Spectrum Dealings—AT&T’s $1.9bln Purchase Highlights DISH Asset Value

To complement AT&T’s existing holdings and to allow it to continue its LTE deployment, the telco has agreed to acquire a chunk of 700 MHz B Band spectrum from Verizon for $1.9bln in cash and a contribution of AWS licenses in 5 markets. The licenses to be acquired by AT&T cover 42mln people in 18 states. Several analysts were quick to point out that the deal underscores the significant value of spectrum, especially the 700 MHz spectrum that companies like DISH owns. Analysts weigh in on what the spectrum deal means for AT&T and DISH.

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