EchoStar Agrees to Sell Full Unpaired AWS-3 Spectrum License Portfolio to SpaceX

Rhea-AI Summary

EchoStar (NASDAQ:SATS) entered an amended definitive agreement to sell its nationwide unpaired AWS-3 spectrum licenses (3GPP Band 70n, 1695-1710 MHz uplink) to SpaceX for approximately $2.6 billion payable in SpaceX stock valued as of September 2025. The deal builds on a September agreement and complements EchoStar's previously disclosed AWS-4 and H-block spectrum transfers to support a next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell constellation.

Closing is subject to required regulatory approvals and other conditions; EchoStar said current operations of DISH TV, Sling TV, Boost Mobile and Hughes will not be impacted.

Positive

• Consideration: approximately $2.6 billion in SpaceX stock
• Nationwide AWS-3 licenses covering 1695-1710 MHz uplink (Band 70n)
• Strategic fit: combines AWS-3, AWS-4 and H-block to enable Starlink Direct to Cell

Negative

• Closing is contingent on regulatory approvals and other closing conditions
• Consideration is paid in SpaceX stock valued as of September 2025, not cash

With this unpaired AWS-3 spectrum, in addition to the AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses, SpaceX to develop and deploy a next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell constellation.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and HAWTHORNE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EchoStar has entered into an amended definitive agreement with SpaceX to sell the company's unpaired AWS-3 licenses for approximately $2.6 billion in SpaceX stock valued as of September 2025. This transaction builds on the agreement the companies entered into in September. EchoStar's unpaired AWS-3 licenses are nationwide and are part of 3GPP Band 70n (1695-1710 MHz uplink).

"This transaction with SpaceX, in addition to our previously announced spectrum transactions and commercial agreements, will strengthen EchoStar's ability to develop new business opportunities and growth in value for our shareholders," said Hamid Akhavan, CEO, EchoStar Capital. "The combination of AWS-3 uplink, AWS-4 and H-block spectrum from EchoStar with the rocket launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities from SpaceX accelerates the realization of powerful and economical direct-to-cell service offerings for consumers and enterprises worldwide, including our Boost Mobile customers."

Closing of the proposed transaction will occur after all required regulatory approvals are received and other closing conditions are satisfied.

Current operations of EchoStar's DISH TV, Sling TV, Boost Mobile and Hughes will not be impacted by this transaction.

About EchoStar Corporation
EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a premier provider of technology, networking services, television entertainment and connectivity, offering consumer, enterprise, operator and government solutions worldwide under its EchoStar®, Boost Mobile®, Sling TV, DISH TV, Hughes®, HughesNet®, HughesON™, and JUPITER™ brands. In Europe, EchoStar operates under its EchoStar Mobile Limited subsidiary and in Australia, the company operates as EchoStar Global Australia. For more information, visit www.echostar.com and follow EchoStar on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

©2025 EchoStar, Hughes, HughesNet, DISH and Boost Mobile are registered trademarks of one or more affiliate companies of EchoStar Corp.

About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. As the world's leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is leveraging its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations to deploy the world's most advanced internet and Direct to Cell networks. Engineered to end mobile dead zones around the world, Starlink's satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters.

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SOURCE EchoStar Corporation

FAQ

What did EchoStar announce on November 6, 2025 regarding AWS-3 and SpaceX (SATS)?

EchoStar agreed to sell its nationwide unpaired AWS-3 licenses to SpaceX for approximately $2.6 billion payable in SpaceX stock valued as of September 2025.

How will the EchoStar sale of AWS-3 affect Starlink Direct to Cell development?

The AWS-3 sale, combined with EchoStar's AWS-4 and H-block spectrum, is intended to support development of a next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell constellation.

Is the EchoStar (SATS) transaction closed and when will it close?

The transaction has been agreed but will close only after required regulatory approvals and other closing conditions are satisfied.

What type of spectrum and frequency does EchoStar sell to SpaceX in the SATS deal?

EchoStar is selling unpaired AWS-3 licenses that are part of 3GPP Band 70n (1695-1710 MHz uplink) nationwide.

How will EchoStar's core businesses be affected by the AWS-3 sale?

EchoStar stated that current operations of DISH TV, Sling TV, Boost Mobile and Hughes will not be impacted by the transaction.

How was the $2.6 billion valuation of the SpaceX consideration determined for SATS shareholders?

The consideration was valued in SpaceX stock based on September 2025 valuation terms.