Overview
- SpaceX will receive 15 MHz of nationwide unpaired AWS-3 uplink spectrum (1695–1710 MHz, 3GPP Band 70n) to bolster Starlink Direct to Cell.
- The sale expands a September agreement in which SpaceX moved to acquire EchoStar’s AWS-4 and H-block licenses in a transaction valued around $17 billion.
- EchoStar formed EchoStar Capital to hold and invest the SpaceX equity, naming Hamid Akhavan CEO as Charlie Ergen returns to lead EchoStar’s operating businesses.
- Closing depends on regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, and EchoStar said DISH TV, Sling TV, Boost Mobile and Hughes will continue unaffected.
- Starlink reported more than 8 million Direct to Cell users and added airline deals, with International Airlines Group planning to equip over 500 aircraft starting in 2026.