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Public utilities

DISH Network Corporation Challenges T-Mobile's Decision to Prematurely Shut Down CDMA Network

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

DISH Network Corporation has submitted a supplement to its ex parte communication in response to T-Mobile USA, Inc.'s ex parte letter, dated July 30, 2021. The dispute surrounds T-Mobile's decision to shut down its legacy Sprint CDMA network, which would leave millions of Boost customers at risk of losing service, including many in California. DISH Network Corporation asserts that this decision is anti-competitive and contrary to the company's commitments, made under oath, to operate the CDMA network for 3-5 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • DISH Network Corporation has submitted a supplement to its ex parte communication in response to T-Mobile USA, Inc.'s ex parte letter, dated July 30, 2021.
  • The dispute surrounds T-Mobile's decision to shut down its legacy Sprint CDMA network, which would leave millions of Boost customers at risk of losing service, including many in California.
  • DISH Network Corporation asserts that this decision is anti-competitive and contrary to the company's commitments, made under oath, to operate the CDMA network for 3-5 years.
  • The CDMA network is scheduled to be shut down on January 1, 2022, despite DISH's efforts to migrate Boost consumers on T-Mobile's artificially accelerated timeframe.
  • DISH estimates that a significant number of CDMA subscribers, including those in California, risk being disenfranchised if the CDMA network is shut down on January 1, 2022.
  • T-Mobile's decision ignores the challenges faced by DISH in migrating CDMA subscribers, including procurement challenges, global handset shortages, and low uptake rates of upgrade promotions.
  • The California Public Utilities Commission has been informed of the matter through an ex parte communication from DISH Network Corporation.

Statistics:

  • The CDMA network is on track to be shut down on January 1, 2022, despite DISH's efforts to migrate Boost consumers.
  • DISH estimates that a significant number of CDMA subscribers, including those in California, risk being disenfranchised if the CDMA network is shut down on January 1, 2022.
  • T-Mobile's decision to shut down the CDMA network would affect millions of Boost customers nationwide, including many in California.
  • The CDMA network has been committed to operating for 3-5 years, as stated in DISH's agreement with AT&T.

Sources:

  • Exparte Communication from DISH Network Corporation to the California Public Utilities Commission, dated August 4, 2021
  • Exparte Letter from T-Mobile USA, Inc. to the California Public Utilities Commission, dated July 30, 2021
  • Petition for Modification from DISH Network Corporation, dated July 31, 2021
  • Response from T-Mobile USA, Inc. to the Petition for Modification, dated July 16, 2021

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