As a DISH subscriber, I am not too sure I am happy with this news.

AT&T Inc (T.N) is trying to put together a bid for EchoStar Communications Corp (DISH.O) before the end of the year, whetted by the satellite operator’s recent stock dip, according to Barron’s financial newspaper.

Shares of the second-largest U.S. satellite television operator fell 24 percent in one month, Barron’s said in its November 19 edition, which may make reaching an agreement on a share purchase price easier.

In the past, AT&T has supposedly offered $65 a share and EchoStar has demanded $75 a share, Barron’s said.

At Friday close, EchoStar’s stock was at $39.83 on the Nasdaq, up 32 cents on the day.

Citing a person familiar with the company, Barron’s said AT&T would like to get a deal done quickly because it wants an agreement in place before the next presidential election, when any victory for the Democrats, antitrust experts believe, would probably mean increased scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions.

In the past, I never had a good experience with AT&T. I wonder if the new AT&T is better? If not, I may find myself checking out DirecTV in a year or so.

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