DISH Network’s Executive Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs, Jeffrey H. Blum, is seeking an extension of the carrier’s buildout completion date.
In a formal request submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), DISH Network’s Executive Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs, Jeffrey H. Blum, has sought an extension of the company’s deadline to complete its 5G wireless network buildout. This request follows a similar filing by EchoStar Corporation on September 17, approved today, which addresses the need for more time to construct facilities under various wireless spectrum licenses of Boost Mobile. Boost Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses Dish Wireless’s towers but is not on the same network as Dish Network.
The extension request relates to essential licenses under the AWS-4, Lower 700 MHz E Block, and AWS-3 spectrums. DISH emphasizes the complexities associated with deploying a novel, greenfield Open RAN (Radio Access Network) network and the unanticipated challenges brought on by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.
DISH’s request outlines several critical developments, including a commitment to increase its network coverage significantly. The company pledged to expand its 5G service to cover 80% of the U.S. population by the end of 2024 and to accelerate the completion of 24,000 new tower installations by June 2025. EchoStar, a key partner, has already met several FCC-imposed milestones and aims to enhance network density and subscriber reach further.
Blum stressed that granting this extension is in the public interest as it will allow DISH to solidify its position as the nation’s fourth facilities-based 5G carrier. Without this competitive presence, Blum argued, the U.S. wireless market could be dominated by three incumbents, which could limit innovation and increase prices for consumers.
The company also highlighted its commitment to affordable 5G services, announcing a nationwide low-cost plan offering 30 GB of data for just $25 monthly. DISH also plans to make 5G-capable devices available to consumers for as little as $125. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide competitive pricing nationwide, including through roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile in areas where DISH has yet to deploy its network.
In exchange for the requested extension, DISH has committed to a robust public interest framework that includes verification and enforcement metrics. The extension would allow DISH to complete its nationwide 5G buildout by June 2028, contingent on fulfilling key milestones and commitments outlined in the filing.
The FCC will now review the request and determine whether to grant the extension. This is a pivotal step in DISH’s long-term strategy to compete in the increasingly concentrated U.S. wireless market.
