‘Natural’ for EchoStar To ‘Leverage’ Video Expertise Globally, CEO Says

With so many people in the world seeking broadband access "for information, entertainment and commerce," very few are finding themselves “on the unserved side of the digital device,” EchoStar CEO Michael Dugan said on an earnings call. “We believe over the next 10 to 15 years many of them will require this capability,” Dugan said. “Wireless and fiber infrastructure should be an important part of this transition, so as a company,” EchoStar sees itself as “well-positioned with these technologies,” he said Friday. EchoStar’s “extensive video expertise” recently enabled Dish Network to introduce its Sling TV over-the-top service in the U.S., and “it would be natural for us to leverage this experience and technology platform in other areas of the world,” Dugan said. Monday, Dish, also chaired by Charlie Ergen, reported Q3 results and signaled in the minds of some analysts that it might not participate in the FCC incentive auction (see 1511090015).