DISH inks mobile network services deal with AT&T

July 19, 2021

DISH announced the signing of a Network Services Agreement (NSA) with AT&T, making AT&T the primary network services partner for DISH MVNO customers.
DISH will use AT&T’s wireless network, in addition to the new DISH 5G network, to offer connectivity to current and future customers of its retail wireless brands, including Boost Mobile, Ting Mobile and Republic Wireless.

AT&T will use a portion of DISH’s spectrum in various markets to support DISH customers on AT&T’s network, as part of the agreement.

The MVNO agreement accelerates DISH’s expansion of retail wireless distribution to rural markets where DISH provides satellite TV services. AT&T is also providing transport and roaming services as part of the agreement, to support DISH’s 5G network.

DISH is in the process of building out the first cloud-native, OpenRAN-based 5G network reaching over 70 percent of the population by 2023.

John Swieringa, DISH COO and Group President of Retail Wireless, said: “The deal provides enhanced coverage and service for our Boost, Ting and Republic customers, giving them access to the best connectivity on the market today via voice, messaging, data and nationwide roaming on AT&T’s vast network, as well as DISH’s 5G network.”

AT&T has been recognized as the Nation’s Best Wireless Network two years in a row. AT&T 5G is also available to 250 million people over sub-6 spectrum and millimeter wave spectrum (AT&T 5G+), which is currently available in parts of 38 cities and at more than 20 venues. AT&T plans to cover 200 million people with C-band (mid-band) 5G by the end of 2023.

Between 2016 and the end of the first quarter 2021, AT&T has invested more than $140 billion into its wireless and wireline networks, including capital investments and acquisitions of wireless spectrum and operations, to support market demand for communications.

“Teaming with DISH on this agreement is not only a testament to the strength of our network, but it further validates the investments we’ve made in our fiber and wireless infrastructure,” said Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO of AT&T Consumer.