Dish Emerges as Pivotal Spectrum Player

Satellite TV provider Dish Network is seeking a waiver from the FCC to begin building a high-speed wireless network on the spectrum it currently owns, according to CNET.

However, if the agency is not satisfied with Dish Network's plans, it can deny the company the waiver, forcing the satellite provider to explore other options, including a sale of its spectrum or a partnership with another company. Both options will have major ramifications in the scramble for spectrum among wireless carriers, with Dish poised as a key piece in the race to boost airwaves.

FCC officials told the Washington Post they still have faith satellite technology can be used to create wireless networks, despite the failure of LightSquared's endeavors. However, future propositions like Dish Network's face increasing pressure to be foolproof to get approval, presenting a real possibility the company will not receive the waiver it requires to move forward with its own network.

Dish Network will have several suitors for its spectrum if the FCC does not allow the company to move forward with its plans. All U.S. carriers are looking for resolutions to their spectrum issues, and AT&T and T-Mobile will likely make bids if the Dish Network decides to sell.

AT&T needs the spectrum to continue expansion of its own LTE network, while T-Mobile has some money to spend after receiving billions from AT&T in a breakup fee after the companies' failed merger. Both carriers will likely be players to buy Dish's spectrum and could also be involved in potential partnerships, from sharing wireless network data to cross-selling deals, with the satellite provider.

The fate of the spectrum will once again fall into the FCC's hands if Dish Network does decide to sell. The agency will be in charge of monitoring the transaction and reviewing the details to make sure any proposal is fair for both sides and the competition, much like it's doing now with Verizon's potential purchase of spectrum from cable companies.

Dish Network's first choice may be to build its own wireless network, but the amount of spectrum it already holds means the company is poised to make money no matter what, as long as the FCC doesn't stand in its way.