The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is facing criticism for threatening to revoke EchoStar’s licenses over spectrum bands that rival companies, including SpaceX, want to take. The move has opposed by conservatives, consumer advocates, and some industry groups.
EchoStar, a wireless network operator, received regulatory extensions in 2024 but now faces uncertainty after the FCC directed staff to investigate its compliance with obligations for nationwide 5G service. EchoStar bought Dish Network last year and operates under the Boost Mobile brand.
The company has been skipping debt payments due to the probe. An article by The Wall Street Journal reports that EchoStar is considering filing for bankruptcy protection as it tries to shield its spectrum licenses from FCC revocation.
Industry groups, including the Free State Foundation, a free-market group, say arbitrary decisions would create market instability and undermine competition. They argue that investors need assurance their rights will be protected before investing in commercial ventures. The FCC’s move creates regulatory uncertainty, which could harm EchoStar’s operations.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/06/fcc-threat-to-revoke-echostar-spectrum-licenses-draws-widespread-backlash