EchoStar Sells Spectrum Licenses to SpaceX for $17 Billion
EchoStar, the parent company of Dish Network, has finalized the sale of wireless spectrum licenses to SpaceX for approximately $17 billion. The agreement was announced on September 8, 2025, and SpaceX intends to utilize the spectrum to enhance the “next generation” of its Starlink cellular satellite service, granting customers of EchoStar-owned Boost Mobile access to this service, reports 24brussels.
This transaction, in conjunction with a previously disclosed $23 billion sale of 5G spectrum to AT&T, is anticipated to conclude an investigation led by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This investigation centers on EchoStar’s deployment of its spectrum for satellite connectivity.
In response to concerns raised by SpaceX, which alleged that EchoStar “barely uses” its allocated spectrum, FCC Chair Brendan Carr initiated a probe into EchoStar’s expansion of 5G services. EchoStar had originally aimed to leverage its AWS-4 (2GHz) spectrum band to facilitate direct-to-device satellite cell service. However, this new sale effectively cancels those plans.
EchoStar CEO Hamid Akhavan emphasized that this agreement will enable SpaceX to realize its vision of direct-to-cell services in a manner that is more innovative, cost-effective, and swift for consumers globally.
