div classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodivpReuters – Dish Network Corp launched its 5G service to consumers in Las Vegas on Wednesday after several months of delays as the telecom firm tries to build out a nationwide network and reduce its reliance on TMobile.
The service – dubbed “Project Genesis” – was initially supposed to launch in the city in September and help cut dependence on the TMobile network that powers Dishs Boost prepaid wireless service.pdivdivdiv classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodiv
Dish acquired Boost as part of the TMobile and Sprint merger, which won antitrust approval in 2020 after the companies agreed to divest some assets including some wireless spectrum to create a new wireless competitor.
TMobile has since then allowed Dish to use its network but the relationship between the companies soured after TMobile announced plans to shut down its older CDMA wireless network – a service still used by a significant number of Boost customers.
That has prompted Dish to create its own cellular network, which it plans to make available in 120 markets by June.
Customers signing up for the service will have to pay 30 per month and Dish is selling its first smartphone – the Motorola Edge – loaded with the service for about 900, the company said in a statement.
Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru Editing by Aditya Soni
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