Charlie Ergen, the founder of satellite TV company Dish, is stepping aside as CEO to focus on the company's wireless business.
He will remain chairman. The new CEO, Dish Network Corp. president Erik Carlson, will report to him.
Dish has substantial rights to spectrum, or airwaves that transmit wireless signals, and says it wants to build a network for everyday products that have internet connections, known broadly as the "internet of things."
Jefferies analyst Scott Goldman says Tuesday's announcement may be taken as a sign that Dish will build that wireless network. The company could also sell or lease its spectrum rights.
Dish's satellite business has been shrinking as consumers "cut the cord" on traditional TV. Its online alternative for live TV, Sling, faces competition from Hulu, YouTube and AT&T.
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