Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), which serves some 339,000 access lines, 83,000 cellular customers, 44,000 long distance customers and 45,000 Internet subscribers, announced an agreement with EchoStar to offer the DISH Network TV service to its customers. ACS said it has been actively pursuing the best way to integrate television into its service portfolio. DISH Network offers consumers 50 popular TV channels such as ESPN, Discovery, CNN and the Food Network, for $24.99 per month. ACS will begin offering DISH Network service through its ACS Wireless retail stores in the Anchorage area beginning in August.
http://www.acsalaska.com
http://www.dishnetwork.com
- In July 2003, SBC Communications announced a deal with EchoStar Communications to offer a co-branded satellite TV service as part of its integrated local, long distance, wireless and DSL bundle. The deal is an exclusive telecom partnership for single-family residences throughout the SBC 13-state traditional service area, where SBC provides service to more than 56 million access lines.