FCC Secures Win for America's Leadership in Next-Gen Connectivity

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the agency approved two transactions that will further secure U.S. leadership in wireless and next-generation technology, including emerging direct-to-device offerings. The two transactions—collectively surpassing $40 billion in deal value—will allow the private sector to light up a large swath of approximately 115 megahertz of underused mid-band spectrum for the benefit of the American people. Specifically, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Space Bureau approved EchoStar’s sale of approximately 65 megahertz of spectrum to SpaceX and an additional 50 megahertz to AT&T. These two decisions promise to accelerate Internet speeds, strengthen competition, and bolster rural service while allowing America to lead the world in next-gen connectivity, including new high-speed offerings direct to your smartphone from low-earth orbit satellites.