DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH) (1.4%) (DISH – $38.41 – NASDAQ) is the fourth largest pay television provider in the U.S., serving approximately 14 million subscribers through its original satellite business and newer Sling internet delivered over-the-top offering. Founder Charlie Ergen owns approximately half of DISH’s shares. DISH has accumulated a significant spectrum position at attractive prices. 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 or new entrant to the industry such as Amazon. These events could be accelerated if, as reported, DISH facilitates the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile by establishing a wireless business using a portion of the combined company’s customers and network capacity.
From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s second-quarter 2019 Value 25 Fund commentary.
