DISH to acquire Republic Wireless

DISH Network announced its plans to acquire Republic Wireless, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service operating on the T-Mobile network. Upon close, DISH will assume approximately 200,000 customer relationships, the Republic Wireless brand, and other supporting assets. Once acquired by DISH, Republic customers will not see any immediate changes to their experience or plans, and there is no need for customers to take action. After the acquisition closes, the existing Relay division of Republic Wireless will continue to operate as a standalone company and will become a wholesale customer on DISH's 5G network. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. It is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. 

Republic Wireless was formed in 2011 and launched as an MVNO using Sprint’s network. It was one of the first “Wi-Fi first” service providers, a model shared by Google Fi, where customers’ first chance for a wireless connection is Wi-Fi and it reverts to cellular when Wi-Fi isn’t available or satisfactory.