Leading satellite TV operator DISH network ha recently acquired some bankrupt telecom firms in a move to deploy a proprietary high speed wireless broadband internet network. The company is seeking FCC approval to deploy the network with a goal of offering mobile internet service to its existing customers.

DISH has requested clearance of the newly acquired telcos TerreStar and DBSD to receive license waivers. DISH acquired a 100% stake in DBSD this year as the company emerged from bankruptcy, which is estimated at $1.4 billion. The company also got court approval this year to acquire TerreStar for $1.37 billion. DISH gets a 20 MHz S-band spectrum block from the DBSD acquisition which can be used for both wireline and wireless networks. The TerreStar acquisition is providing another 20 MHz S-band spectrum block and has technology which will help DISH launch the first satellite smartphone.