New Economic Analysis Warns: EchoStar/DISH Defaults Will Trigger Billions in Losses, Potential for Higher Wireless Prices, and Slowdowns in U.S. Infrastructure Buildout

A new economic impact study from The Brattle Group evaluated what could happen if EchoStar/DISH walked away from long-term tower lease obligations, linking the scenario to financial pressure for tower providers and potential increases in wireless bills.

The study frames the issue as an operational risk for the wireless buildout and as a potential challenge to Chairman Carr’s “Build America” infrastructure agenda, which prioritizes accelerating wireless buildout, strengthening domestic infrastructure, and ensuring U.S. leadership in next-generation networks.

Brattle’s analysis estimated that a DISH default would create a 5–7% annual revenue shock to tower companies nationwide. It projected that if tower companies sought to offset the loss and increased financing costs, they would need to raise rents for remaining carriers by 6–11%, with the costs flowing through to consumers as higher wireless bills.

Patrick Halley, President and CEO for the Wireless Infrastructure Association, said, “The data makes clear what could happen if EchoStar’s shell game plays out – potential job cuts, higher costs for consumers, delayed wireless investments especially in rural areas, and a risk to America’s leadership in wireless.” The release also said more than 40 affected businesses formed a coalition and contacted members of Congress, and it referenced a proposed $40+ billion spectrum sale to AT&T and SpaceX, noting concerns about unpaid obligations being shifted to workers, vendors, and consumers.