FCC backs AT&T, Starlink spectrum buy over carrier objections
The FCC has approved a deal allowing AT&T and Starlink to purchase spectrum licenses from EchoStar, despite objections from small carriers. This approval follows the FCC chair's prior pressure on EchoStar to sell these licenses.
Key Takeaways
- EchoStar’s spectrum licenses were approved for sale to AT&T and Starlink by the FCC.
- Small carriers objected to the deal, but the FCC approved it anyway.
- FCC chair had previously pressured EchoStar to sell the licenses.
Why It Matters
The immediate effect is straightforward: AT&T and Starlink can move ahead with buying EchoStar spectrum licenses after FCC approval. The decision also shows the FCC chair’s earlier pressure on EchoStar translated into formal agency action, despite pushback from small carriers. For the broader ecosystem, the key point is that spectrum consolidation is advancing through regulatory approval rather than market consensus. Watch for any follow-on filings or transaction terms tied to the EchoStar licenses, since those will show how quickly the transfer can proceed.
Read full article at arstechnica.com
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