AT&T upgrades network using 5G spectrum from EchoStar

AT&T is deploying new spectrum, purchased from global satellite services provider Echostar, across the US to upgrade its 5G network.

The activation of this new spectrum represents a potential enhancement in the underlying digital infrastructure that supports mobile workforces, Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, and new branch connectivity models. In an operating environment demanding constant connectivity, network capacity and reliability are central to business continuity.

Analysing the boost to mobility and FWA

Unsurprisingly, AT&T suggests the added spectrum acquired from Echostar will upgrade its 5G network to be “faster and better than ever”. In practice, this is expected to increase download speeds by “up to 80%” for mobility customers. This level of bandwidth improvement could support more demanding field service applications, enable real-time video analytics from edge devices, or improve the experience for remote teams relying on mobile data.

The enhancement to Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is an important point for enterprise IT. AT&T states that ‘Internet Air’ customers connected to the new spectrum may notice up to 55% faster download speeds. This level of performance makes FWA a more viable competitor to fixed-line services. AT&T specifically notes its intention to “serve more customers in more places,” including in rural areas where the company doesn’t yet have fiber. This is an important factor for businesses with geographically dispersed operations.

How the former Echostar spectrum boosts the network scale and resilience of AT&T

The spectrum upgrade from AT&T is reportedly live in more than 5,300 cities and across 48 states. The operational mechanism is a “short-term spectrum manager lease,” allowing AT&T to deploy the assets quickly.

The deployment also extends to FirstNet, the dedicated network for public safety. AT&T states this means police, firefighters, and EMTs get faster and more reliable service. Enterprises in logistics or utilities may see this as a sign of a more robust overall network, as their own applications often run on the same commercial infrastructure. AT&T takes a direct aim at competitors on this point, noting that T-Mobile states in its fine print that its coverage “may be impacted by emergencies.”

Why the AT&T spectrum upgrade matters for your WAN

This deployment by AT&T using former Echostar spectrum warrants an immediate review of connectivity roadmaps. Enterprise leaders should be questioning how their existing device fleets – from 5G modems in routers, to employee handsets – can best leverage this new capacity.

As organisations seek to balance cost, resilience, and speed in their Wide Area Networks (WANs), the stated performance improvements for FWA should be factored into any future procurement analysis.

“Over the past 5 years, we have invested more capital than any other company in US telecommunications infrastructure,” claims AT&T.

In the end, enterprise leaders must look past the headline speed claims and analyse how network upgrades like this one from AT&T using former Echostar spectrum aligns with their own operational and digital transformation objectives.

See also: Viasat’s new satellite increases capacity where needed in real-time

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Tags: 5G, at&t, connectivity, digital transformation, echostar, firstnet, mobile, networks, spectrum, telecoms, usa