FCC angers small carriers by helping AT&T and Starlink buy EchoStar spectrum

FCC staff approved EchoStar spectrum deals with AT&T and Starlink, clearing major wireless transactions.

Rural wireless carriers say the approvals deepen spectrum concentration and hurt competition in underserved areas.

FCC chair Brendan Carr announced the move and praised Trump, while AT&T said it has already started using some of the spectrum.

AT&T expects the deal to close in 2026, as critics warn smaller providers may lose access to valuable spectrum.