EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a global telecommunications company providing satellite communication, wireless telecommunications, and internet services. Operating through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services segments, it delivers services like pay TV, satellite network solutions, and broadband internet, serving enterprise, government, and consumer markets. EchoStar's offerings include geostationary high throughput satellites, low-earth orbit networks, and mobile solutions, with partners including Jersey Telecom and Swisscom. The company's brands include HughesNet, DISH TV, Sling TV, and Boost Mobile.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
EchoStar’s 2025 Form 10-K filed with the SEC references orbital slots described as close to licensed locations.
SpaceX’s transaction with EchoStar included cash, an equity stake representing approximately 2% of SpaceX, and SpaceX’s assumption of roughly $2 billion in interest obligations.
EchoStar had accumulated AWS-4 and H-Block spectrum licenses that it had not fully deployed.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly encouraged EchoStar’s spectrum sale.
Starlink bought EchoStar’s spectrum for $17 billion in September 2025.
SpaceX acquired 50 MHz of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for $17 billion in September.
Named prior FCC satellite milestone extension grantees include ViaSat, Hughes Network Systems, Space Norway, EarthWatch, DIRECTV, AT&T, Intelsat, SES, Maxar, and EchoStar.
EchoStar XXV is owned by EchoStar’s subsidiary Dish Network.
Skylo has expanded into the 5G NR-NTN architecture and leverages geostationary and medium-earth orbit satellite assets from partners including Viasat and EchoStar.
Charles W. Ergen is Chairman of EchoStar Corp.
SpaceX acquired globally harmonized S-band satellite spectrum rights from EchoStar subject to regulatory approval.
The EchoStar contract was terminated in late 2025 and reduced MDA Space’s immediate backlog.
Between a $17 billion transaction in a mix of cash and SpaceX stock and a separate $2.6 billion in SpaceX stock, EchoStar’s stake in SpaceX is around 2.8 percent.
EchoStar amended its transaction with SpaceX, increasing total consideration for AWS-4 and H-Block licenses from $17 billion to approximately $20 billion.
The EchoStar–SpaceX agreement is structured as a hybrid of cash and equity.
EchoStar confirmed a spectrum sale to AT&T valued at $22.65 billion for licenses in the 3.45–3.55 GHz and 600 MHz bands.
EchoStar expects the spectrum monetization agreements with AT&T and SpaceX to resolve its looming 2026 debt maturities.
EchoStar is waiting for final regulatory approval for the spectrum sale to SpaceX and expects the influx of capital during the first half of this year.
Hamid Akhavan leads the newly formed EchoStar Capital division, which will manage EchoStar’s significant equity stake in SpaceX and evaluate future mergers and acquisitions within the space economy.
EchoStar’s Boost Mobile brand will operate as a hybrid provider using AT&T’s terrestrial infrastructure and SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-consumer capability.