The last time we heard news from Dish Network, they were in a bidding war with Sprint over majority share of Clearwire. It now seems as if Dish got tired of that idea and has since decided to try and buy Sprint instead. Sprint and SoftBank have been trying to close a deal that would put the Japanese carrier in control, but Dish has made a larger bid and hopes to raise the funds needed to complete the deal. 

Dish wants to purchase Sprint to become the first company to be able to offer broadband internet, TV and mobile plans under one roof. This is just a proposal though, it doesn’t mean the deal is anywhere close to being done. At this point the ball is in Sprint’s court for making a decision on which offer to take. Dish’s deal comes in at $25.5 billion where as SoftBank’s is only $20.1 and we know how money talks.

Who knows what this means for the rumored Google and Dish Network mobile network, but it’s not looking good.

Via: Sprint | The Verge

Dish Network Proposes $25.5 Billion Bid to Take Control of Sprint is a post from: Droid Life

Discussions between SoftBank and Sprint were confirmed last week to be about a substantial investment by the Japanese company in the Now Network. To start the week the companies have announced that the deal has been finalized and that SoftBank now owns a majority share (70%) in Sprint. SoftBank shelled out a cool $20.1 billion to invest in Sprint and move them forward here in the States.

One of the biggest parts of the deal is to provide Sprint with $8 billion in cash “to enhance its mobile network and strengthen its balance sheet.” You can expect Sprint to use most of that on their upcoming LTE network to try and catch up with Verizon and AT&T. SoftBank also hopes that this brings a “more competitive New Sprint that will deliver significant benefits to U.S. consumers.”

If you’d like to watch the press announcement that went up at 4AM Eastern, we have it for you below.

Video streaming by Ustream

Via: Sprint

Japanese Carrier SoftBank Pays $20.1 Billion to take 70% Ownership of Sprint is a post from: Droid Life

Move over T-Mobile and MetroPCS, there are bigger moves being made today. This morning, news broke that Japanese carrier Softbank is looking to acquire a controlling stake of Sprint at the cost of a whopping $12.5 billion.

As for Softbank’s plans for Sprint and how they intend to incorporate one of America’s largest networks into their Japanese network is still unknown, but this morning Sprint confirmed that the deal is in “advanced talks.” 

11 October 2012
Sprint Confirms Discussions with Softbank on a Possible Transaction

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), October 11, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S) today confirmed that it is currently engaged in discussions with Softbank regarding a potential substantial investment by Softbank in Sprint. Although there can be no assurances that these discussions will result in any transaction or on what terms any transaction may occur, such a transaction could involve a change of control of Sprint. Sprint does not intend to comment further unless and until an agreement is reached.

What this spells for Sprint is still unknown and we will be awaiting more details as they come to light.

Via: WSJ, Engadget

Japanese Carrier Softbank Seeks Majority Stake in Sprint at the Cost of $12.5 Billion is a post from: Droid Life