SpaceX lost contact with a Starlink satellite, which is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere within weeks, while Intuitive Machines received an overweight rating from KeyBanc and surged over 23% on near-term growth prospects. EchoStar's stock rallied nearly 40% in December amid plans for SpaceX's IPO, which could value the space company at $1.5 trillion, and the company benefits from spectrum sales and strategic partnerships. Overall, the space sector is experiencing notable developments and stock movements.
EchoStar has met regulatory conditions to retain rights to its global S-band spectrum, which it is selling to SpaceX in a deal worth over $17 billion. This milestone allows SpaceX to use the spectrum to significantly boost its direct-to-device services, including its Starlink broadband constellation, with tests expected to start soon. The deal, pending FCC approval, marks a key step in expanding satellite-based connectivity, especially in rural areas.
SpaceX has purchased $17 billion worth of satellite spectrum from EchoStar to enhance its Starlink direct-to-cell service, enabling better mobile connectivity worldwide and increasing satellite throughput up to 20 times. The deal also resolves regulatory issues and ends EchoStar's plans for its own LEO satellite constellation, while providing EchoStar with financial relief and integration opportunities.
AT&T's stock rebounded after a dip caused by EchoStar's $17 billion spectrum deal with SpaceX, as analysts see AT&T's own spectrum acquisitions from EchoStar strengthening its competitive position in wireless services, with potential upside of 10% and continued dividend support.
SpaceX is paying approximately $17 billion to acquire wireless spectrum from EchoStar, enabling it to offer direct-to-device Starlink services on its own frequencies and potentially enhancing connectivity for remote areas, while also resolving an FCC inquiry and strengthening its position in the telecommunications sector.
EchoStar's stock surged 18% after selling spectrum to SpaceX for $17 billion, which will enhance Starlink's satellite network and benefit EchoStar's wireless business, while shares of AST SpaceMobile and Iridium declined. The deal includes SpaceX funding debt payments and developing next-generation satellites, potentially benefiting T-Mobile and impacting other satellite operators.
EchoStar is selling wireless spectrum licenses to SpaceX for approximately $17 billion to support the development of next-generation Starlink cellular satellite services, which will benefit Boost Mobile customers, and this deal, along with a $23 billion spectrum sale to AT&T, is expected to resolve FCC investigations into EchoStar's 5G expansion.
SpaceX has agreed to buy spectrum licenses from EchoStar for $17 billion to enhance its Starlink satellite network, enabling a direct-to-phone internet service with improved 5G capabilities, reducing reliance on other network providers, and ending EchoStar's own satellite ambitions.
SpaceX is purchasing $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar to expand its Starlink satellite network and enable direct-to-cell service, aiming to improve global coverage and address mobile dead zones, with the deal also facilitating access for EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers to Starlink's services.
EchoStar is selling its AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses to SpaceX for approximately $17 billion, enabling SpaceX to develop next-generation Starlink Direct-To-Cell satellites and improve global coverage, while EchoStar uses the proceeds to reduce debt and fund growth. The deal includes a long-term commercial agreement allowing EchoStar's Boost Mobile customers to access SpaceX's satellite service, and is expected to resolve FCC inquiries.
Merger talks between Dish Network and DirecTV may restart following AT&T's $23 billion spectrum license purchase from EchoStar, which could unlock shareholder value and influence stock movements. The deal requires FCC approval and is part of broader strategic shifts involving spectrum sales and satellite services expansion.
Elon Musk's Starlink and T-Mobile are interested in acquiring spectrum licenses from EchoStar, which owns underused airwaves. T-Mobile is negotiating for some of EchoStar's licenses, while Starlink aims to build its own network to compete with major US carriers. The spectrum sale is part of broader efforts to utilize unused public airwaves and could significantly impact the US telecom landscape.
The stock market experienced mixed movements with the Dow wavering after President Trump fired Fed Governor Lisa Cook, while EchoStar surged over 75% on a spectrum license deal with AT&T, and Nvidia continued its gains. Other notable movements included Heico's strong earnings, Tesla's slight decline after a rally, and housing data showing a slowdown in price increases. Market sentiment remains cautious amid geopolitical and economic developments.
AT&T is set to acquire EchoStar's spectrum licenses for about $23 billion to expand its 5G network and address regulatory concerns, with the deal expected to close by mid-2026 pending approval, while EchoStar continues to operate in the US market under its Boost brand.
AT&T has agreed to purchase $23 billion worth of spectrum licenses from EchoStar, pending FCC approval, which could strengthen AT&T's 5G and broadband services. The deal has positively impacted both companies' stock prices, with EchoStar reaching a record high. The acquisition includes mid-band and low-band spectrum, and expands EchoStar's wholesale network services, potentially increasing competition in the wireless market.
