AT&T has agreed to purchase certain wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar for a total of approximately $23 billion, subject to certain adjustments. AT&T and EchoStar have also agreed to EchoStar enhance their long-term wholesale network services agreement, enabling EchoStar to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator (MNO) providing wireless service under the Boost Mobile brand. AT&T will be the primary network services partner to EchoStar as it continues to serve wireless customers. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
John Stankey, Chairman and CEO, AT&T referred to the deal: “This acquisition bolsters and expands our spectrum portfolio while enhancing customers’ 5G wireless and home internet experience in even more markets,” No one brings wireless and fiber internet to more places or does it better than AT&T – and we do it with the industry’s first and only guarantee for both wireless and fiber. We’re adding fuel to our winning strategy of investing in valuable wireless and broadband assets to become America’s best connectivity provider," expressed.
Let’s now review some details about the agreement. AT&T will acquire approximately 30 MHz of nationwide 3.45 GHz mid-band spectrum and approximately 20 MHz of nationwide 600 MHz low-band spectrum for approximately $23 billion in an all-cash transaction, subject to certain adjustments. These licenses cover virtually every market across the U.S. – over 400 markets in total – significantly strengthening AT&T’s low-band and mid-band spectrum holdings.
AT&T intends to begin deploying these mid-band licenses, which are compatible with its 5G network, as soon as possible. The Company expects to support the deployment of these licenses, as well as the acquired low-band licenses, within the multi-year capital investment guidance provided with its second quarter 2025 earnings release.
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