(Telecompaper) Japan's Softbank believes that its deal with Sprint offers shareholders "superior short and long term benefits" compared to Dish's proposal. US pay-TV provider Dish Network recently launched a rival takeover offer for mobile operator Sprint Nextel. Dish is offering a total USD 25.5 billion for Sprint, versus around USD 20 billion under Softbank's offer. In a statement, Softbank called Dish's offer "highly conditional" and said that its own transaction is in the advanced stages of receiving necessary approvals and that it expects it to go through on 1 July this year with the terms already agreed.