Continuing its path of becoming a force in the wireless industry, DISH Wireless is adding Republic Wireless to its roster. The MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) coming from Raleigh, North Carolina, is the latest addition to a growing force that is now a part of the DISH family and will bring critical wireless assets and almost 200,000 new subscribers to DISH Wireless. As of now, Republic Wireless subscribers can rest assured that there are no major changes in the way they receive their coverage or their existing plans that are underway by DISH Wireless.
Republic Wireless made a name for itself as a pioneer of “WiFi first”, a technique in which service providers used WiFi to establish connections for subscribers before using cellular data should WiFi not be available at the time. The company also invented a technology known as bonded calling which improved the quality of calls for subscribers using WiFi as well as user experience. Subscribers can expect DISH Wireless to continue in this fashion as the fourth major wireless provider prides itself on being a disrupter and innovator.
John Swieringa, The Group President, Retail Wireless and DISH COO released a statement saying, “Republic has created a loyal following and established a brand known for innovation, customer service, and value. We plan to build upon that strong foundation. As we continue to grow our retail wireless business, Republic broadens our existing customer base and positions us to deliver even more value to the market, expanding our portfolio of mobile solutions to meet a variety of customer needs.”
Founded in 2011, Republic Wireless is an MVNO that was using Sprint’s network to deliver wireless services to its customers. It is now on T-Mobile’s network as Sprint merged with T-Mobile in 2020. Part of the deal that allowed the merger would see DISH enter the wireless industry by purchasing Boost Mobile to satisfy FCC concerns about a lack of major wireless providers in the country. It is expected that both Boost Mobile and Republic Wireless will remain separate brands and while Republic Wireless leadership will help with the transition, DISH Wireless is selecting Robert Currie to lead going forward with hiring support from Boost and Retail Wireless Product.
The second quarter of 2021 is when the deal is to be finalized with the Relay division being included in the deal. This division creates solutions for a range of segments including education, facility management, healthcare, and manufacturers. Analysts are looking at Relay to become a wholesale customer for DISH Wireless’s 5G network with opportunities in enterprise and the Internet of Things (IoT).
DISH Wireless continues to have successes in the wireless industry, however, there are some reasons for concern. In a conference call, it was revealed that T-Mobile is planning to end the CDMA network which used to belong to Sprint. This is important because of the impact it could have on Boost Mobile customers. Boost uses the CDMA network because many of the handsets available to its subscribers connect in this manner. Charlie Ergen, the Chairman of DISH, said that handset upgrades for Boost Mobile subscribers would cause a “significant fallout” for its subscriber base. Because many Boost Mobile customers have lower-incomes, switching handsets can be a costly endeavor. Sometime around the beginning of 2022, is when T-Mobile is expected to shut down the network.
Source: Fierce Wireless
