Boost Mobile's deal with AT&T allows it to continue operating as a wireless provider, satisfying FCC requirements.
Boost Mobile will continue serving subscribers' wireless needs as a hybrid MNO.
EchoStar's sale of its spectrum to AT&T means Boost Mobile will not become a fourth facilities-based carrier. Boost will remain in the wireless market, utilizing AT&T's spectrum and other networks. AT&T will acquire 30MHz of mid-band spectrum (3.45GHz) and 20MHz of low-band airwaves (600MHz), improving its 5G coverage. The spectrum licenses cover 400 U.S. markets.
This sale concludes EchoStar/Dish Network's ambition to join Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T as a major carrier, a goal supported by the FCC to maintain competition. The FCC wanted the Dish Network and Boost Mobile combination to occur before T-Mobile's $26 billion acquisition of Sprint.
EchoStar Chairman Charles Ergen may see less scrutiny from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who had questioned Dish Network's network coverage testing timeline and accused EchoStar of holding 2GHz spectrum coveted by SpaceX for its direct-to-cell satellite service.
Ergen addressed the FCC issue in his statement, saying EchoStar and Boost Mobile met FCC network build-out goals. He added that the spectrum sale to AT&T and a hybrid MNO agreement are vital for resolving the FCC's spectrum concerns.
Reports indicated that FCC Chairman Carr wanted EchoStar to sell its spectrum. While Boost Mobile loses its spectrum, it will continue in the mobile phone business as a hybrid MNO, using AT&T's network via a wholesale agreement.
Although EchoStar's radio access network (RAN) will be decommissioned, Boost will keep its cloud-native 5G core, allowing it to offer unique services. Boost will now use AT&T's cell towers, connecting its core network to AT&T's nationwide network.
EchoStar COO John Swieringa noted that the move allows them to continue serving Boost Mobile customers, address FCC concerns, and stabilize EchoStar's finances. He stated they will compete as a hybrid MNO, using Boost Mobile's 5G core and AT&T's cell sites.
AT&T is paying $23 billion for the spectrum, pending FCC and DOJ approval. FCC approval is anticipated, given Chairman Carr's reported desire for EchoStar to sell.
In other news, "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips," a coffee table book about the 21st century's tech revolution, will be released in a few months.