Separately, a group representing rural mobile carriers criticized the approvals, saying the FCC ignored competitive concerns raised by smaller wireless carriers. The spectrum sale “perpetuates a problematic pattern of spectrum pooling that negatively impacts rural wireless providers, stifles competition in the wireless market, and hinders the adoption of wireless services, particularly in the hardest-to-serve rural areas,” the Rural Wireless Association said.
Although Starlink is not a wireless carrier, it is trying to dominate an emerging market for Direct-to-Device (D2D) systems that use low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver services on standard mobile phones. Meanwhile, AT&T’s acquisition of EchoStar licenses continues its consolidation of spectrum with the three major carriers — AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
“In approving the EchoStar/AT&T agreement, the FCC’s Bureau of Wireless Telecommunications erroneously asserted that the likelihood of competitive harm was low, citing specific harms identified by wireless carriers in rural areas, including reduced access to spectrum needed to expand service in rural markets and reduced competitive opportunities for rural areas, wireless networks and regions.”
Although the Rural Wireless Association contested the approvals, it said there is still a chance for smaller carriers to buy some spectrum licenses from EchoStar in future deals.
FCC chairman says it’s all ‘thanks to President Trump’
Although the approvals came from FCC staff, Carr made the decisions public press release. He also gave credit to his White House boss.
“Thanks to President Trump, America is once again leading the world in next-generation technology,” Carr said in an official statement about the endorsements. “As a result of President Trump’s work, Americans will now see faster internet speeds, stronger competition and innovative new offerings, including high-speed connections from space directly to your smartphone — these new systems will enable connectivity everywhere when they’re complete.”
AT&T previously received exclusive authorization to deploy EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz spectrum pending sale. AT&T he said yesterday it has deployed mid-band spectrum to increase network capacity and will deploy low-band frequencies after closing the acquisition. AT&T said it expects to complete the deal by mid-2026.
