EchoStar shares off on speculation of spectrum bid

ECHOSTAR SHARES OFF ON SPECULATION OF SPECTRUM BID
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Yinka Adegoke and Ritsuko Ando]
EchoStar's stock prices dropped as speculation mounted that the satellite television operator had entered the U.S. government auction for wireless spectrum. Analysts said if market speculation were correct, it would rule out any chance of phone company AT&T holding merger discussions with EchoStar, as U.S. regulatory rules prevent any two bidding parties from holding merger talks. The deadline for filing applications formally declaring an intention to bid was on Monday, but bidders can remain anonymous until the FCC reveals names later this month. Industry watchers believe that EchoStar could be interested in using the wireless spectrum as a way to deliver voice and data services to complement its video service, helping it to compete more effectively with cable companies' own "triple-play" offers.
http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSN0450828620071204