EchoStar-SpaceX deal will create spectrum 'dead zone,' warns Liberty Latin America

EchoStar's proposed sale of spectrum to SpaceX for future, enhanced direct-to-device services drew several responses in the Federal Communications Commission docket. Some, such as Liberty Latin America (LLA), object strongly to the transaction, while others aren't objecting, but are still urging the FCC to treat the deal with scrutiny. LLA has the biggest bone to pick regarding SpaceX's transaction for EchoStar's AWS-3, AWS-4 and H-Block spectrum. Rather than applying that spectrum toward a national 5G network for EchoStar's Boost Mobile business, that spectrum is poised to go to SpaceX, which plans to use it to underpin the aforementioned advanced D2D platform. SpaceX requires an FCC waiver for that intended change. Holding that EchoStar "misled" the FCC, the US Department of Justice, and US consumers, LLA wants the FCC to deny that waiver. LLA is also urging the FCC to require SpaceX to meet all of the terrestrial buildout deadlines currently applicable to EchoStar's lower AWS-3, AWS-4 and AWS H-Block licenses.