Telecommunications giant AT&T set to acquire Spectrum Licenses from EchoStar for a massive $23 billion in cash, with Dish Network and its subsidiary Sling TV remaining unaffected by the deal.

In a significant move, EchoStar, the parent company of Dish TV and Sling, has agreed to sell a total of 50 MHz of nationwide spectrum to AT&T for approximately $23 billion. This deal, announced by Caroline Cochran, CEO of EchoStar, will see EchoStar receive a substantial cash infusion to help pay down its debt.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in mid-2026, pending certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The deal includes the sale of about 30 MHz of nationwide 3.45-GHz mid-band spectrum and approximately 20 MHz of nationwide 600 MHz low-band spectrum.

Boost Mobile, under the hybrid Mobile Network Operator (MNO) arrangement with AT&T, will continue to run on the 5G infrastructure connected to AT&T's nationwide network. Primary connectivity for Boost Mobile subscribers will be provided by AT&T's towers, but they will still have access to the T-Mobile network.

However, with the spectrum sale to AT&T, elements of Boost Mobile's radio access network (RAN) will be decommissioned over time. EchoStar stated that this move is part of its efforts to resolve the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) inquiries into whether EchoStar was meeting its legal obligations to utilize its spectrum holdings.

The deal will not affect the operations of EchoStar's other businesses, including Dish TV, Sling, and Hughes. AT&T has the option to lease the spectrum prior to the official deal close. AT&T intends to begin deploying the mid-band licenses as soon as possible.

It's worth noting that the deal to sell Dish Network to DirecTV, which was majority-owned by AT&T, was scrapped. In May, the FCC launched an investigation into EchoStar's spectrum utilization, but EchoStar continues to evaluate strategic opportunities for its remaining spectrum portfolio in partnership with the U.S. government and wireless industry participants.

Boost Mobile customers will experience no interruptions to service during this transition. AT&T closed the deal to sell its 70% stake in DirecTV to TPG in July 2025, and the company has also amended its network services agreement with EchoStar to create a hybrid MNO relationship.

This sale marks a significant shift in the wireless industry, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape. As EchoStar moves forward, it will continue to explore opportunities to leverage its remaining spectrum holdings and strengthen its position in the market.

Telecommunications giant AT&T set to acquire Spectrum Licenses from EchoStar for a massive $23 billion in cash, with Dish Network and its subsidiary Sling TV remaining unaffected by the deal.