Spectrum

EchoStar Secures Global Rights to 2 GHz Band

An executive from SpaceX, which is acquiring the rights, welcomed the news.

Jake Neenan

Oct 3, 2025 — 2 min read

Photo of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from John Raoux/AP

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2025 – EchoStar has secured its global rights to the 2 GigaHertz (GHz) spectrum band, the company said Friday. SpaceX is looking to buy EchoStar’s licenses in the band for $17 billion.

EchoStar’s Australian subsidiary completed the International Telecommunication Union’s “bringing back into use” process, reactivating paused usage rights, by operating its Lyra-4 satellite for 90 days from July 3 to Oct. 1.

“This achievement is a critical step in powering next-generation direct-to-device (D2D) services, particularly in rural and regional areas across the globe,” Echostar said in a statement. “Completing the BBIU process means all other operators in overlapping frequencies must coordinate with EchoStar under SIRION-1.”

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