Dish has been working to build out its own 5G network, rather than just reselling other providers' services. However, the company has struggled to raise the billions of dollars needed to finish the project on time.
The FCC's extension provides Dish with more time to complete the buildout, which is seen as a critical step in the company's efforts to establish itself as a viable fourth wireless carrier, competing with the likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.