As one might expect, AT&T, the world’s largest telecoms group, is skilled in the art of communications. But on the persistent rumours that the company might bid for Echostar, the company has remained tight-lipped.

Wall Street rumours about a potential takeover of the second-biggest US satellite operator have swirled around both companies for several years. However, they peaked this week after reports in Barron’s and the financial website TheStreet.com said that AT&T was preparing a takeover bid worth as much as $26bn (£12bn) and that both companies have been in talks.