DISH and AT&T Sign Strategic Network Services Agreement

Rhea-AI Summary

DISH (NASDAQ:DISH) has signed a long-term strategic Network Services Agreement with AT&T, establishing AT&T as the primary network services partner for DISH MVNO customers, including Boost Mobile and Ting Mobile. This partnership enhances connectivity on AT&T's wireless network and supports DISH's own 5G network. The agreement aims to accelerate DISH's expansion into rural markets and solidifies its position as the fourth facilities-based carrier in the U.S. DISH targets over 70% population coverage with its cloud-native 5G network by 2023.

Positive

• Long-term strategic agreement with AT&T enhances network services for DISH MVNO customers.
• Access to AT&T's extensive and recognized wireless network improves coverage for Boost Mobile and Ting Mobile.
• Accelerates DISH's entry into rural markets where it offers satellite TV services.
• Supports the rollout of DISH's cloud-native 5G network, targeting over 70% U.S. population coverage by 2023.

Negative

• None.

LITTLETON, Colo. and DALLAS, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH (NASDAQ:DISH), announced today the signing of a transformative, long-term strategic Network Services Agreement (NSA) with AT&T, making AT&T the primary network services partner for DISH MVNO customers. Through this agreement, DISH will provide current and future customers of its retail wireless brands, including Boost Mobile, Ting Mobile and Republic Wireless, access to best-in-class coverage and connectivity on AT&T's wireless network, in addition to the new DISH 5G network. The 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 committed to providing competition in the wireless market as the nation's fourth facilities-based carrier. The company will continue to build out the nation's first cloud-native, OpenRAN-based 5G network reaching over 70% of the population by 2023. 

"Teaming with AT&T on this long-term partnership will allow us to better compete in the retail wireless market and quickly respond to changes in our customers' evolving connectivity needs as we build our own first-of-its kind 5G network," said John Swieringa, DISH COO and Group President of Retail Wireless. "The agreement 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, according to America's biggest test*. Fast, reliable and secure, AT&T 5G is available to 250 million people across the country 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, including high-traffic places like stadiums, arenas, airports and campuses. AT&T plans to cover 200 million people across the country with C-band (mid-band) 5G by the end of 2023. 

For many years, AT&T has been a leader in connectivity. 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. The agreement allows AT&T the opportunity to use a portion of DISH's spectrum in various markets to help support DISH customers on AT&T's network. 

"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, AT&T Consumer. "We welcome DISH wireless and its customers to the nation's largest and best wireless network for all of their streaming, data and roaming needs." 

About DISH
DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity company. Since 1980, it has served as a disruptive force, driving innovation and value on behalf of consumers. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides television entertainment and award-winning technology to millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming SLING TV services. In 2020, the company became a nationwide U.S. wireless carrier through the acquisition of Boost Mobile. DISH continues to innovate in wireless, building the nation's first virtualized, O-RAN 5G broadband network. DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is a Fortune 200 company. 

For company information, visit about.dish.com. 

* AT&T 4G LTE awarded best network by GWS OneScore 2020. GWS conducts drive tests for AT&T and uses the data in its OneScore analysis. 

For company information, visit about.dish.com 
For more information on DISH TV, visit www.dish.com 
For more information on Sling TV, visit www.sling.com 
For more information on OnTech Smart Services, visit www.ontechsmartservices.com 
For more information on DISH Media, visit media.dish.com
Subscribe to DISH email alerts: http://about.dish.com/alerts  
Follow @DISHNews on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DISHNews

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dish-and-att-sign-strategic-network-services-agreement-301336158.html

SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of the DISH and AT&T agreement announced on July 19, 2021?

The agreement establishes AT&T as the primary network services provider for DISH MVNO customers, enhancing coverage and connectivity.

How does the agreement with AT&T impact DISH's wireless brands?

DISH's brands, including Boost Mobile and Ting Mobile, will benefit from improved network access and service through AT&T's extensive infrastructure.

What are DISH's goals for its 5G network as per the press release?

DISH aims to achieve over 70% population coverage with its cloud-native 5G network by 2023.

What role will AT&T play in DISH's 5G network strategy?

AT&T will provide transport and roaming services to support DISH's 5G network under the new agreement.

When was the DISH and AT&T Network Services Agreement announced?

The agreement was announced on July 19, 2021.