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EchoStar’s 5G Buildout Extension Challenged at FCC

VTel Wireless concerned about the process used to grant the three-year extension.

Jericho Casper

Jericho Casper

— 1 min read
EchoStar’s 5G Buildout Extension Challenged at FCC
Photo of Bennett Ross, partner at Wiley Rein LLP and counsel for VTel Wireless.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2024 – A small Vermont wireless provider is fighting to prevent a telecom giant from tightening its hold on dozens of megahertz of critical 5G spectrum.

VTel Wireless, in a petition filed with the Federal Communications Commission on Monday, argued that granting EchoStar more time to deploy spectrum partially obtained in the T-Mobile/Sprint merger would further delay the rollout of crucial 5G infrastructure. 

EchoStar, the parent company of satellite TV provider Dish, was granted an extension by the FCC in September. Originally set for mid-2025, the deadline was extended to June 14, 2028, in exchange for a series of public interest commitments, giving EchoStar an additional three years to complete its 5G rollout.

Post tagged in
Wireless Bennett Ross Wiley Rein LLP VTel Wireless Echostar Sprint T-Mobile Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Brendan Carr DISH

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