I think I predicted the future when I wrote my blog post back on September 5th 2007, located here: http://www.tocpcs.com/unwired-engin-and-seven-a-perfect-threesome/.
Unwired’s trading halt is a result of the a bid from Seven Network’s Network Investment arm placing a takeover bid for Unwired.
What can we expect with Seven teaming up with Engin, and Unwired?
Well, hard core action from a threesome combining forces to create one large retail market explosion.
Channel 7 has TV, Entertainment Content, Advertising.
Unwired has internet access covered.
Engin has telephone, internet provisioning and the TiVo units covered.
So, from that big threesome, they could create a complete package, home entertainment, internet access, telephone services, television time shifting, all advertised on Channel 7’s own station.
That realistically could see them as a tough competitor to Virgin, Optus and even Telstra, if they choose to expand the network, either using Naked DSL like Engin is planning, or using Unwired’s wireless spectrum.
The change would also make for a more competitive playing field and could see more investment in the company for WiMAX deployment from Seven’s own investment in the company.
They are paying a well, not excessive, but above fair amount for the shares, which leads me to believe the Unwired deal means a bit to them, so they want to make it a sure fire investment by pricing at a level which is bound to be accepted, yet still a bargain considering the purchase contains Unwired’s spectrum.
2008 and 2009 will be interesting times!
Enjoy!