RALEIGH – DISH Network plans to buy Raleigh-based Republic Wireless, the Colorado-based satellite and wireless network provider, disclosed Monday.
Once the deal closes, Rob Currie, senior vice president of Ting Mobile and mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) platforms, will lead Republic, DISH said in the announcement.
Financial terms weren’t immediately disclosed.
Republic Wireless launched a decade ago, founded by current CEO Chris Chuang, and was spun off from parent company Bandwidth.com – also Raleigh based – in 2016. DISH said it was acquiring some 200,000 customers of Republic as part of the deal.
Relay, a division of Republic Wireless, will operate as a standalone company and remain based in Raleigh, DISH added.
Republic leases spectrum space for its low-priced services from other providers such as T-Mobile, thus the MVNO term.
DISH, best known for satellite TV, became a wireless player in 2020 when it acquired Sprint’s Boost Mobile as part of Sprint-smerger with T-Mobile. And DISH has stated big plans for 5G service.
“Upon close, 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,” DISH said in a statement.
“Republic has created a loyal following and established a brand known for innovation, customer service and value. We plan to build upon that strong foundation,” said John Swieringa, group president, Retail Wireless and DISH COO. “As we continue to grow our retail wireless business, Republic broadens our existing customer base and positions us to deliver even more value to the market, expanding our portfolio of mobile solutions to meet a variety of customer needs. We look forward to welcoming Republic customers to the DISH family.”
