In August 2025, AT&T reached an agreement with EchoStar to purchase specific wireless spectrum licenses. The all-cash transaction includes:

The deal is expected to , pending final regulatory approvals. AT&T has already begun deploying this spectrum under a short-term manager lease to immediately boost 5G download speeds by up to 80% for current customers. Consolidating Regional Assets: The UScellular Acquisition AT&T to Acquire Spectrum Licenses from EchoStar

This strategic "land grab" is designed to fortify AT&T's 5G and home internet services across virtually every U.S. market. The $23 Billion EchoStar Deal

Approximately 30 MHz nationwide, which is crucial for high-speed 5G capacity.

Approximately 20 MHz nationwide, which provides wider coverage and better indoor penetration.

In a major shift for the telecommunications industry, AT&T is aggressively expanding its wireless footprint through multi-billion dollar spectrum acquisitions. As of early 2026, the company is finalizing a landmark to acquire spectrum from EchoStar .