AT&T has offered Dish Network video packages as part of a package of phone, Internet and TV services. The company announced the contract termination in a regulatory filing.

Dish spokeswoman Kathie Gonzalez wouldn't provide additional details but said "at this time there is no impact to Dish Network AT&T customers."

AT&T spokesman Michael Coe said the company gave Dish Network the required six-month notification that it would not renew the contract.

"We continue to discuss options with Dish," he said in an e-mailed statement.

It's unclear whether AT&T will push forward with its own video service, called U-Verse, renegotiate a deal with Dish, or look to rival DirecTV to offer TV service to customers. DirecTV is resold by Qwest and Verizon, and previously BellSouth, before it was acquired by AT&T.

Earlier this year, AT&T said it would offer Dish Network service in the BellSouth territory instead of DirecTV.

Dish Network had 13.8 million subscribers at the end of 2007. DirecTV had 16.8 million.

AT&T's action follows its decision last month to sell $500 million in Dish Network debt back to the satellite service. Craig Moffett, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. in New York, said that news of AT&T ending its relationship comes as little surprise given the divestiture.

Moffett estimates that about 15 percent of Dish Network's gross subscriber additions come directly from AT&T. At the same time, Dish's subscriber growth has been slowing in recent quarters. He said DirecTV could benefit should AT&T seek a new pay-TV partner.

"AT&T has provided the first little bit of fireworks for the Fourth of July," he said. "Unfortunately, this announcement is a little bit like a firecracker blowing up on Dish's hand."

Source:
http://www.denverpost.com/telecom/ci_9758523

<<< Back for more news

Security & Payment

VeriSign Payment Service

Scan Alert, prevents 99% of hackers

Discover, Master Card, Visa, American Express Credit Cards

Testimonials

I have been buying calling cards to call back home to India from PhoneCard Stop for quite a while. I have tried some of the phone cards, and I have found my favorite. I will keep on buying from PhoneCard Stop. Thank you for your excellent service.

Ranjith, LA

I call my relatives outside the US frequently. Ever since i started buying phone cards from PhoneCard Stop, they have helped me reduce my phone bills. The phone card choices are great, and the rates are low. Keep up the good service.

Tomoda, NY

I must admit that PhoneCard Stop have the best customer service. They know how to explain about their prepaid phonecards; unlike other prepaid phonecards sites. Their customer service personnels are so polite and helpful. I dare to say that they are the best international phonecards retailer!

Karina, SJ

Phone Cards Provider