US DVD and game rental chain Blockbuster will start selling mobile phones in its stores as a test for the planned launch of mobile phone services by Blockbuster's parent, Dish, two people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Blockbuster recently launched mobile phone sales at its website under the Blockbuster Mobile brand through MVNE Simplexity, an authorised dealer for Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. The plan is for Blockbuster to extend handset sales to its around 850 stores, the sources said. Bloomberg writes that the move may be a prelude to Dish launching its own mobile-phone service.
The satellite TV operator has acquired wireless spectrum and is awaiting an FCC decision on how it will be able to use them. Dish chairman and co-founder Charlie Ergen said in October that he planned to partner with another partner to introduce mobile services. Bloomberg reports that he said on 4 December that talks with potential partners were on hold until the FCC decision. Blockbuster president Michael Kelly would not comment on the report.
The satellite TV operator has acquired wireless spectrum and is awaiting an FCC decision on how it will be able to use them. Dish chairman and co-founder Charlie Ergen said in October that he planned to partner with another partner to introduce mobile services. Bloomberg reports that he said on 4 December that talks with potential partners were on hold until the FCC decision. Blockbuster president Michael Kelly would not comment on the report.
