DISH Network has announced the takeover of Republic Wireless, an MVNO that operates using the T-Mobile US network. Upon closing, DISH will assume approximately 200,000 customer relationships, the Republic Wireless brand and other supporting assets. Once acquired by DISH, Republic customers will not see any immediate changes to their experience or plans, and there is no need for customers to take action. The existing Relay division of Republic Wireless will continue to operate as a standalone company and will become a wholesale customer on DISH’s planned 5G network. Relay provides communication and productivity solutions for frontline teams in hospitality, facilities management, manufacturing, healthcare and education, and will remain headquartered in Raleigh, NC.
TeleGeography notes that Republic Wireless was formed in 2010 and started testing its ‘Wi-Fi first’ proposition in public beta mode in 2012, ahead of a full commercial launch in 2013. The MVNO initially utilised the CDMA Sprint network, although it augmented this connectivity by signing an additional GSM wholesale deal with T-Mobile in 2016.
DISH – which is in the process of rolling out a nationwide 5G network – has now snapped up three US MVNOs to expedite its entry into the US wireless market. These are: Boost Mobile, which was acquired from Sprint/T-Mobile for USD1.4 billion on 1 July 2020; Ting Mobile, which was acquired on 1 August 2020; and Republic Wireless.