AT&T Lights Up EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz Spectrum in Record Time: A Comprehensive Dealer Guide

In a major milestone for mid-band 5G, AT&T has activated EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz spectrum on nearly 23,000 cell sites across the United States in just a few weeks. This rapid deployment, which precedes the official closing of AT&T’s $23 billion purchase of this spectrum, is enabled by a short-term spectrum management lease with EchoStar.

This aggressive rollout is already delivering significant performance improvements for both mobile 5G and fixed wireless internet services, creating fresh opportunities and competitive advantages for wireless dealers nationwide.

1. Understanding the 3.45 GHz Spectrum and Its Importance

The 3.45 GHz band is part of the mid-band spectrum range, which is widely regarded as the “sweet spot” for 5G. It offers an optimal balance between coverage and capacity:

• Better building penetration and range than higher-frequency millimeter wave bands.

• Higher speeds and lower latency than low-band spectrum.

• Ideal for dense urban, suburban, and many rural environments.

EchoStar originally won this spectrum in the 2021 FCC auction but never deployed it. AT&T’s acquisition includes:

• 30 MHz of 3.45 GHz spectrum

• 20 MHz of 600 MHz spectrum (a low-band band AT&T currently does not operate on; deployment will take longer)

This spectrum acquisition is one of the largest mid-band purchases in recent years and is critical to AT&T’s strategy to bolster its 5G network capacity and performance.

2. What Has AT&T Achieved So Far?

Thanks to the short-term lease arrangement with EchoStar, AT&T has been able to deploy the 3.45 GHz spectrum on nearly 23,000 cell sites within weeks, a pace that industry insiders call “record fast.” This proactive approach allows AT&T to start delivering tangible network benefits well before the official regulatory approvals for the full purchase close, expected next year.

Key performance improvements include:

• Up to 80% faster download speeds on AT&T’s 5G mobile network in markets where the 3.45 GHz spectrum is active.

• Up to 55% faster speeds for AT&T Internet Air fixed wireless access (FWA), improving home internet experiences especially in underserved or rural areas.

• Enhanced network capacity to support growing data demand and reduce congestion.

AT&T is leveraging these improvements in its marketing, citing independent studies like RootMetrics that rank AT&T as the best overall network in the first half of 2025.

3. Why This Matters to Wireless Dealers

This rapid 3.45 GHz spectrum deployment creates several direct and indirect benefits for wireless dealers:

3.1. Strengthened Sales Positioning for 5G Mobile

Dealers can confidently position AT&T’s 5G as faster and more reliable thanks to new mid-band capacity. This helps overcome common customer objections about network speed and coverage, and supports upselling to premium plans.

3.2. Expanded Opportunities in Fixed Wireless Internet

AT&T Internet Air, a fixed wireless home internet service, becomes more competitive with the speed boost from 3.45 GHz. This is especially valuable in areas lacking fiber or cable infrastructure, opening new sales avenues for dealers targeting rural and suburban markets.

3.3. Competitive Advantage in a Heated Market

AT&T’s network superiority messaging, bolstered by this spectrum upgrade, fuels ongoing marketing battles with T-Mobile and Verizon. Dealers aligned with AT&T’s narrative can better counter competitor claims and build customer trust.

4. Dealer Talking Points and Sales Scripts

4.1. Explaining Network Improvements

“AT&T has recently activated a new mid-band spectrum on thousands of towers nationwide, which means faster, more reliable 5G service for you, especially in busy or challenging areas.”

4.2. Positioning AT&T Internet Air

“If you’re considering home internet options, AT&T Internet Air just got a significant speed upgrade thanks to new spectrum. It’s a great alternative where fiber or cable isn’t available or affordable.”

4.3. Handling Competitor Questions

“Independent reports show AT&T as the top network for coverage and speed, and this new spectrum deployment only strengthens that lead.”

5. The Competitive Landscape and Advertising Battle

AT&T is actively challenging T-Mobile’s network claims through a high-profile ad campaign featuring actor Luke Wilson, accusing T-Mobile of “breaking promises” and emphasizing AT&T’s larger coverage footprint.

This has triggered legal disputes and watchdog scrutiny but highlights the importance of network performance in customer choice. Dealers should be prepared to discuss these dynamics and reinforce AT&T’s strengths.

6. Strategic Recommendations for Dealers

1. Stay Informed: Regularly track AT&T’s network upgrades and marketing campaigns to keep your team current.

2. Educate Your Team: Train sales and support staff on mid-band spectrum benefits and how to communicate them effectively.

3. Update Sales Collateral: Incorporate 3.45 GHz deployment and performance data into presentations and marketing materials.

4. Target Underserved Markets: Focus on rural and suburban customers who benefit most from fixed wireless speed improvements.

5. Leverage Network Superiority Messaging: Use AT&T’s leadership position to counter competitor claims and build confidence.

6. Monitor Regulatory Developments: Stay aware of FCC approvals and spectrum policy changes that may impact deployment timelines.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is mid-band 5G and why is 3.45 GHz important?

Mid-band 5G balances coverage and speed, making it ideal for broad 5G deployment. The 3.45 GHz band is a valuable mid-band asset that boosts network capacity and performance.

How fast did AT&T deploy the 3.45 GHz spectrum?

AT&T deployed it on nearly 23,000 sites in just weeks, enabled by a short-term lease with EchoStar before the full purchase closes.

What benefits do customers see from this deployment?

Customers experience up to 80% faster 5G mobile speeds and up to 55% faster fixed wireless internet speeds.

How can dealers use this information?

Dealers can highlight improved network performance, position AT&T Internet Air as a strong home internet option, and leverage AT&T’s network superiority messaging in sales.