Global 5G Developments - August 30, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO - Several major developments in the 5G ecosystem unfolded on August 30, 2025, spanning security research breakthroughs, spectrum acquisition, and satellite infrastructure partnerships.

Researchers Expose New 5G-to-4G Downgrade Exploit A team at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) demonstrated a tool named “SNI5GECT” that can remotely force modern 5G smartphones to crash or silently revert to 4G, exploiting an unencrypted phase in the connection handshake. The attack, tested successfully on flagship devices from Samsung, Google, Huawei, and OnePlus with a 70-90% success rate at distances of up to 20 meters, highlights persistent vulnerabilities in existing 5G modem firmware from major chipmakers. The GSMA has assigned the flaw identifier CVD-2024-0096 and urged operators and device manufacturers to accelerate mitigations, including packet-level anomaly detection and firmware updates.

AT&T Secures $23 Billion Spectrum Purchase from EchoStar AT&T announced a landmark agreement to acquire approximately 50 MHz of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for $23 billion. The deal encompasses low-band (600 MHz) and mid-band (3.45 GHz) licenses, covering nearly 100% of the U.S. and significantly bolstering AT&T’s capacity and coverage for both mobile 5G and fixed wireless access services. AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that the acquisition “expands our spectrum portfolio while enhancing customers’ 5G and home internet experience.” The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by mid-2026 and includes an extended MVNO partnership allowing EchoStar’s Dish unit to maintain service continuity on AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks.

EchoStar and MDA Forge $1.3 B Satellite Constellation for 5G EchoStar Corporation revealed a strategic partnership with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) to build a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation valued initially at $1.3 billion, with potential expansion up to $2.5 billion. The satellite network aims to deliver secure, high-capacity backhaul and mid-band spectrum extensions to underserved regions, complementing terrestrial 5G deployments. EchoStar shares rose 8.6% on the news, driven by positive market sentiment and Deutsche Bank’s reaffirmation of a buy rating with an adjusted price target of $43. The project underscores a growing industry trend toward integrating space-based assets into global 5G infrastructures.