[Satellite TODAY Insider 11-16-12] Internet search engine company Google has been in discussions with satellite pay-TV provider Dish Network in recent weeks regarding a potential mobile network joint venture, according to a report published Nov. 15 by the Wall Street Journal.

The report cited sources familiar with the discussions, noting that the talks between the two parties have not yet reached an advanced stage and may not amount to anything. Additionally, the report said that Google was just one of several companies that Dish Network has been talking to during an exploratory phase for potential partners.

The Dish Network and Google partnership is well within the realm of possibility, as the latter has already invested heavily in a satellite-based broadband network project with O3b Networks.

Though both Dish Network and Google have declined to comment on the Google rumors, Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen did mention that some of the potential partners, “include companies who would like to be in the industry but do not currently have a wireless business,” according to the report. “Though it would be easier for us to partner with a company that already has wireless towers and related infrastructure for transmitting data, among other expertise in the business.”

In fact, during the past year, Dish Network’s management has repeatedly mentioned that the company wants a partner in building out a wireless network with the wireless spectrum it has acquired since 2008. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Dish Network’s acquisition of S-band satellite spectrum from satellite smartphone operator TerreStar Networks in July 2011 after that company went bankrupt. Dish Network also acquired spectrum from former hybrid satellite and communications company DBSD North America in February 2011.

This past May, Dish Network indicated that it likely would not to be able to launch its proposed LTE-Advanced network using its allocation of 40MHz S-Band spectrum until at least 2016. 

  Earlier this month, Ergen suggested both his company and its larger rival DirecTV consider merging to address the slowing pay-TV market. While no deal discussions have taken place yet, both Ergen and DirecTV CEO Mike White have been reported to say that a merger would ultimately benefit consumers. Dish is currently waiting for FCC approval for mobile video and data services. Analysts believe that if Dish Network were given the green light, it would increase the likelihood of a merger with DirecTV.