Still, some think talk of a merger is a bit premature. Thomas , an analyst with Oppenheimer & Co., said he doesn't think a deal is likely anytime soon. Instead, he thinks AT&T may take a wait-and-see approach.

"Why would AT&T want to buy EchoStar when they already have the alliance now?" he said. "Strategically, I don't see motivation for doing it. The company is too far along on its own rollout."

There's also the issue of whether or not AT&T should be taking on another deal so soon. The SBC/AT&T merger just closed in December.

said by Transmaster :

no, no, think about Hillary instead, groan