Dish Buying Republic Wireless as It Builds 5G Network

Dish Network is buying Republic Wireless, a mobile virtual network operator on the T-Mobile network. Dish, which is building a stand-alone 5G network, gets some 200,000 subscribers, the Republic Wireless brand and other assets, Dish said Monday. "Republic has created a loyal following and established a brand known for innovation, customer service and value. We plan to build upon that," said John Swieringa, Dish chief operating officer. Citi’s Michael Rollins told investors more deals are possible: “DISH could pursue an acquisition of TDS and US Cellular that could provide DISH with immediate rural coverage, significant revenue and subscriber scale that can leverage the T-Mobile wholesale deal for national coverage (which could be cheaper than its current roaming arrangements), a healthy spectrum position in its markets, and additional assets that could [be] held or be monetized,” he said. Dish hopes the deal will close in Q2.