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SpaceX acquired EchoStar’s spectrum for $17 billion, making Starlink the most vertically integrated direct-to-device (D2D) operator.
Satisfactory satellite service providers include ViaSat, Iridium, Intelsat/SES, EchoStar/Hughes, and Globalstar/Apple.
In September, EchoStar entered a definitive agreement with SpaceX to sell AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses for approximately $17 billion USD.
EchoStar cancelled its $1.8 billion contract with MDA Space for MDA to build 100 satellites on its Aurora platform for EchoStar’s direct-to-device satellite constellation.
AT&T deployed mid-band (3.45 GHz) spectrum from EchoStar to nearly 23,000 cell sites.
Hughes Satellite Systems, owned by EchoStar, does not have enough money to cover its activities for the next 12 months and considers Chapter 11 bankruptcy as an option.
The Jupiter 3 satellite, also known as EchoStar 24, is owned by EchoStar, and Hughes pays EchoStar $190 million annually to lease its capacity.
Recently, a filing revealed that as a result of a $17 billion sale of spectrum by EchoStar to SpaceX, Hughes is obligated to refer existing HughesNet subscribers to SpaceX's Starlink.
There are options for SpaceX to acquire satellites and regulatory assets from Hughes and EchoStar.
Hughes stated that EchoStar may not provide additional liquidity in the future to meet its obligations.
Hughes can no longer rely on EchoStar’s cash to assist with its liquidity problems.
EchoStar canceled its contract with MDA Space to build a direct-to-device constellation.
MDA Space expects to be compensated for all related termination costs and fees following the EchoStar contract cancellation.
A class action claim has arisen over share sales by insiders before the EchoStar contract was terminated.
EchoStar opted to sell its spectrum licenses to SpaceX instead of proceeding with the contract with MDA Space.
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.
The transaction between EchoStar and SpaceX 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.
The combination of AWS-3 uplink, AWS-4, and H-block spectrum from EchoStar with SpaceX's rocket launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities accelerates the realization of direct-to-cell service offerings.
EchoStar and SpaceX intend to accelerate Starlink's ambitions in global direct-to-cell coverage and connectivity solutions.