**AT&T to Acquire $23 Billion in Wireless Spectrum from EchoStar**
AT&T is set to invest $23 billion to acquire specific wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, marking a substantial enhancement of its low- and mid-band coverage networks. Announced on Tuesday, the licenses encompass nearly every U.S. market—over 400 in total—allowing AT&T to deploy them swiftly to attract more home internet subscribers and achieve its growth objectives. This acquisition also strengthens the long-term services agreement between AT&T and EchoStar, enabling EchoStar to function as a hybrid mobile network operator under its Boost Mobile brand, with AT&T serving as its primary network services partner.
Following the announcement, shares of EchoStar, headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, surged by 76% at the market’s opening. AT&T CEO John Stankey stated, “This acquisition bolsters and expands our spectrum portfolio while enhancing customers’ 5G wireless and home internet experience in even more markets. We’re adding fuel to our winning strategy of investing in valuable wireless and broadband assets to become America’s best connectivity provider.”
Looking ahead, AT&T plans to broaden its fiber broadband network to over 50 million locations by the end of 2029, while actively transitioning away from its legacy copper network operations across most of its wireline footprint. The company anticipates completing the modernization of its 5G wireless network using open technology by 2027, which will support ultra-fast download speeds and serve as a foundation for new product and GenAI innovations.
In its latest earnings report from July, AT&T projected potential cash tax savings of up to $8 billion from 2025 to 2027, thanks to tax provisions in the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The company plans to reinvest $3.5 billion of these savings into its network to expedite its fiber internet expansion.
On the day of the announcement, shares of AT&T Inc., based in Dallas, experienced a slight increase of less than 1%.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of AT&T’s acquisition of EchoStar’s spectrum licenses?*
The acquisition is significant as it enhances AT&T’s wireless coverage and capacity, allowing the company to improve its 5G services and expand its home internet offerings across a vast number of U.S. markets.