AT&T picks DISH as new best friend
by Steven Kim 
posted Apr 4th 2008 at 4:59AM
The sometimes funny relationship between AT&T, DISH and DirecTV reminds us of pesky fourth grade decisions of the "who's your one, bestest friend?" variety. The makeups and breakups even have the same air of fickleness, too. AT&T has officially phased out its reselling of DirecTV for 2008, but is keeping its relationship with DISH. Don't get comfy, though -- mum's the word on AT&T's plans for 2009. The move makes DISH the exclusive satellite provider for AT&T's primary markets. Like all biz relationships, this one's all about convenience (and prior commitments); it's safe to assume that if AT&T is able to execute its 2008 plans for U-verse it will scale back ties to competitor's products. But, the "triple play" package is an asset that we don't expect AT&T to jeopardize, even if it makes for uneasy friends.[Image courtesy GiftsByExpressions]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James Rainey @ Apr 4th 2008 6:19AM
I've phoned my local telco (SBC, now AT&T) two times in the last couple of months for billing questions.
In December they begged me to subscribe to DISH.
In March they begged me to get Uverse.
They are friends of DISH unless they offer Uverse in your local area. No surprise.
FYI, I'm in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Mikey @ Apr 4th 2008 8:20AM
This isn't new. I subscribed to DISH through AT&T to get Homezone last December. I think they have been friends long before then as well.
jeremy @ Apr 4th 2008 11:41AM
bellsouth had a partnership with direct tv, at&t had dish. now that the contract is over with direct tv, at&t is going with their partner.