Overview

• EchoStar agreed to sell 50 MHz of nationwide spectrum, including 3.45 GHz and 600 MHz, to AT&T for about $23 billion, pending regulatory review.
• The companies amended their network services agreement to create a hybrid mobile network operator model, with AT&T as Boost Mobile’s primary network partner.
• EchoStar said proceeds will retire debt and support operations and growth after its Dish DBS unit recently avoided default by making delayed interest payments.
• AT&T said the licenses span more than 400 U.S. markets and will bolster its low- and mid-band holdings to enhance 5G wireless and home internet services.
• The transaction follows FCC inquiries into EchoStar’s buildout and utilization and a June meeting where President Trump engaged with Chair Brendan Carr and Charlie Ergen.