FCC Probes EchoStar-Dish 5G Spectrum Compliance

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing EchoStar's compliance with buildout obligations for its 5G and satellite spectrum licenses, citing concerns over the company's pace in deploying its network and using key spectrum bands. EchoStar, now merged with Dish Network and operating Boost Mobile, faces criticism from rivals like SpaceX for underutilizing the 2 GHz AWS-4 spectrum, with calls for the FCC to consider reallocating it for advanced satellite use. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has warned that failure to meet federal requirements, particularly those set during the T-Mobile/Sprint merger and related regulatory agreements, could result in license revocation. The review underscores the FCC's focus on nationwide and rural connectivity. EchoStar Chairman Charles Ergen maintains that the company serves over 268 million people with more than 24,000 5G sites, but admits the review's outcome is uncertain. The company is also under financial pressure, with high debt and recent stock volatility.