gzowner
03-30-2006, 04:21 PM
DirecTV is still serious about a broadband offering, probably a wireless initiative using developing Wi-Max technology, but the technical issues still need to be ironed out by the company.
That was the message delivered by DirecTV CFO Mike Palkovic. "Technologies still have to be evaluated," he told a crowd Wednesday at the Bank of America Securities Media, Telecommunications and Entertainment Conference.
"It's not the easiest boiler plate to put together," Palkovic said, adding that he's positive the company will get something done and find additional partners my mid-year. It's expected DirecTV would use Wi-Max technology to deliver broadband to customers, an effort that will help the company compete with cable's triple-play.
Analysts said it appears the broadband initiative is getting serious for DirecTV. Some said the comments made Wednesday appear to be more aggressive than those made the past on making the necessary investment in broadband.
As for any stock buy-backs, analysts also said it appears DirecTV is set on buying back GM Pension's stake in DirecTV rather than buying shares in the open market.
Meanwhile, Palkovic told Reuters at the conference that DirecTV acquiring satellite TV rival EchoStar is "desirable but not feasible" due to market and regulatory challenges presented by such a deal.
That was the message delivered by DirecTV CFO Mike Palkovic. "Technologies still have to be evaluated," he told a crowd Wednesday at the Bank of America Securities Media, Telecommunications and Entertainment Conference.
"It's not the easiest boiler plate to put together," Palkovic said, adding that he's positive the company will get something done and find additional partners my mid-year. It's expected DirecTV would use Wi-Max technology to deliver broadband to customers, an effort that will help the company compete with cable's triple-play.
Analysts said it appears the broadband initiative is getting serious for DirecTV. Some said the comments made Wednesday appear to be more aggressive than those made the past on making the necessary investment in broadband.
As for any stock buy-backs, analysts also said it appears DirecTV is set on buying back GM Pension's stake in DirecTV rather than buying shares in the open market.
Meanwhile, Palkovic told Reuters at the conference that DirecTV acquiring satellite TV rival EchoStar is "desirable but not feasible" due to market and regulatory challenges presented by such a deal.