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AT&T to Buy $23 Billion of EchoStar Spectrum and Expand Boost Partnership

Regulators must sign off before an expected mid‑2026 close.

FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2016, file photo, the AT&T logo is positioned above one of its retail stores, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
"This transaction is good for both consumers and competition across our industry, which aligns with the administration’s priorities," Pascal Desroches says.
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Overview

  • The purchase covers about 50 MHz of nationwide spectrum—roughly 30 MHz at 3.45 GHz and 20 MHz at 600 MHz—spanning more than 400 U.S. markets.
  • AT&T can lease and begin deploying the mid‑band airwaves before closing, with the company saying it intends to move quickly to enhance 5G and fixed wireless service.
  • EchoStar and AT&T amended their network services deal to a hybrid MNO model that makes AT&T the primary network partner for Boost Mobile, with elements of Boost’s RAN to be decommissioned over time.
  • The companies framed the transaction as addressing FCC inquiries into EchoStar’s spectrum use, with EchoStar saying the proceeds will help retire debt and support ongoing operations.
  • EchoStar shares jumped roughly 70%–80% after the announcement, while AT&T said the expanded spectrum position strengthens its low‑ and mid‑band holdings.