AT&T stock rises as company acquires EchoStar spectrum for $23 billion

Published 26/08/2025, 12:16

AT&T (NYSE:T) stock rose after announcing plans to acquire spectrum licenses from EchoStar (NASDAQ:SATS) for approximately $23 billion in cash, while EchoStar shares soared 80% Tuesday morning on the news.

The deal will add an average of approximately 50 MHz of low-band and mid-band spectrum to AT&T’s holdings, covering over 400 markets across the U.S. Specifically, AT&T will acquire about 30 MHz of nationwide 3.45 GHz mid-band spectrum and 20 MHz of nationwide 600 MHz low-band spectrum.

AT&T intends to begin deploying the mid-band licenses as soon as possible to enhance its 5G network capabilities. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

As part of the agreement, AT&T and EchoStar will enhance their long-term wholesale network services agreement, allowing EchoStar to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator providing wireless service under the Boost Mobile brand, with AT&T serving as the primary network services partner.

"This acquisition bolsters and expands our spectrum portfolio while enhancing customers’ 5G wireless and home internet experience in even more markets," said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T.

The telecommunications giant expects the deal to accelerate the availability of its AT&T Internet Air fixed wireless home internet service and drive long-term growth in its converged customer base. Following the closing, AT&T anticipates its net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio to increase to around 3x, with plans to return to its 2.5x target within approximately three years.

AT&T reiterated its full-year 2025 financial guidance and capital return plans, including $20 billion of share repurchase capacity during 2025-2027.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.