Core Points - Verizon Communications Inc. is in talks to acquire part of EchoStar Corporation's wireless spectrum assets, specifically the AWS-3 band licenses, which are crucial for 5G signal transmission [1] - The acquisition would position Verizon alongside AT&T and SpaceX in purchasing spectrum assets from EchoStar, which is under investigation by the FCC for slow deployment of wireless services [1] - EchoStar's AWS-3 spectrum assets have a book value of $9.8 billion, but the acquisition price by Verizon may not follow the same premium as recent deals by AT&T and SpaceX [1] Group 1 - Following the news of the talks, EchoStar's stock price surged by 15% in after-hours trading [2] - Another portion of the AWS-3 spectrum is set to be auctioned by the U.S. federal government next year [2] - EchoStar's CEO, Hamid Akhavan, indicated that the company is considering selling more wireless spectrum assets as part of a strategic shift away from building a comprehensive communication network [2] Group 2 - Akhavan stated that the company will eventually find suitable homes for its spectrum assets [3] - EchoStar previously acquired a significant amount of wireless spectrum in an attempt to become the fourth major telecom operator in the U.S. but is now shifting its strategy to a hybrid operating model for its Boost Mobile service, relying partially on AT&T's network [3]