Satellite TV Companies Sign Net Deal

Clearwire said Thursday that it had penned deals with both DirecTV and EchoStar, the parent of DISH Network, to allow them to offer the company's high-speed internet services as part of their packages in any current or future market Clearwire serves. The company uses WiMAX-like technology to provide wireless access to towns in 11 states, with towns in three others to be added shortly.

Through the deal, each of the satellite providers can offer Clearwire's service to its customers, while Clearwire can bundle DISH or DirecTV service with its own plans. Plans on both sides will be offered later this year. The company is also rumored to be in discussions with Sprint over its WiMAX offering, to launch later this year and nationwide in 2008.