AT&T to Acquire 23 Billion Dollars in Spectrum from EchoStar
AT&T is moving to acquire spectrum licenses valued at 23 billion dollars from EchoStar, the parent company of Dish Network, Sling TV, and Boost Mobile. This major deal will transfer control of approximately 50MHz of valuable low-band and mid-band spectrum to AT&T. These airwaves are the foundational frequencies used for building and enhancing 5G and LTE wireless networks, representing a significant expansion of AT&T’s network capacity.
The sale comes as EchoStar faced mounting pressure from the Federal Communications Commission to either actively build out its extensive spectrum holdings or divest them. FCC regulations enforce a strict use it or lose it policy for spectrum licenses. This framework is designed to prevent companies from merely warehousing this critical public resource without deploying it to provide actual service to consumers, ensuring the efficient use of the nation’s airwaves.
As a key component of the agreement, the two companies will expand their existing long-term wholesale network services deal. This arrangement will enable EchoStar to continue operating its Boost Mobile brand as a hybrid mobile network operator. Consequently, Boost Mobile will transition to relying primarily on AT&T’s extensive network infrastructure for its service. Boost customers will maintain access to the T-Mobile network as well, but the company is expected to gradually wind down elements of its own limited cellular network.
The spectrum licenses involved in this transaction cover more than 400 markets across the United States. AT&T has stated its intention to begin deploying these new airwaves into its network as soon as it is able to do so. The massive acquisition is anticipated to be finalized by the middle of 2026, pending the necessary regulatory approvals from government agencies.
