Echostar

Verge Decoder interview with LightShed's Walter Piecyk dissecting SpaceX's ~$28B spectrum buying spree ($8B for T-Mobile/Grain 800 MHz plus ~$20B EchoStar) as the foundation for a terrestrial-plus-satellite fourth US wireless carrier, with detailed analysis of CapEx requirements, telco competitive vulnerabilities, and FCC dynamics.

Amazon seeks FCC approval for a 5,105-satellite mobile network using Globalstar spectrum, aiming to launch in 2028, heightening SpaceX competition while navigating regulatory extensions, launch delays, and a massive balance sheet.