In an effort to bring high-speed Internet access to underserved markets, Sprint (S) and DISH Network have teamed up to "jointly develop and deploy a fixed wireless broadband service, on a trial basis, in Corpus Christi, Texas," that should be up and running by mid-2014, the companies announced today.
Plans include either installing a DISH router outside, or utilizing one of its indoor solutions, either of which will include an antenna that will receive Sprint's 2.5 GHz wireless signal, the companies said. Corpus Christi, according to the new partners, will have access to the new wireless broadband on a trial basis, with plans to expand "to additional markets in the future."
Sprint and DISH Network share some recent acquisition-related history, though today's partnership demonstrates there are no hard feelings. The two were involved in a bidding war in late spring of this year for beleaguered wireless carrier Clearwire, a battle that Sprint ended up winning, closing the deal in early July of this year.
The acquisition fight for Clearwire was in addition to DISH Network's bid to acquire Sprint, which was also earlier this year. However, Japan's Softbank was able to secure a $21.6 billion deal for an estimated 72% of the U.S.-based telecom giant.
