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Separately, a group representing rural phone carriers criticized the approvals, saying the FCC ignored competition concerns posed by wireless operators. The sale of spectrum “continues a troublesome process of consolidation that restricts wireless providers in rural areas, hinders competition in the wireless market, and hinders the deployment of wireless — especially in the most vulnerable rural areas,” the Rural Wireless Association said.
Although Starlink is not a wireless carrier, it is looking to control the emerging market for Direct-to-Device (D2D) systems that use low-Earth orbit satellites to provide service to conventional mobile phones. Meanwhile, AT&T’s purchase of EchoStar’s licenses continues the consolidation of coverage by the three major carriers – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
“In approving the EchoStar/AT&T deal, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau erred in asserting that competition is limited, and eliminating perceived harm to rural wireless carriers, including reduced opportunities to expand service in rural markets and reduced competition in rural and wireless areas,” the Rural Wireless Association said.
Although the Rural Wireless Association opposed the approvals, it said there is an opportunity for smaller carriers to obtain visible licenses from EchoStar in future transactions.
FCC chair says it’s all “thanks to President Trump”
When the approvals came from the FCC staff, Carr announced the decisions in a Press release. He also gave credit to his boss at the White House.
“Thanks to President Trump, America is once again leading the world in the technology of the future,” Carr said in his acceptance speech. “Thanks to the work of President Trump, the American people will now see faster Internet speeds, stronger competition, and new innovative offers, including a high-speed connection with your cell phone from space – providing any connection after the completion of this new system.”
AT&T previously received exclusive rights to transmit EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz spectrum while the sale was pending. The cost of AT&T he said yesterday that it has deployed central spectrum to increase the network’s capacity, and will deploy lower frequencies once it has completed the acquisition. AT&T said it expects to complete the deal by mid-2026.
