congstar vs EchoStar

Gaming zieht ein: congstar schafft dauerhaftes Zuhause für die Community

To coincide with the Polaris Convention in Hamburg, telecommunications provider congstar unveiled a gaming campaign positioning its DSL and fiber offering, 'congstar Zuhause'. On October 8, 2026, the company projected a large-scale gaming motif onto the facade of Villa Viva in Hamburg and opened two permanent branded rooms, including a dedicated gaming suite and an FC St. Pauli-themed room. The initiative builds on congstar's gaming community presence established in 2019.

• On October 8, 2026, congstar opened two permanent rooms at Villa Viva in Hamburg: one in congstar Zuhause gaming design and one in FC St. Pauli look.
• A large-scale projection featuring brand character Cyra was launched on the facade of Villa Viva ahead of the Polaris Convention.
• Streamer Leon from Bonjwa hosted the community opening event following a raffle on the congstar Discord channel.

„Verwähl dich nicht“: congstar und Marcant starten Demokratie-Hotline gegen Desinformation

Fortführung der Initiative „Für mehr Fairständnis” im Kontext der Landtagswahlen

congstar launches 'Created' online magazine

congstar has launched 'Created – Das congstar Magazin,' an online editorial magazine available at congstar.de/magazin. The opening content focuses on fiber optic (Glasfaser) and DSL technologies, including explainers, buying guides, and practical smartphone tips. The company plans to expand the magazine into a broader knowledge and inspiration platform covering telecom tariffs, devices, tech trends, smart home, and mobile lifestyle.

• congstar launched 'Created – Das congstar Magazin' at congstar.de/magazin.
• The initial editorial content focuses on Glasfaser (fiber optic) and DSL, including differences and advantages.
• Planned areas include telecommunications & tariffs, smartphones & devices, tech trends & innovation, digital lifestyle & smart home, and mobile everyday tips.

SpaceX in Talks to Acquire Boost Mobile

SpaceX is reportedly in talks with EchoStar to acquire Boost Mobile or gain access to its network, as a means to enter the U.S. mobile market after AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile rejected its MVNO proposals. The move follows SpaceX's purchase of EchoStar spectrum licenses for $17 billion in 2025 and an additional $8 billion for Grain Management's 800-MHz spectrum. Elon Musk met with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October. SpaceX aims to launch its own direct-to-cell service by early 2028, leveraging low-band spectrum and up to 80,000 tower leases. Industry analysts question the feasibility without a major network partner, while competitors have formed a satellite joint venture. EchoStar's stock rose about 4% premarket on the news.

• SpaceX is in talks with EchoStar to acquire Boost Mobile or gain network access.
• AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile rejected SpaceX's MVNO proposals.
• SpaceX purchased EchoStar spectrum licenses for $17 billion in 2025 and Grain Management's 800-MHz spectrum for $8 billion.

DISH Raises Prices Again, Adds $17 Locals Fee

DISH Network has raised prices on its core TV packages and added a $17 monthly fee for local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC). The new rates, effective on the next billing date unless under a price lock, increase packages like America's Top 120 to $104.99 and the Everything Pack to $154.99. The Locals Pack, previously optional, is now a required add-on for most packages. This marks another in a series of price hikes, driven by rising retransmission consent costs from broadcasters. The announcement comes as DISH DBS, an EchoStar subsidiary, recently completed its Chapter 11 restructuring, though the price changes are independent of that process.

• DISH Network increased prices on core TV packages and added a $17 monthly fee for local channels.
• America's Top 120 now costs $104.99 per month, up from previous rates.
• The Locals Pack is now a mandatory add-on for most English-language packages.

FCC to auction 25MHz of 'prime spectrum' for direct-to-device

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on a proposal to auction 25 megahertz of 'prime spectrum' to support direct-to-device (D2D) services from satellites to smartphones. The agency will also consider an additional 482MHz of spectrum for supplemental coverage and modernized rules for D2D services, and eliminating an outdated restriction on drone operations in the 800 MHz Cellular band. The proposals could benefit SpaceX and Amazon, which have expanded their satellite D2D networks. Amazon recently requested approval to launch up to 5,105 internet satellites and announced its acquisition of Globalstar for over $11.5 billion. SpaceX also received approval for its direct-to-cell system using 15,000 satellites and spectrum purchased from EchoStar. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr framed the move as supporting American leadership in space and drone technologies.

• FCC will vote on auctioning 25MHz of 'prime spectrum' for direct-to-device services.
• FCC will also consider making an additional 482MHz of spectrum available for supplemental coverage.
• Amazon asked FCC to approve launching up to 5,105 internet satellites for direct-to-device connectivity.