The connection with Current marks DirecTV's latest attempt to complement its satellite TV service with Internet and/or voice offerings.

    Mostrecently, DirecTV, along with satellite rival EchoStar Communications Corp. , inked a co-marketing deal with WiMax carrier Clearwire LLC (Nasdaq: CLWR - message board). Clearwire and Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S - message board) are jointly deploying wireless broadband services across the U.S. (See DBS Duo Adds WiMax and Clearwire & Sprint Team on WiMax.)

    DirecTV also has marketing relationships with several telcos, including Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ - message board), Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q - message board), AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T - message board), and Cincinnati Bell Inc. (NYSE: CBB - message board). EarthLink Inc. and DirecTV have a partnership as well.

    AT&T also works with EchoStar, and the telco is expected to finalize an exclusive deal with one of the satellite TV providers later this year.

    "Malone's Current move provides both leverage in the negotiations and a counter strategy if AT&T moves to Dish," notes Matt Stump, an analyst with One Touch Intelligence .

    Finally, DirecTV offers a broadband bundle through its deal with WildBlue Communications , which uses a satellite-based system.

    Despite the latest deal with Current, all of those previous partnerships remain intact, according to a DirecTV spokesman.

    Moreover, the DBS service giant, which has about 16.3 million subscribers, plans to begin selling WildBlue services under the DirecTV brand by the end of August, the spokesman adds.

    Although DirecTV appears to be hedging its bets by striking a range of partnerships, the accord with Current will give DirecTV access to the powerline, the most common wire and distribution outlet in U.S. homes.