Separately, a group representing rural mobile carriers criticized the approvals, saying the FCC ignored competition concerns raised by small wireless operators. The spectrum sales “continue the troubling pattern of spectrum aggregation that disadvantages rural wireless providers, stifles competition in the wireless marketplace, and hinders the deployment of wireless services—particularly in the hardest-to-serve rural areas,” the Rural Wireless Association said.

While Starlink isn’t a wireless carrier, it is looking to dominate the emerging market for Direct-to-Device (D2D) systems that use low Earth orbit satellites to provide service on standard mobile phones. Meanwhile, AT&T’s purchase of EchoStar licenses continues the consolidation of spectrum with the three major carriers—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

“In approving the EchoStar/AT&T deal, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau erroneously asserts that the likelihood of competitive harm is low, dismissing concrete harms identified by rural wireless carriers, including reduced access to spectrum needed to expand service in rural markets and diminished competitive opportunities for rural and regional wireless providers,” the Rural Wireless Association said.

Although the Rural Wireless Association objected to the approvals, it said there is still a chance for small carriers to get some spectrum licenses from EchoStar in future deals.

FCC chair says it’s all “thanks to President Trump”

While the approvals came from FCC staff, Carr announced the decisions in a press release. He also gave credit to his boss in the White House.

“Thanks to President Trump, America is leading the world again in next-gen technology,” Carr said in his official statement on the approvals. “As a result of President Trump’s work, Americans are now going to see faster Internet speeds, stronger competition, and innovative new offerings, including high-speed connections right to your smartphone from space—providing ubiquitous connectivity when these new systems are complete.”

AT&T previously received special authority to deploy EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz spectrum while the sale is pending. AT&T said yesterday that it has deployed the mid‑band spectrum to boost network capacity, and will deploy the low-band frequencies after closing the purchase. AT&T has said it expects to complete the deal in mid-2026.