Dish looks to undermine T-Mobile's 5G spectrum aspirations

T-Mobile is hoping to significantly improve the depth and reach of its lowband 5G network. But Dish Network is looking to block that move. A 2019 agreement among Dish, T-Mobile, and the US Department of Justice (DoJ) ultimately paved the way for T-Mobile to close its $26 billion purchase of Sprint. That transaction—made possible by Dish's support of it—has proven transformative to T-Mobile, helping the operator dramatically expand its 5G network in a way that has galvanized its growth in the US wireless industry. It also positioned Dish to build its 5G open RAN network. Regardless, Dish doesn't appear to be terribly interested in smoothing over its relationship with T-Mobile. "This transaction threatens wireless competition and implicates material questions for FCC public policy," Dish told the Federal Communications Commission in a recent filing, pointing to T-Mobile's recent deals to purchase more lowband 600MHz spectrum from Columbia Capital and Comcast. "The [FCC] should suspend review of this transaction, or at least condition the transaction, to offset the harms to competition and consumers."