DISH Wireless is here and as the latest endeavor under the DISH brand, one thing is for certain, the wireless industry will never be the same. DISH has a great past of disrupting markets and as it has before in the pay-TV space, we can expect the same here as DISH Wireless continues to build its 5G network across America.
Make no mistake about it, this is not an overnight, flash-in-the-pan attempt to become a wireless company. DISH Wireless may be new to the industry but it has been in the works for years as DISH continued to position itself in the right place to strike while the iron is hot. There is a bright future ahead of DISH Wireless but how did we get here and what is DISH Wireless in the immediate? Take a look at where DISH Wireless started, where it is today, and how it will help lead innovative wireless solutions for 5G networks shortly.
The Past of DISH Wireless: Purchasing Spectrum Licenses
Although formally establishing itself in 2020, DISH Wireless can trace its roots to 2008. It was here that DISH began purchasing spectrum licenses to earn the rights to wireless spectrum that can be used for providing a wireless network. How much spectrum did DISH purchase over the years? With over $20 billion worth of spectrum and growing, DISH Wireless comes prepared to enter the wireless industry as a formidable force.
This is also important because DISH’s large amount of spectrum became a contested subject by the FCC who saw no reason for the satellite television provider to control so much spectrum. DISH had a plan and worked to enter the wireless industry, even breaking ground in 2018 with its first wireless tower known as Tower 1. These steps and DISH’s contested spectrum license catalog laid the foundation of DISH finally entering the wireless industry through purchasing Boost Mobile from T-Mobile.
The Present of DISH Wireless: Boost Mobile and 5G Buildout
The decision to merge with Sprint was made by T-Mobile well before 2020, however, the government feared a monopolized market could ensue with only three major wireless carriers. This was the perfect opportunity to appease many things at once. DISH wanted a wireless network. The FCC wanted DISH to use its spectrum. The government needed another major carrier to stimulate competition within the wireless industry. It was the perfect storm that would birth the deal of DISH purchasing Boost Mobile.
The deal came with regulations and timelines from the government who insisted that DISH not only take over operations of Boost Mobile but also create a nationwide 5G network capable of reaching at least 75% of Americans by June 2025 or face a fine reaching over $2 billion. DISH Wireless continued building its team, collaborating with vendors, and is building an innovative cloud-native standalone (SA) 5G network that will be available nationwide.
The Future of DISH Wireless: Innovation and Nationwide 5G Coverage
Looking forward to what will become of DISH Wireless is exciting. For starters, DISH Wireless is not doing things the way the wireless industry is used to. Through an open, software-based approach, DISH Wireless is building a network capable of more through collaboration and innovation. A network that is not solely focused on the typical smartphone user but rather encompasses all aspects of 5G through fixed wireless.
Yes, DISH Wireless will provide a smoother, faster network using techniques such as versatile spectrum and native carrier aggregation which will provide a greater range of access to rural and urban markets. Many Americans struggle with having access to reliable, fast broadband speeds. DISH Wireless is creating a network that can connect remote homes and businesses with faster connections than ever before and will rival if not surpass current wired broadband connections.
We are looking at a future in which smart cities and industries are transformed through specific 5G networks that are built as custom solutions for their purpose. Using network slicing, DISH Wireless will bring more 5G functions such as automation, enhanced augmented reality (AR), and better connectivity through the Internet of Things (IoT) to homes and in public spaces.
And finally, with a scalable network that can be maintained more efficiently, users will experience a smoother network with fewer disruptions and faster enhancements. A network that can evolve and automatically handle traffic increases. DISH Wireless is creating a 5G network that is ready for today and whatever the future may hold.
