DISH Partners with Vertical Bridge on Long-Term Infrastructure Lease Agreement as it Builds Nationwide 5G Network

Rhea-AI Summary

DISH Network Corporation has entered a long-term agreement with Vertical Bridge REIT, granting immediate access to their extensive portfolio of over 300,000 wireless infrastructure sites across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This partnership supports DISH's efforts to build a national 5G network, enhancing its coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas. DISH, having transitioned into a wireless carrier through its Boost Mobile acquisition in 2020, aims to innovate with a cloud-native 5G network. Vertical Bridge is recognized as the largest private owner of communications infrastructure.

Positive

• Long-term agreement with Vertical Bridge enhances DISH's wireless infrastructure access.
• Immediate availability of over 300,000 sites supports nationwide 5G network deployment.
• DISH's transition to a national wireless carrier positions it well for future growth.

Negative

• None.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH Network Corporation and Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC ("Vertical Bridge") today announced a long-term agreement granting DISH immediate access to Vertical Bridge's extensive portfolio of towers, rooftops, utility transmission structures, billboards, convenience stores and other sites used for wireless infrastructure deployment. Vertical Bridge is the nation's largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure with a portfolio of over 300,000 sites spread across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

"Building a national 5G network requires an extensive presence across urban, suburban and rural areas, and Vertical Bridge's portfolio offers DISH the array of coverage that we need," said Dave Mayo, DISH Executive Vice President of Network Development. "As we continue to deploy DISH's 5G network, Vertical Bridge's assets, experience and commitment make them an invaluable partner."

"As the U.S.'s newest national wireless carrier, DISH is building a truly unique 5G network, and Vertical Bridge is committed to assisting DISH in deploying its network quickly and efficiently," said Alex Gellman, CEO and Co-Founder of Vertical Bridge. "We are extremely proud to support DISH for its long-term infrastructure 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 cloud-native, Open RAN-based 5G broadband network. DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is a Fortune 250 company.

About Vertical Bridge
Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC is the largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure and locations in the United States. The Company owns, operates and master leases over 300,000 tower, rooftop, billboard, utility attachment, convenience store and other site locations in support of wireless network deployments. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Vertical Bridge was founded in 2014. The senior management team at Vertical Bridge has over 300 years of collective experience in tower infrastructure and related sectors. In 2020, Vertical Bridge added over 1,000 owned towers to its portfolio, including those from its acquisition of towers from Cumulus Media Inc. (NASDAQ: CMLS), its merger with Eco-Site and from another record year of newly-built towers. For more information, please visit www.verticalbridge.com.

 

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SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of DISH's agreement with Vertical Bridge?

The agreement grants DISH access to over 300,000 wireless infrastructure sites, crucial for building its nationwide 5G network.

How does DISH Network plan to deploy its 5G network?

DISH aims to deploy its 5G network by utilizing Vertical Bridge's extensive infrastructure, enhancing coverage across various U.S. regions.

When was the agreement between DISH and Vertical Bridge announced?

The agreement was announced on February 1, 2021.

What does Vertical Bridge provide to DISH Network?

Vertical Bridge provides access to a diverse range of sites including towers, rooftops, and billboards, essential for wireless infrastructure.

What are DISH's future plans in the wireless industry?

DISH plans to innovate within the wireless sector by building a cloud-native 5G network, having already acquired Boost Mobile.