AT&T to buy $23B EchoStar spectrum to boost 5G and home broadband

AT&T has agreed to buy about 50 MHz of nationwide wireless spectrum from EchoStar for roughly $23 billion, in a deal that encompasses midband and low-band licenses and is conditioned on regulatory approval. The transaction, which includes a hybrid mobile network operator arrangement between the two companies, is designed to strengthen AT&T’s spectrum position for 5G and home broadband services and is expected to close in mid-2026. In parallel, EchoStar said the proceeds will help reduce debt and support its ongoing operations and growth initiatives, while ensuring Boost Mobile customers retain uninterrupted service as the network arrangement shifts.

The licenses being sold cover more than 400 U.S. markets, representing a substantial expansion of AT&T’s low- and midband spectrum holdings. About 30 MHz of the spectrum are in the 3.45 GHz midband band, which is compatible with AT&T’s 5G network, and roughly 20 MHz are in the 600 MHz low-band, which helps broaden coverage and indoor performance. AT&T also reserved the option to lease the spectrum before the deal officially closes, a feature intended to accelerate interim deployment if regulatory hurdles delay closing. AT&T...