Apple and Google Need DISH to Win Sprint

By Rick Munarriz – May 2, 2013 at 6:30PM

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Tech titans better hope that Dish Network tops Softbank in acquiring Sprint.

Sprint (S) is in play, and DISH Network's (DISH) surprise bid for the country's third-largest wireless carrier is huge.

BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk suggests that Apple (AAPL 0.52%) and Google (GOOGL -1.97%) should do whatever it takes to help DISH succeed, and he's absolutely right.

I argued that Apple should wrestle Sprint away from SoftBank two months ago on the thesis that Apple can't afford for Sprint to follow its larger wireless carriers -- AT&T (T -1.37%) and Verizon Wireless -- into tiered data plans. Apple needs unlimited connectivity to keep buyers of its iPads and iPhones engaged. Google also has plenty to gain, and not just to champion its Android platform.

In this video, longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz explains the reasons why DISH is the serial renegade that would be the best fit for Sprint.

Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Google. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.