Firelight Launches as First XRP Staking Platform on Flare, Introduces DeFi Cover Feature 
Microchip Technology Boosts Q3 Outlook on Strong Bookings Momentum 
Japan Approves $117 Billion Budget to Power Stimulus and Support Growth 
Intel Boosts Malaysia Operations with Additional RM860 Million Investment 
Trump Administration to Secure Equity Stake in Pat Gelsinger’s XLight Startup 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Tesla Expands Affordable Model 3 Lineup in Europe to Boost EV Demand 
EU Prepares Antitrust Probe Into Meta’s AI Integration on WhatsApp 
Momenta Quietly Moves Toward Hong Kong IPO Amid Rising China-U.S. Tensions 
Samsung Launches Galaxy Z TriFold to Elevate Its Position in the Foldable Smartphone Market 
Magnum Audit Flags Governance Issues at Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Ahead of Spin-Off 
Coupang Apologizes After Massive Data Breach Affecting 33.7 Million Users 
Sam Altman Reportedly Explored Funding for Rocket Venture in Potential Challenge to SpaceX 
Australia Moves Forward With Teen Social Media Ban as Platforms Begin Lockouts 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Australia Releases New National AI Plan, Opts for Existing Laws to Manage Risks 
EchoStar has agreed to sell wireless spectrum licenses to SpaceX for about $17 billion, boosting SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network while easing U.S. regulatory concerns. The deal, announced Monday, sent EchoStar shares up nearly 22% in premarket trading.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had questioned EchoStar’s underuse of mobile-satellite service spectrum and its progress in 5G deployment. U.S. President Donald Trump had also urged the company and FCC Chair Brendan Carr to find common ground. EchoStar believes this transaction, combined with its $23 billion spectrum sale to AT&T in August, will resolve FCC inquiries.
Under the agreement, SpaceX will pay up to $8.5 billion in cash and $8.5 billion in stock, while also covering around $2 billion in EchoStar’s debt interest through 2027. Additionally, EchoStar’s Boost Mobile customers will gain access to Starlink’s direct-to-cell service, enhancing connectivity for mobile users.
This sale means EchoStar will lose significant spectrum for 5G deployment but continue operating Dish TV, Sling TV, HughesNet internet, and the Boost Mobile brand.
The FCC has emphasized the need for efficient use of scarce spectrum, while SpaceX has long argued that EchoStar left valuable mid-band spectrum underutilized. In April, SpaceX told regulators that EchoStar’s 2 GHz spectrum was “ripe for sharing” and better suited for next-generation satellite services.
The agreement strengthens Starlink’s ability to run direct-to-cell services on its own frequencies, reducing reliance on carrier partnerships like T-Mobile. With over 8,000 Starlink satellites launched since 2020, SpaceX continues to expand its low-Earth orbit network, serving militaries, businesses, and rural consumers.
Shares of U.S. telecom giants AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon slipped about 4% in premarket trading following the announcement.
