AT&T Rapidly Activates EchoStar’s 3.45 GHz Spectrum and Sets a New Benchmark for 5G Deployment

At 5Gstore, we monitor spectrum activity closely because it often reveals where performance improvements will happen before customers see the results firsthand. Spectrum is the fuel of wireless networks. When a carrier lights up a new band, customers on compatible devices often experience faster speeds, smoother performance during busy hours, and stronger fixed wireless service. AT&T’s recent activation of the 3.45 GHz spectrum it is acquiring from EchoStar is a perfect example of how a well planned spectrum strategy can transform network performance across the country.

This article provides a deep dive into what AT&T just completed, why the 3.45 GHz band is so important, and how these changes may affect mobile users, fixed wireless customers, and the thousands of businesses that rely on 5Gstore equipment every day.

What Exactly Did AT&T Do

AT&T activated the 3.45 GHz mid band spectrum across nearly 23,000 cell sites nationwide. The rollout covers more than 5,000 cities in 48 states, which represents a massive footprint in a very short period of time. The activation happened under a temporary leasing arrangement that allows AT&T to use the spectrum prior to the full transfer of ownership.

This rapid deployment is one of the fastest mid band rollouts ever completed by a major United States carrier. Instead of taking months or years to light up new airwaves, AT&T put this spectrum into service in only a few weeks. This shows a high level of preparation and coordination by both AT&T and EchoStar, and it indicates that AT&T sees mid band expansion as a central part of its long term network strategy.

AT&T will eventually complete the full acquisition of both mid band and low band spectrum from EchoStar. That transaction includes a significant portion of 3.45 GHz spectrum along with additional 600 MHz low band frequencies. While the regulatory process continues, AT&T is already putting the spectrum to practical use so customers see benefits sooner.

Why the 3.45 GHz Band Matters in Modern 5G Networks

Mid band spectrum is often described as the power zone of 5G. It provides a strong mix of capacity and coverage and fills the performance gap between low band and millimeter wave. Below is an educational look at why 3.45 GHz specifically plays such an important role.

1. It provides significantly more capacity than low band

Low band is excellent for coverage but does not offer very high capacity. Mid band solves that problem. The 3.45 GHz frequency range can support much higher throughput which means it can handle more simultaneous users and more demanding applications. This translates into more consistent performance in busy neighborhoods, shopping centers, office complexes, stadium areas, and travel corridors.

2. It supports faster peak speeds

While carriers do not guarantee a specific speed, mid band generally delivers much faster performance than low band 5G. Customers in upgraded markets often see faster downloads, smoother streaming, lower latency, and fewer slowdowns during peak hours.

3. It strengthens both mobile and fixed wireless

The 3.45 GHz band is not only beneficial for smartphones. It is also extremely important for fixed wireless access, known as FWA. FWA uses a 5G router or CPE to provide home or business internet through a 5G signal. The more mid band a carrier has available, the more consistent FWA becomes. This helps AT&T compete in areas where fiber is still not available.

4. It is a vital part of AT&T’s larger convergence strategy

AT&T has made it clear that its goal is to grow customers who use both mobile and home internet services. For this strategy to work, AT&T needs strong mid band coverage that supports both sides of the business. Lighting up 3.45 GHz at scale moves the company much closer to that long term objective.

5. It reduces the need for new tower construction

Instead of building entirely new sites, AT&T can add the 3.45 GHz radio layers to existing towers. This is faster, less expensive, and more efficient. It increases capacity on a wide scale without having to change the physical footprint of the network.

How This Impacts Customers Who Use 5Gstore Equipment

Significant speed and reliability improvements

As AT&T increases its use of the 3.45 GHz spectrum, customers who are using compatible 5G routers, hotspots, and business grade CPE may experience noticeable improvements in performance. This includes faster speeds, reduced congestion, better throughput during peak hours, and more stable connections for high demand applications.

Enhanced fixed wireless opportunities

The expansion of mid band spectrum makes fixed wireless more attractive, especially in suburban or rural areas where wired connectivity options are limited. If you are evaluating FWA for remote sites, pop up locations, branches, retail operations, construction sites, or temporary installations, this expansion could provide a major benefit.

Importance of choosing hardware with full band support

Not every device supports every band. When selecting a 5G router or enterprise grade CPE, it is important to check if the hardware supports AT&T’s mid band frequencies. At 5Gstore, we highlight band support clearly so customers can make the right long term choice.

Better long term stability for enterprise networks

As more spectrum comes online, performance becomes more predictable. This matters for customers running SD WAN, VPN tunnels, video surveillance systems, VoIP, IoT deployments, and industrial monitoring. Mid band improvements help support these use cases by providing stronger and more stable connectivity.

Educational Insight: How Spectrum Impacts Real World 5G Performance

Many users do not always connect the dots between frequency bands and the performance they see on their devices. Here is a quick, educational breakdown.

• Low band (600 MHz to 850 MHz)
  Great coverage but slower speeds. Best for rural and long range.
• Mid band (2.5 GHz to about 4 GHz)
  Best combination of speed and coverage. Performs well in cities, suburbs, and business districts. The 3.45 GHz band fits here.
• High band or millimeter wave (24 GHz and above)
  Very fast but very short range. Best for hotspots and dense urban zones.

Mid band is the workhorse of 5G. When a carrier gains more mid band spectrum and deploys it nationwide, customers feel real improvements. That is exactly what AT&T has done with the 3.45 GHz band.

Key Takeaways

• AT&T activated the 3.45 GHz spectrum across nearly 23,000 cell sites in record time.
• This rollout improves both 5G mobile performance and fixed wireless performance across thousands of cities.
• The 3.45 GHz band strengthens AT&T’s long term strategy of combining mobile and home internet services under one umbrella.
• Customers in upgraded areas may see faster speeds, reduced congestion, and better overall reliability.
• Businesses using 5Gstore routers and CPE should verify that their hardware supports all key AT&T mid band frequencies.
• As spectrum becomes more widely deployed, the long term performance ceiling of 5G increases, offering more dependable connectivity for critical business and remote work applications.