AT&T View Change Shows It Wants Dish Spectrum, Analysts Say

AT&T’s change of view on Dish Network’s request for a spectrum waiver from U.S. authorities signals the phone company is eager to buy airwaves from the satellite-TV provider, Credit Suisse Group AG said.

There should be no “restrictions on the transfer and/or leasing” of the spectrum, AT&T wrote in comments to the Federal Communications Commission on Jan. 26. The letter is a “change of heart” for AT&T, Stefan Anninger, a Credit Suisse analyst, said in a note. AT&T also urged the agency to require a fast-track network buildout, a stipulation that could make it difficult for Dish to keep the spectrum, Anninger said. “AT&T wants the spectrum,” Jonathan Chaplin, a Credit Suisse analyst, said in an e-mail. “Previously AT&T was pushing for a more extensive review of the waiver request. Now they seem to be supportive of an expedited review.”