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AT&T completes US$23 billion EchoStar spectrum deal to strengthen nationwide 5G network
Acquisition adds 50 MHz of spectrum across the US as AT&T boosts AI-ready connectivity
New York: AT&T has completed its previously announced US$23 billion acquisition of selected wireless spectrum licences from EchoStar, strengthening its nationwide 5G network and expanding capacity across virtually every market in the United States.
The deal, first announced in August 2025, adds around 50 MHz of low-band and mid-band spectrum to AT&T’s portfolio. The acquisition includes approximately 30 MHz of nationwide 3.45 GHz mid-band spectrum and around 20 MHz of nationwide 600 MHz low-band spectrum, giving the telecom operator greater capacity to support rising mobile data demand and future AI-driven services.
AT&T said the additional spectrum will improve 5G network capacity, increase download speeds and enhance uplink performance, enabling it to deliver a stronger and faster wireless experience for consumers and businesses.
The company added that the newly acquired assets will support its long-term strategy of building an AI-ready connectivity platform, complementing its continued investments in both 5G wireless and fibre broadband infrastructure.
Alongside the announcement, AT&T reaffirmed the financial outlook and capital allocation plan it shared during its second-quarter 2026 earnings release, signalling that the transaction does not alter its broader financial strategy.
The acquisition significantly strengthens AT&T’s spectrum holdings at a time when US telecom operators are racing to expand network capacity to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence applications, cloud services, connected devices and data-intensive mobile usage.
With the transaction now complete, AT&T has bolstered one of its most valuable strategic assets, positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the next phase of 5G deployment while preparing its network for future AI-powered services and applications.
