H Block

Charlie Ergen's Dish Network could use some financial help in its attempt to take over Sprint Nextel, and BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk is suggesting two white knights that could come to Dish's aid: Apple and Google.

The FCC said Dish Network must cover at least 40 percent of the population in areas covered by its spectrum with a wireless network in the next four years, or face penalties. Further, the FCC said Dish must cover at least 70 percent of that population within seven years. Dish has said it plans to build an LTE Advanced network with its spectrum.

Though Dish Network, Sprint Nextel and the FCC itself continue sparring over proposed rules impacting 2 GHz AWS-4 spectrum and the 1900 MHz PCS H Block, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski is still aiming to wrap up its rulemaking proceeding within the month of December.