A TV Maverick Is Going All-In on a New Wireless Bet

Charlie Ergen has long tried to muscle his way into the US wireless business. When his rivals had no other choice, the billionaire behind Dish Network finally got his way. John Legere, the chief executive of T-Mobile US, called Ergen in late May after it became clear T-Mobile’s proposed takeover of Sprint  was in trouble. Ergen had been the most outspoken corporate critic of the proposed $26 billion deal—a merger that would leave the US with three giant cellular companies. But the Colorado maverick also ran one of the few firms with the airwaves and know-how to create a new wireless provider that would satisfy the Justice Department’s antitrust concerns.