UPDATE The FCC approved Echostar’s (NASDAQ: SATS) request to extend the DISH 5G network construction deadlines. “The updated framework enables EchoStar to optimize and enhance its coast-to-coast buildout of the world’s first cloud-native Open RAN 5G Boost Mobile Network, while more efficiently deploying the network in new areas of the country,” said the DISH parent.
NewStreet Research (NSR) predicted the request would be granted. Asked whether this was the fastest FCC approval of a petition ever, NSR Policy Advisor Blair Levin said: “We can’t think of a faster one.” In a client note, he called it “a real tribute to the brilliant strategy and execution by the DISH public policy team.”
“The speed at which the FCC acted—albeit likely with significant pre-negotiation—is an indication that the FCC leadership is willing to act quickly and decisively to increase the odds of DISH succeeding in building out a fourth national facilities-based competitor,” stated Levin.
Specifically, the Commission extended the construction milestones associated with certain of the DISH AWS-4, Lower 700 MHz E Block, 600 MHz, AWS-3 and AWS H Block licenses from June 14, 2025 to December 14, 2026. The agency approved the request to lengthen the construction milestones associated with its AWS-3 licenses from October 27, 2025 to December 14, 2026 and to postpone final construction milestones from December 14, 2026 to June 14, 2028.
In exchange, EchoStar committed in its request to increase its Open RAN network coverage area from the current 70 percent to 80 percent of the U.S. population by December 31, 2024, Inside Towers reported.
It also said it will accelerate and expand final construction milestones for “over 500 licenses” to 85 percent and to offer a low-cost 5G plan to consumers during the extension period. EchoStar pledged to deploy 24,000 towers by June 14, 2025 (9,000 more towers than its 2023 obligation of 15,000 towers) and allow any eligible small carrier or Tribal nation to lease on a first-come, first-served basis, any of the licenses identified in its request.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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