Conx Corporation, founded by Dish Network's Charlie Ergen, has agreed to acquire a 75% controlling stake in HC2 Broadcasting, pending FCC approval. The deal includes a $105 million bridge loan and aims to repurpose low-power TV broadcast spectrum for 5G wireless connections and datacasting. Conx has committed up to $75 million in additional equity funding post-merger.
This acquisition signals a strategic move by Charlie Ergen to expand Dish Network's 5G ambitions by leveraging existing broadcast spectrum, rather than solely building new infrastructure. By repurposing low-power TV spectrum, Conx aims to accelerate 5G deployment, potentially creating a new revenue stream for datacasting and one-way video services. Industry players should monitor FCC approval and the technical implementation of this spectrum refarming, as it could establish a precedent for utilizing broadcast assets for telecommunications and introduce new competition in the 5G service landscape.
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