DirecTV, EchoStar Sign Internet Distribution Deal With Clearwire

Clearwire Corp. signed distribution agreements with DirecTV and EchoStar Communications Corp. to allow the direct-to-home satellite operators’ offering Clearwire’s high-speed Internet service, Clearwire announced June 14.

"Being able to offer services on the Clearwire network will give our customers another high-quality option to subscribe to broadband services with DirecTV’s video offerings,” Bruce Churchill, DirecTV’s president of new enterprises, said in a statement.
 
"EchoStar is committed to providing the best quality and latest in cutting-edge digital programming, and with Clearwire we continue that commitment by offering a next-generation wireless broadband technology,” said Nolan Daines, EchoStar’s senior vice president for strategic initiatives. “Our ability to offer Clearwire’s broadband service is a strong competitive alternative that we believe will help increase our subscriber base.”

DirecTV and EchoStar also will have the ability to sell Clearwire’s branded services on a stand-alone basis, while Clearwire will be able to sell DirecTV and EchoStar satellite video services.

"By expanding the reach of our services through DirecTV and EchoStar, and by incorporating direct-to-home satellite video services in our own distribution channels, we believe we have an opportunity to significantly expand our business opportunity,” said Perry Satterlee, Clearwire president and COO.

The launch of the combined service offerings is expected to take place before the end of 2007, Clearwire said.