Intel CEO to FCC: Softbank is the best buyer for Sprint

A strange endorsement as Sprint contemplates accepting a higher bid from Dish

In a letter to chairman of the FCCJulius Genachowski, CEO of Intel Paul Otellini has expressed that he believes Softbank is a better choice than Dish to buy Sprint. Following a trip to Asia where he met withSoftbank, which an Intel spokesperson refers to as "a business partner", Otellinichose to write to the FCC to encourage the company's bid for Sprint regardless of the fact that Dish is offering a higher amount. Otellini's recommendation is one based on competition, he says:

"Son-sans vision to build a high speed competitive third national network is very compelling. We need thiscompetition in the wireless space as the ATT/Verizon model is not giving that to consumers at this time."

No further explanation is given as to why Softbank would provide a better competitive chance for Sprint than Dish, but CEO of Softbank Masayoshi Son has proven in the past to be a bit of a mover-and-shaker in the industries his company is a part of. That may not be enough for Sprint to consider its offer, however, as the bid from Dish is still over $5 billion higher. Sprint is expecting to vote on its current deal with Softbank on June 12th.

Source: Reuters; FCC

Via: Intel CEO to FCC: Softbank is the best buyer for Sprint