DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH)(1.6%) (DISH – $58.34 – NASDAQ) is the third largest pay television provider in the U.S. with approximately 14 million subscribers. As a satellite operator unburdened by local franchising requirements and wired plants, DISH can market and deliver video extremely efficiently across the entire country. As founder of the company, Charlie Ergen owns approximately 53% of DISH’s shares and lends his strategic vision to its benefit. DISH has accumulated a significant spectrum position at attractive prices and unsuccessfully attempted to enter the mobility market via the acquisition of Sprint. DISH could monetize its spectrum through a sale of the spectrum or the whole company, or, more likely, a partnership with an existing wireless operator.
From GAMCO's third quarter 2015 Value 25 Fund shareholder commentary.
