Dish asks FCC to let it build wireless network

NEW YORK (AP) — Satellite TV broadcaster Dish Network is asking regulators to let it build a wireless broadband network. Having one would let Dish compete more effectively with cable companies that can bundle broadband and TV signals.

In a filing late Monday, Dish Network Corp. asked the Federal Communications Commission to let it use the wireless spectrum of satellite company TerreStar Corp., which it bought out of bankruptcy, for ground-based broadband service.

The Englewood, Colo., company didn't say when it would build the network or how many people it would cover. It plans to use a technology for which devices could show up in 2014.

Another company, LightSquared, is also trying to repurpose satellite spectrum for terrestrial broadband.