DISH Network Corporation - DISH STOCK NEWS

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) has partnered with Tucows Inc. (NASDAQ: TCX, TSX: TC) to enhance its retail wireless business. The agreement includes the acquisition of Ting Mobile assets, effective August 1, 2020, which brings a loyal customer base to DISH. Ting customers will continue using their current phones with existing rates. Tucows will focus on developing Mobile Services Enabler (MSE) solutions for DISH, which will strengthen DISH's digital capabilities in wireless services. This partnership positions DISH as a significant competitor in the U.S. mobile industry.

DISH Network has reported that its customers lost access to local channels in 10 markets due to Apollo Global Management's decision amidst ongoing negotiations over retransmission rights.

This blackout affects crucial local programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. DISH attempted to negotiate a temporary agreement, even proposing increased rates, but Apollo demanded a 40% hike over last year's rates. A federal court dissolved a temporary restraining order previously in DISH's favor, complicating the situation further. DISH has retained commitments from 49 other stations to maintain service during the pandemic.

Boost Mobile has expanded its Motorola device lineup with the introduction of two new smartphones: the moto g fast and moto e. The moto g fast is priced at $29.99 and features a Snapdragon 665 processor, triple camera system, 32GB storage, and a 4000 mAh battery. The moto e is available for $9.99 and includes a 13MP dual camera, water protection, and a 3550 mAh battery. Boost Mobile's new plans, including the $hrink-It! plan starting at $45 for 15GB, enhance customer value while offering reliable nationwide coverage.

Boost Mobile has launched the next generation of its voter registration campaign, Step Up to Vote, aimed at facilitating voter registration ahead of the November 3, 2020 election. This nonpartisan initiative offers resources for registration, local issues, and voting processes through Boost Mobile's social media, website, and over 3,000 participating stores. The campaign builds on Boost's legacy of promoting voter participation, including the 2016 'Boost Your Voice' initiative, which transformed stores into polling stations.

Boost Mobile announced the addition of the Samsung Galaxy A21 and Samsung Galaxy A11 to its portfolio. The Galaxy A21 is available for $199.99 (retail value $249.99), while the Galaxy A11 is priced at $129.99 (retail value $179.99). The Galaxy A21 features a 6.5-inch display and a 4,000 mAh battery, while the A11 offers a 6.4-inch display. Boost Mobile's new $hrink-It! plan starts at $45/month with 15GB and reduces rates based on on-time payments. Boost Mobile will continue activating customers on the new T-Mobile network for improved service.

Boost Mobile has announced the launch of the LG Tribute Monarch, retailing at $69.99, down from its original price of $109.99, starting July 7, 2020. Customers switching to Boost can later obtain the phone for free in-store, while current Boost users can upgrade for $49.99. The device features a 13MP dual rear camera and a 5MP front camera, alongside a 5.7-inch HD+ display, and is powered by a 2,890 mAh battery. Boost also introduced a new plan, $hrink-It!, starting at $45 monthly, reducing fees after on-time payments, and plans to activate on the T-Mobile network for improved service.

DISH has successfully completed its $1.4 billion acquisition of Boost Mobile, marking its entry into the retail wireless market and serving over nine million customers. CEO Erik Carlson highlighted this as a pivotal milestone in DISH's transformation into a connectivity provider, with plans to develop the first virtualized, standalone 5G network in the U.S. Boost will retain its brand and launch new flexible plans, including the revived $hrink-It! initiative, aimed at giving customers pricing incentives.

DISH announced major strides in its deployment of the first O-RAN compliant 5G network in the U.S., securing a significant agreement with Fujitsu for radio units and a multi-year deal with Altiostar for cloud-native Open vRAN software. Fujitsu's innovative radio units are set to enhance DISH's 5G offerings, while Altiostar’s solution will enable network scalability tailored to diverse applications. Marc Rouanne, DISH's EVP, emphasized the importance of quality and automation in the deployment process. This partnership reflects DISH's commitment to leveraging advanced technology in building a competitive 5G network.

OnTech Smart Services has expanded its partnership with Google to become a nationwide installation provider for Nest products. Customers purchasing Nest products via the Google Store can now schedule installation services instantly. Installations start at $99, available same-day and next-day. OnTech offers professional installation for a wide range of Google Nest devices, as consumer demand for smart home technology continues to rise. This initiative aims to simplify the setup process for customers nationwide.