Dish Wireless commenced a trial of low-band 800MHz spectrum after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted permission for testing, potentially advancing a purchase of relevant licences from T-Mobile US for $3.6 billion.

The operator began a six-month trial of spectrum in the 817MHz to 824MHz and 862MHz to 869MHz ranges on 6 March after the FCC cleared the move late last week.

Media speculation in 2022 suggested Dish Wirelessā€™ interest in the spectrum was waning.

On its Q4 earnings call last month chairman Charlie Ergen cited ā€œpositive developmentsā€ around the frequencies, but added the company is ā€œnot suicidalā€ in terms of sacrificing ā€œthe balance sheet for some short-term gainsā€.

CFO Paul Orban stated there was an increased probability the company would exercise the purchase option with T-Mobile.

Terms of the agreement mean Dish Wireless would be liable for a $72 million fee for walking away.

Analysts have speculated Dish Wireless faces anĀ uphill climbĀ for building a sustainable mobile business due, in part to the cost.

It conducted aĀ $500 million debt offeringĀ in January and a $2 billion funding round inĀ November 2022, both of which are being used to contstruct a 5G network.

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