EchoStar Sells $23B Spectrum Licenses to AT&T Across US

EchoStar has entered a definitive agreement to sell approximately $23 billion worth of its 3.45 GHz mid-band and 600 MHz low-band spectrum licenses to AT&T, covering over 400 U.S. markets. This transaction addresses Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerns about spectrum utilization and strengthens EchoStar’s financial position by enabling debt retirement and funding growth initiatives. As part of the deal, EchoStar and AT&T amended their network services agreement to establish a hybrid mobile network operator (MNO) relationship, allowing EchoStar’s Boost Mobile to continue operating on AT&T’s infrastructure with a cloud-native 5G core. AT&T plans to rapidly deploy the acquired spectrum, accelerating its 5G and fixed wireless home internet services rollout, supporting its strategy to transition customers from legacy copper services to next-generation connectivity. The deal also enhances AT&T’s spectrum portfolio and network capacity, bolstering its leadership in U.S. advanced wireless and fiber connectivity. EchoStar’s other businesses, including DISH TV, Sling, and Hughes, remain unaffected as the company explores further strategic opportunities with its remaining spectrum assets.