Dish and AT&T sign at least $ 5 billion wireless network deal

Dish Network announced Monday that it has signed a multi-year agreement worth at least $ 5 billion to make AT&T the primary network services partner for its wireless customers.

Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, AT&T will provide voice, data and messaging services to customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) owned by Dish, Boost Mobile, Ting and Republic Wireless.

MVNOs do not own networks but rent capacity from established operators to sell services to their customers.

Dish’s retail wireless customers across the United States will also have access to voice and data roaming services on AT & T’s network, the company said.

Telecommunications companies are spending billions to accelerate their 5G infrastructure to deliver faster data services and better coverage, demand for which has increased due to the pandemic’s transition to remote working and online learning. line.

Dish has 8.89 million retail wireless subscribers as of its last quarterly earnings report, while AT&T has over 186 million mobile subscribers.