Want to know why EchoStar and Dish are now two separate companies? Because EchoStar wants to sell DOCSIS modems to cable companies.

EchoStar is introducing its SlingModem at CableNET at the Cable Show next week.

EchoStar purchased Sling Media last fall and is now pursuing OEM relationships with cable operators worldwide. Walking into the lion’s den, indeed.

SlingModem combines a DOCSIS 2.0-certified cable modem with the Slingbox. EchoStar bought Sling Media last fall. By connecting SlingModem directly to a coax cable input or set-top box, subscribers can receive live or recorded television on any Internet-connected device, EchoStar said.

EchoStar vows the SlingModem is only the first product it plans to develop for the cable market; EchoStar plans to introduce other cable products later this year.

“The introduction of the SlingModem demonstrates our operator-agnostic philosophy, as well as our dedication to the cable industry,” said Sling Media CEO Blake Krikorian.

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