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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)


☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2021.


☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______ TO______.

Commission File Number: 333-31929

DISH DBS Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Colorado	84-1328967
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

9601 South Meridian Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado	80112
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

(303) 723-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer ◻		Accelerated filer ◻

Non-accelerated filer ⌧		Smaller reporting company ☐

		Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ⌧

As of May 3, 2021, the registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 1,015 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value.

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

	Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	i

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)	1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	4

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	5

Item 2.	Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations	40

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	*

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	50

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	51

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	51

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	*

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	*

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	None

Item 5.	Other Information	None

Item 6.	Exhibits	51

	Signatures	52

*	This item has been omitted pursuant to the reduced disclosure format as set forth in General Instructions (H)(2) of Form 10-Q.

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Unless otherwise required by the context, in this report, the words “DISH DBS,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to DISH DBS Corporation and its subsidiaries, “DISH Network” refers to DISH Network Corporation, our parent company, and its subsidiaries, including us, and “EchoStar” refers to EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, in particular, statements about our plans, objectives and strategies, growth opportunities in our industries and businesses, our expectations regarding future results, financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements, our estimates regarding the impact of regulatory developments and legal proceedings, and other trends and projections. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as “future,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “predict,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” and similar terms. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. Accordingly, actual performance, events or results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS

COVID-19 Pandemic

●

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economic environment generally, and on us specifically, have adversely impacted our business. Furthermore, any continuation or worsening of the pandemic and economic environment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition and Economic Risks

●

We face intense and increasing competition from providers of video, broadband and/or wireless services, which may require us to further increase subscriber acquisition and retention spending or accept lower subscriber activations and higher subscriber churn.

●

Changing consumer behavior and new technologies in our Pay-TV business may reduce our subscriber activations and may cause our subscribers to purchase fewer services from us or to cancel our services altogether, resulting in less revenue to us.

●

Our pay-TV competitors may be able to leverage their relationships with programmers to reduce their programming costs and/or offer exclusive content that will place them at a competitive advantage to us.

●

Changes in how network operators handle and charge for access to data that travels across their networks could adversely impact our Pay-TV business.

●

Economic weakness and uncertainty may adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain our business.

Operational and Service Delivery Risks

●

Any deterioration in our operational performance and subscriber satisfaction could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

●

If our subscriber activations decrease, or if our subscriber churn rate, subscriber acquisition costs or retention costs increase, our financial performance will be adversely affected.

●

With respect to our Pay-TV business, programming expenses are increasing, which may adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

●

We depend on others to provide the programming that we offer to our Pay-TV subscribers and, if we fail to obtain or lose access to certain programming, our Pay-TV subscriber activations and our subscriber churn rate may be negatively impacted.

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●

We may not be able to obtain necessary retransmission consent agreements at acceptable rates, or at all, from local network stations.

●

Any failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure and communications systems or those of third parties that we use in our operations, including, without limitation, those caused by cyber-attacks or other malicious activities, could disrupt or harm our business.

●

We currently depend on DISH Network to provide the vast majority of our satellite transponder capacity and other related services to us. Our business would be adversely affected if DISH Network ceases to provide these services to us and we are unable to obtain suitable replacement services from third parties.

●

Our failure to effectively invest in, introduce, and implement new competitive products and services could cause our products and services to become obsolete and could negatively impact our business.

●

We rely on a single vendor or a limited number of vendors to provide certain key products or services to us, and the inability of these key vendors to meet our needs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

●

We depend on independent third parties to solicit orders for our services that represent a meaningful percentage of our total gross new subscriber activations.

●

We have limited satellite capacity and failures or reduced capacity could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

●

We may have potential conflicts of interest with EchoStar due to our and DISH Network’s common ownership and management.

●

We rely on highly skilled personnel for our business, and any inability to hire and retain key personnel or hire qualified personnel may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisition and Capital Structure Risks

●

Our parent, DISH Network, has made substantial investments to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and other related assets and we may make cash distributions in connection with the development of DISH Network’s wireless business.

●

Our parent, DISH Network, has made substantial non-controlling investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities related to AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses and we have made and may make additional cash distributions to DISH Network so that DISH Network may fund the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities.

●

We may pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions to complement or expand our business that may not be successful, and we may lose up to the entire value of our investment in these acquisitions and transactions.

●

We have substantial debt outstanding and may incur additional debt.

●

We may need additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to continue investing in our business and to finance acquisitions and other strategic transactions.

●

Our parent, DISH Network, is controlled by one principal stockholder who is also our Chairman.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

●

Our business depends on certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others.

●

We are, and may become, party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly lawsuits regarding intellectual property.

●

Our services depend on Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications for FCC licenses that may not be granted.

●

If our internal controls are not effective, our business, DISH Network’s stock price and investor confidence in our financial results may be adversely affected.

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●

We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Other factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “10-K”) filed with the SEC, those discussed in “Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations” herein and in the 10-K and those discussed in other documents we file with the SEC. All cautionary statements made or referred to herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. Investors should consider the risks and uncertainties described or referred to herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

iii

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Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)


	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,616,124	$	1,238,409
Marketable investment securities		48,995		132,593
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $34,293 and $43,233, respectively		581,770		626,375
Inventory		248,548		262,297
Other current assets		214,569		272,955
Total current assets		2,710,006		2,532,629

Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities		58,255		58,323
Property and equipment, net		1,494,019		1,564,704
FCC authorizations		611,794		611,794
Other investment securities		98,050		97,306
Operating lease assets		335,609		380,968
Other noncurrent assets, net		209,234		222,311
Total noncurrent assets		2,806,961		2,935,406
Total assets	$	5,516,967	$	5,468,035

Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$	378,460	$	315,661
Deferred revenue and other		632,560		667,226
Accrued programming		1,311,223		1,388,407
Accrued interest		169,903		216,459
Other accrued expenses		607,081		625,342
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations		1,847,459		2,052,374
Total current liabilities		4,946,686		5,265,469

Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion		8,606,800		8,619,116
Deferred tax liabilities		500,380		514,928
Operating lease liabilities		165,514		192,624
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities		185,586		195,903
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion		9,458,280		9,522,571
Total liabilities		14,404,966		14,788,040

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)

Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding		—		—
Additional paid-in capital		1,471,083		1,463,407
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,002)		(805)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)		(10,358,080)		(10,782,607)
Total stockholder’s equity (deficit)		(8,887,999)		(9,320,005)
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity (deficit)	$	5,516,967	$	5,468,035

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020
Revenue:
Service revenue	$	3,137,387	$	3,130,900
Equipment sales and other revenue		25,532		36,882
Total revenue		3,162,919		3,167,782

Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6):
Cost of services		1,958,699		2,072,432
Cost of sales - equipment and other		16,275		30,814
Selling, general and administrative expenses		333,074		422,249
Depreciation and amortization (Note 6)		115,242		135,085
Total costs and expenses		2,423,290		2,660,580

Operating income (loss)		739,629		507,202

Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		806		850
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(173,976)		(182,340)
Other, net		(1,508)		945
Total other income (expense)		(174,678)		(180,545)

Income (loss) before income taxes		564,951		326,657
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(140,424)		(82,504)
Net income (loss)	$	424,527	$	244,153

Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	$	424,527	$	244,153
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(195)		(352)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities		(2)		(11)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(197)		(363)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	424,330	$	243,790

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


					Accumulated
			Additional		Other		Accumulated
	Common		Paid-In		Comprehensive		Earnings
	Stock		Capital		Income (Loss)		(Deficit)		Total
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	—	$	1,432,736	$	(449)	$	(12,366,909)	$	(10,934,622)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		—		6,953		—		—		6,953
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net		—		—		(11)		—		(11)
Foreign currency translation		—		—		(352)		—		(352)
Net income (loss)		—		—		—		244,153		244,153
Balance, March 31, 2020	$	—	$	1,439,689	$	(812)	$	(12,122,756)	$	(10,683,879)

Balance, December 31, 2020	$	—	$	1,463,407	$	(805)	$	(10,782,607)	$	(9,320,005)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		—		7,676		—		—		7,676
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net		—		—		(2)		—		(2)
Foreign currency translation		—		—		(195)		—		(195)
Net income (loss)		—		—		—		424,527		424,527
Balance, March 31, 2021	$	—	$	1,471,083	$	(1,002)	$	(10,358,080)	$	(8,887,999)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021			2020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	424,527	$	244,153
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		115,242		135,085
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		2,600		—
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		7,676		6,953
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		(14,548)		(13,519)
Allowance for credit losses		(8,940)		19,526
Other, net		3,719		4,804
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net		32,499		137,511
Net cash flows from operating activities		562,775		534,513

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net		83,596		(60,543)
Purchases of property and equipment		(49,802)		(75,421)
Other, net		2,200		2,017
Net cash flows from investing activities		35,994		(133,947)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Repurchases of senior notes		(205,354)		—
Early debt extinguishment		(2,517)		—
Advances to/from affiliates		—		(82,415)
Repayment of long-term debt and finance lease obligations		(13,251)		(11,452)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(221,122)		(93,867)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents		377,647		306,699
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (Note 4)		1,296,732		78,103
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 4)	$	1,674,379	$	384,802

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	Organization and Business Activities

Principal Business

DISH DBS Corporation (which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as “DISH DBS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our,” unless otherwise required by the context) is a holding company and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (“DISH Network”). DISH DBS was formed under Colorado law in January 1996 and its common stock is held by DISH Orbital Corporation (“DOC”), a direct subsidiary of DISH Network. Our subsidiaries operate one business segment.

Pay-TV

We offer Pay-TV services under the DISH^® brand and the SLING^® brand (collectively “Pay-TV” services). The DISH branded pay-TV service consists of, among other things, FCC licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, broadcast operations, a leased fiber optic network, in-home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations (“DISH TV”). We also design, develop and distribute receiver systems and provide digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and other services to third-party pay-TV providers. The SLING branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, multichannel, live-linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”) Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“SLING TV”). As of March 31, 2021, we had 11.060 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States, including 8.686 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.374 million SLING TV subscribers.

2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements prepared under GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Our results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries, investments in entities in which we have controlling influence and variable interest entities where we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary. Minority interests are recorded as noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling interests. Non-consolidated investments are accounted for using the equity method when we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of an investee, these equity securities are classified as either marketable investment securities or other investments and recorded at fair value with changes recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for credit losses, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of options granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, relative standalone selling prices of performance obligations, finance leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate and recognize impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives. Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

Fair Value Measurements

We determine fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Market or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. We apply the following hierarchy in determining fair value:

●

Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

●

Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; and quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

●

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other participants therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for credit losses) and current liabilities (excluding the “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations”) was equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates. See Note 4 for the fair value of our marketable investment securities.

Fair values for our publicly traded debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. The fair values of private debt are based on, among other things, available trade information, and/or an analysis in which we evaluate market conditions, related securities, various public and private offerings, and other publicly available information. In performing this analysis, we make various assumptions regarding, among other things, credit spreads, and the impact of these factors on the value of the debt securities. See Note 8 for the fair value of our long-term debt.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Assets Recognized Related to the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Subscriber

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a subscriber if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that certain sales incentive programs, including those with our independent third-party retailers, meet the requirements to be capitalized, and payments made under these programs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the estimated subscriber life. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we capitalized $28 million and $38 million, respectively, under these programs. The amortization expense related to these programs was $37 million and $27 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had a total of $331 million and $339 million, respectively, capitalized on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts are capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Advertising Costs

We recognize advertising expense when incurred as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Advertising expenses totaled $83 million and $131 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Research and development costs totaled $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

3.	Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents certain supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data. See Note 7 for supplemental cash flow and non-cash data related to leases.


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	211,139	$	174,647
Cash received for interest		806		850
Cash paid for income taxes		404		130
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		146,386		90,617

Our parent, DISH Network, provides a centralized system for the management of our cash and marketable investment securities as it does for all of its subsidiaries to, among other reasons, maximize yield of the portfolio. As a result, the cash and marketable investment securities included on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is a component or portion of the overall cash and marketable investment securities portfolio included on DISH Network’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and managed by DISH Network. We are reflecting the purchases and sales of marketable investment securities on a net basis for each period presented on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as we believe the net presentation is more meaningful to our cash flows from investing activities.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

4.	Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities consisted of the following:


	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities	$	48,995	$	132,593
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		—		—
Total marketable investment securities		48,995		132,593

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		58,255		58,323

Other investment securities:
Other investment securities		98,050		97,306
Total other investment securities		98,050		97,306

Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	205,300	$	288,222

(1)	Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Marketable Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities portfolio may consist of debt and equity instruments. All equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. We report the temporary unrealized gains and losses related to changes in market conditions of marketable debt securities as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The corresponding changes in the fair value of marketable debt securities, which are determined to be company specific credit losses are recorded in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). See Note 2 for further information.

Current Marketable Investment Securities

Our current marketable investment securities portfolio can include investments in various debt instruments including, among others, commercial paper, corporate securities and United States treasury and/or agency securities.

Commercial paper consists mainly of unsecured short-term promissory notes, issued primarily by corporations, with maturities ranging up to 365 days. Corporate securities consist of debt instruments issued by corporations with various maturities normally less than 18 months. U.S. Treasury and agency securities consist of debt instruments issued by the federal government and other government agencies.

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Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash and cash equivalents, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit and trusts.

Other Investment Securities

We have strategic investments in certain debt and/or equity securities that are included in noncurrent “Other investment securities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and our equity securities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting or recorded at fair value. Certain of our equity method investments are detailed below.

NagraStar L.L.C. We own a 50% interest in NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming.

Invidi Technologies Corporation. In November 2016, we, DIRECTV, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of AT&T Inc., and Cavendish Square Holding B.V., an affiliate of WPP plc, entered into a series of agreements to acquire Invidi Technologies Corporation (“Invidi”), an entity that provides proprietary software for the addressable advertising market. The transaction closed in January 2017.

Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in securities that are not publicly traded depends on the success of the issuers’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital, on acceptable terms or at all, and to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain fair value for them.

Fair Value Measurements

Our investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:


	As of
	March 31, 2021								December 31, 2020
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	1,653,660	$	60,153	$	1,593,507	$	—	$	1,278,971	$	172,025	$	1,106,946	$	—

Debt securities (including restricted):
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	22,476	$	22,476	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper		47,590		—		47,590		—		101,959		—		101,959		—
Corporate securities		877		—		877		—		8,068		—		8,068		—
Other		528		—		528		—		90		—		90		—
Total	$	48,995	$	—	$	48,995	$	—	$	132,593	$	22,476	$	110,117	$	—

As of March 31, 2021, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $49 million with contractual maturities within one year. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity.

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Gains and Losses on Sales and Changes in Carrying Amounts of Investments

“Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” included on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Other, net:	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Costs related to early redemption of debt	$	(2,600)	$	—
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates		903		278
Other		189		667
Total	$	(1,508)	$	945

5.	Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following:


	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	217,399	$	226,866
Work-in-process and service repairs		22,468		25,206
Raw materials		8,681		10,225
Total inventory	$	248,548	$	262,297

6.	Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:


	Depreciable		As of
	Life	March 31,		December 31,
	(In Years)	2021		2020

		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	2-5	$	1,672,399	$	1,719,778
EchoStar XV	15		277,658		277,658
EchoStar XVIII	15		411,255		411,255
Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements	15		398,107		398,107
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	2-20		1,989,431		1,969,107
Buildings and improvements	5-40		300,246		301,037
Land	-		13,186		13,186
Construction in progress	-		42,579		51,800
Total property and equipment			5,104,861		5,141,928
Accumulated depreciation			(3,610,842)		(3,577,224)
Property and equipment, net		$	1,494,019	$	1,564,704

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Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	64,262	$	79,682
Satellites		23,797		23,797
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		27,183		31,606
Total depreciation and amortization	$	115,242	$	135,085

Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or equipment leased to customers.

Pay-TV Satellites. We currently utilize 11 satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator, two of which we own and depreciate over their estimated useful life. We currently utilize certain capacity on six satellites that we lease from DISH Network, one satellite that we lease from EchoStar, and two satellites that we lease from third parties. All leased satellites are accounted for as operating leases except Nimiq 5 and Anik F3, which are accounted for as financing leases and are depreciated over their economic life.

As of March 31, 2021, our pay-TV satellite fleet consisted of the following:


		Degree
	Launch	Orbital	Lease
Satellites	Date	Location	Termination Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	N/A
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	61.5	N/A

Leased from EchoStar (1):
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month

Leased from DISH Network (2):
EchoStar X	February 2006	110	February 2022
EchoStar XI	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XIV	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI	November 2012	61.5	January 2023
Nimiq 5	September 2009	72.7	September 2021
QuetzSat-1	September 2011	77	November 2021

Leased from Other Third Party:
Anik F3	April 2007	118.7	April 2022
Ciel II	December 2008	129	January 2022

(1)	See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

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(2)	See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with DISH Network.

7.	Leases

We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles, and other equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 11 years, some of which include renewal options, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.

Our Anik F3 and Nimiq 5 satellites are accounted for as financing leases. Substantially all of our remaining leases are accounted for as operating leases, including the remainder of our satellite fleet.

The components of lease expense were as follows:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Operating lease cost	$	60,023	$	61,715

Short-term lease cost (1)		4,236		2,667

Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets		12,374		12,448
Interest on lease liabilities		3,716		4,798
Total finance lease cost		16,090		17,246
Total lease costs	$	80,349	$	81,628

(1)

Leases that have terms of 12 months or less.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	59,178	$	61,808
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$	3,652	$	4,798
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	12,580	$	11,466

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	7,417	$	6,749
Finance leases	$	—	$	—

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Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:


	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Operating Leases:
Operating lease assets	$	335,609	$	380,968

Other current liabilities	$	169,566	$	186,967
Operating lease liabilities		165,514		192,624
Total operating lease liabilities	$	335,080	$	379,591

Finance Leases:
Property and equipment, gross	$	398,875	$	398,875
Accumulated depreciation		(263,447)		(251,073)
Property and equipment, net	$	135,428	$	147,802

Other current liabilities	$	50,260	$	49,820
Other long-term liabilities		97,098		110,789
Total finance lease liabilities	$	147,358	$	160,609

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases		2.9 years		2.9 years
Finance leases		3.1 years		3.3 years

Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases		8.6%		8.7%
Finance leases		9.6%		9.6%

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Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:


	Maturities of Lease Liabilities
	Operating		Finance
For the Years Ending December 31,	Leases		Leases		Total

	(In thousands)
2021 (remaining nine months)	$	151,848	$	45,696	$	197,544
2022		138,299		50,227		188,526
2023		32,083		42,862		74,945
2024		13,436		32,147		45,583
2025		8,379		—		8,379
Thereafter		35,487		—		35,487
Total lease payments		379,532		170,932		550,464
Less: Imputed interest		(44,452)		(23,574)		(68,026)
Total		335,080		147,358		482,438
Less: Current portion		(169,566)		(50,260)		(219,826)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	$	165,514	$	97,098	$	262,612

8.	Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Fair Value of our Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt facilities as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:


	As of
	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value

	(In thousands)
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 (1)		1,794,646		1,811,480		2,000,000		2,047,260
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		2,094,220		2,000,000		2,095,820
5 % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,560,705		1,500,000		1,566,300
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		2,101,980		2,000,000		2,099,580
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026		2,000,000		2,203,100		2,000,000		2,236,520
7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028		1,000,000		1,052,940		1,000,000		1,070,130
Other notes payable		23,565		23,565		23,565		23,565
Subtotal		10,318,211	$	10,847,990		10,523,565	$	11,139,175
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(11,310)				(12,684)
Finance lease obligations (2)		147,358				160,609
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)	$	10,454,259			$	10,671,490

(1)	During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we repurchased $205 million of our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 in open market trades. The remaining balance of $1.795 billion matures on June 1, 2021.

(2)	Disclosure regarding fair value of finance leases is not required.

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We estimated the fair value of our publicly traded long-term debt using market prices in less active markets (Level 2).

9.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

DISH Network’s 5G Network Deployment

DISH Network has directly invested over $12 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets and made over $10 billion in non-controlling investments in certain entities, for a total of over $22 billion, as described further below.

DISH Network Spectrum

DISH Network has directly invested over $12 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets. DISH Network’s wireless spectrum licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements, as well as certain renewal requirements. DISH Network plans to commercialize its wireless spectrum licenses through the completion of the nation’s first cloud-native, Open Radio Access Network (“O-RAN”) based 5G network (the “5G Network Deployment”). DISH Network currently expects capital expenditures, excluding capitalized interest, for its 5G Network Deployment to be approximately $10 billion. DISH Network will need to make significant additional investments or partner with others to, among other things, complete its 5G Network Deployment and further commercialize, build-out and integrate these licenses and related assets and any additional acquired licenses and related assets, as well as to comply with regulations applicable to such licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such activities any such investments or partnerships could vary significantly.

In addition, as DISH Network completes its 5G Network Deployment, DISH Network will incur significant additional expenses and will have to make significant investments related to, among other things, research and development, wireless testing and wireless network infrastructure. DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to complete its 5G Network Deployment and to compete with other wireless service providers.

Asset Purchase Agreement. On July 26, 2019, DISH Network entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “APA”) with T-Mobile US, Inc. (“T-Mobile”) and Sprint Corporation (“Sprint” and together with T-Mobile, the “Sellers” and given the consummation of the Sprint T-Mobile merger, sometimes referred to as “NTM”) to acquire from NTM certain assets and liabilities associated with Sprint’s Boost Mobile and Sprint-branded prepaid mobile services businesses (the “Prepaid Business”) for an aggregate purchase price of $1.4 billion as adjusted for specific categories of net working capital on the closing date (the “Boost Mobile Acquisition”). Effective July 1, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the APA, DISH Network and T-Mobile completed the Boost Mobile Acquisition.

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In connection with the Boost Mobile Acquisition, DISH Network and T-Mobile entered into a transition services agreement under which DISH Network will receive certain transitional services (the “TSA”), a master network services agreement for the provision of network services by T-Mobile to DISH Network (the “MNSA”), an option agreement entitling DISH Network to acquire certain decommissioned cell sites and retail stores of T-Mobile (the “Option Agreement”) and an agreement under which DISH Network would purchase all of Sprint’s 800 MHz spectrum licenses, totaling approximately 13.5 MHz of nationwide wireless spectrum for an additional approximately $3.59 billion (the “Spectrum Purchase Agreement” and together with the APA, the TSA, the MNSA and the Option Agreement, the “Transaction Agreements”). See Note 5 “Acquisitions – Boost Mobile Acquisition” of DISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 for further information on the Transaction Agreements.

In connection with the development of DISH Network’s wireless business, including, without limitation, the efforts described above, we have made cash distributions to partially finance these efforts to date and may make additional cash distributions to finance, in whole or in part, DISH Network’s future efforts. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these wireless spectrum licenses or that DISH Network will be able to profitably deploy the assets represented by these wireless spectrum licenses.

DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses

During 2015, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. (“American II”) and American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. (“American III”), DISH Network initially made over $10 billion in certain non-controlling investments in Northstar Spectrum, LLC (“Northstar Spectrum”), the parent company of Northstar Wireless, LLC (“Northstar Wireless,” and collectively with Northstar Spectrum, the “Northstar Entities”), and in SNR Wireless HoldCo, LLC (“SNR HoldCo”), the parent company of SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC (“SNR Wireless,” and collectively with SNR HoldCo, the “SNR Entities”), respectively. On October 27, 2015, the FCC granted certain AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses (the “AWS-3 Licenses”) to Northstar Wireless (the “Northstar Licenses”) and to SNR Wireless (the “SNR Licenses”), respectively. The Northstar Entities and/or the SNR Entities may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may be obtained from third party sources or from DISH Network, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate these AWS-3 Licenses, comply with regulations applicable to such AWS-3 Licenses, and make any potential payments related to the re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC. Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, regulatory compliance, and potential re-auction payments, any such loans, equity contributions or partnerships could vary significantly. For further information regarding the potential re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC, see Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

We have made and may make additional cash distributions to DISH Network so that DISH Network may fund the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities related to DISH Network’s non-controlling investments in these entities. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to obtain a profitable return on its non-controlling investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities.

We may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to among other things, continue investing in our business and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions.

See Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 for further information.

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(Unaudited)

Contingencies

Separation Agreement

On January 1, 2008, DISH Network completed the distribution of its technology and set-top box business and certain infrastructure assets (the “Spin-off”) into a separate publicly-traded company, EchoStar. In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar that provides, among other things, for the division of certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed certain liabilities that relate to its business, including certain designated liabilities for acts or omissions that occurred prior to the Spin-off. Certain specific provisions govern intellectual property related claims under which, generally, EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions following the Spin-off and DISH Network will indemnify EchoStar for any liabilities or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the Spin-off, as well as DISH Network’s acts or omissions following the Spin-off. On February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries completed the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) that was previously entered into on January 31, 2017 (the “Share Exchange”), pursuant to which certain assets that were transferred to EchoStar in the Spin-off were transferred back to DISH Network. On September 10, 2019, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries completed the transactions contemplated by the Master Transaction Agreement (the “Master Transaction Agreement”) that was previously entered into on May 19, 2019, pursuant to which certain assets that were transferred to EchoStar in the Spin-off were transferred back to DISH Network. The Share Exchange Agreement and the Master Transaction Agreement contain additional indemnification provisions between DISH Network and EchoStar for certain liabilities and legal proceedings.

Litigation

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings (including those described below) concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our business activities. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages, and many of these proceedings seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We regularly evaluate the status of the legal proceedings in which we are involved to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss can be made.

For certain cases described on the following pages, management is unable to provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss because, among other reasons, (i) the proceedings are in various stages; (ii) damages have not been sought; (iii) damages are unsupported and/or exaggerated; (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties. For these cases, however, management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

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American Patents

On November 23, 2020, American Patents LLC, filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C., and a third party, Arcadyan Technology Corporation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 7,088,782 (the “782 patent”), entitled “Time and Frequency Synchronization In Multi-Input and Multi-Output (MIMO) Systems”; United States Patent No. 7,310,304 (the “304 patent”), entitled “Estimating Channel Parameters in Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) Systems”; United States Patent No. 7,706,458 (the “458 patent”), entitled “Time And Frequency Synchronization in Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) Systems”; and United States Patent No. 6,847,803 (the “803 patent”), entitled “Method for Reducing Interference in a Receiver.” The four patents are asserted against wireless 802.11 standard-compliant devices.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. The plaintiff is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Broadband iTV

On December 19, 2019, Broadband iTV, Inc. filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 10,028,026 (the “026 patent”), entitled “System for addressing on-demand TV program content on TV services platform of a digital TV services provider”; United States Patent No. 10,506,269 (the “269 patent”), entitled “System for addressing on-demand TV program content on TV services platform of a digital TV services provider”; United States Patent No. 9,998,791 (“the 791 patent”), entitled “Video-on-demand content delivery method for providing video-on-demand services to TV service subscribers”; and United States Patent No. 9,648,388 (the “388 patent”), entitled “Video-on-demand content delivery system for providing video-on-demand services to TV services subscribers.” Generally, the asserted patents relate to providing video on demand content to subscribers.

On July 10, 2020, July 20, 2020, July 24, 2020 and July 31, 2020, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of, respectively, the 026 patent, the 791 patent, the 269 patent and the 388 patent. On January 21, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on one of the petitions challenging the 026 patent; on January 27, 2021, it agreed to institute proceedings on one of the petitions challenging the 269 patent; on February 4, 2021, it agreed to institute proceedings on one of the petitions challenging the 791 patent; and on February 12, 2021, it agreed to institute proceedings on one of the petitions challenging the 388 patent. Trial in this matter has been set for November 15, 2021.

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(Unaudited)

City of Hallandale Beach Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Personnel Retirement Trust

On July 2, 2019, a putative class action lawsuit was filed by a purported EchoStar stockholder in the District Court of Clark County, Nevada under the caption City of Hallandale Beach Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Personnel Retirement Trust v. Ergen, et al., Case No. A-19-797799-B. The lawsuit named as defendants Mr. Ergen, the other members of the EchoStar Board, as well as EchoStar, certain of its officers, DISH Network and certain of DISH Network’s and EchoStar’s affiliates. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties in approving the transactions contemplated under the Master Transaction Agreement for inadequate consideration and pursuant to an unfair and conflicted process, and that EchoStar, DISH Network and certain other defendants aided and abetted such breaches. In the operative First Amended Complaint, filed on October 11, 2019, the plaintiff dropped as defendants the EchoStar board members other than Mr. Ergen. The trial of this matter is scheduled to start sometime during the five-week “stack” beginning September 7, 2021. See Note 14 “Related Party Transactions in the Notes to DISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 for further information on the Master Transaction Agreement. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, including the issuance of additional DISH Network Class A common stock, monetary relief and other costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees.

DISH Network intends to vigorously defend this case, but cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

ClearPlay, Inc.

On March 13, 2014, ClearPlay, Inc. (“ClearPlay”) filed a complaint against DISH Network, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., EchoStar, and its then wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges willful infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799 (the “799 patent”), entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; 7,526,784 (the “784 patent”), entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,543,318 (the “318 patent”), entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,577,970 (the “970 patent”), entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; and 8,117,282 (the “282 patent”), entitled “Media Player Configured to Receive Playback Filters From Alternative Storage Mediums.” ClearPlay alleges that the AutoHop^™ feature of our Hopper set-top box infringes the asserted patents. On February 11, 2015, the case was stayed pending various third-party challenges before the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding the validity of certain of the patents asserted in the action.

In those third-party challenges, the United States Patent and Trademark Office found that all claims of the 282 patent are unpatentable, and that certain claims of the 784 patent and 318 patent are unpatentable. ClearPlay appealed as to the 784 patent and the 318 patent, and on August 23, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the findings of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. On October 31, 2016, the stay was lifted. On October 16, October 21, November 2, 2020 and November 9, 2020, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office requesting ex parte reexamination of the validity of, respectively, the 784 patent, the 799 patent, the 318 patent and the 970 patent; and on November 2, November 20, December 14 and December 15, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted each request for reexamination. On April 23, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate allowing claim 12 of the 970 patent, and on April 27, 2021, it issued a Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate allowing claim 3 of the 784 patent. The trial date, which had been reset to September 26, 2021, has been vacated while the District Court weighs a fully briefed motion to stay the case pending resolution of the ex parte reexamination proceedings. ClearPlay’s damages expert contends that ClearPlay is entitled to $543 million in damages.

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Contemporary Display LLC

On June 4, 2018, Contemporary Display LLC (“Contemporary”) filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,028,643 (the “643 patent”), entitled “Multiple-Screen Video Adapter with Television Tuner”; United States Patent No. 6,429,903 (the “903 patent”), entitled “Video Adapter for Supporting at Least One Television Monitor”; United States Patent No. 6,492,997 (the “997 patent”), entitled “Method and System for Providing Selectable Programming in a Multi-Screen Mode”; United States Patent No. 7,500,202 (the “202 patent”), entitled “Remote Control for Navigating Through Content in an Organized and Categorized Fashion”; and United States Patent No. 7,809,842 (the “842 patent”), entitled “Transferring Sessions Between Devices.” The 643 patent and the 903 patent are directed to video adapters for use with multiple displays. The 997 patent is directed to a system for presenting multiple video programs on a display device simultaneously. The 202 patent is directed to a remote control for interacting with a set-top box having programmable features and “operational controls” on at least three sides of the remote control. The 842 patent is directed to a system for managing online communication sessions between multiple devices. Contemporary is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

In a First Amended Complaint filed on August 6, 2018, Contemporary added our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant. In a Second Amended Complaint filed on October 9, 2018, Contemporary named only our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant and dropped certain indirect infringement allegations. On June 10, 2019, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted claims of the 842 patent, the 903 patent, the 643 patent and the 997 patent. On December 13, 2019 and January 7, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on each of our petitions. Following Contemporary’s decision not to file Patent Owner Responses to DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions on the 842 patent and the 903 patent, on April 24, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office entered judgments granting those petitions and canceling the challenged claims of those patents. On November 25, 2020 and December 18, 2020, respectively, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions invalidating all challenged claims of, respectively, the 643 patent and the 997 patent. On February 12, 2021, Contemporary Display noticed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging the final written decision as to the 997 patent. On July 11, 2019, the Court entered an order staying the case pending resolution of the petitions. On January 31, 2020, pursuant to the parties’ joint motion, the Court dismissed all claims arising from the 202 patent, and extended its stay of the litigation pending non-appealable determinations on all of the petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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Customedia Technologies, L.L.C.

On February 10, 2016, Customedia Technologies, L.L.C. (“Customedia”) filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of four patents: United States Patent No. 8,719,090 (the “090 patent”); United States Patent No. 9,053,494 (the “494 patent”); United States Patent No. 7,840,437 (the “437 patent”); and United States Patent No. 8,955,029 (the “029 patent”). Each patent is entitled “System for Data Management And On-Demand Rental And Purchase Of Digital Data Products.” Customedia alleges infringement in connection with our addressable advertising services, our DISH Anywhere feature, and our Pay-Per-View and video-on-demand offerings. Customedia is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

In December 2016 and January 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted claims of each of the asserted patents. On June 12, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions challenging the 090 patent and the 437 patent; on July 18, 2017, it agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions challenging the 029 patent; and on July 28, 2017, it agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions challenging the 494 patent. These instituted proceedings cover all asserted claims of each of the asserted patents. The litigation in the District Court has been stayed since August 8, 2017 pending resolution of the proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, on December 20, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. dismissed its petitions challenging the 029 patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and on January 9, 2018, the parties dismissed their claims, counterclaims and defenses as to that patent in the litigation. On March 5, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office conducted a trial on the remaining petitions. On June 11, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions challenging the 090 patent and it invalidated all of the asserted claims. On July 25, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions challenging the 437 patent and the 494 patent and it invalidated all of the asserted claims. Customedia appealed its losses before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral argument on November 6, 2019 on the appeal involving the 437 patent, and summarily affirmed the patent’s invalidity on November 8, 2019. On January 7, 2020, Customedia petitioned the Court of Appeals for rehearing or rehearing en banc, raising issues about the constitutionality of the appointment of the administrative patent judges that heard the petition before the Patent and Trademark Office, but the Court of Appeals denied rehearing on March 5, 2020. On July 31, 2020, Customedia filed a petition with the United States Supreme Court asking it to hear a further appeal, but its petition was denied on October 13, 2020. On November 6, 2020, it filed a petition for rehearing on the United States Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a further appeal, but on November 17, 2020, the Supreme Court rejected that petition.

The Court of Appeals heard oral argument on the appeal involving the 090 patent and the 494 patent on December 3, 2019, and affirmed those patents’ invalidity on March 6, 2020. On May 5, 2020, Customedia filed petitions in the Federal Circuit for rehearing and rehearing en banc, seeking to reverse our appellate victories on the 090 and 494 patents, but those petitions were denied on June 9, 2020. On November 6, 2020, Customedia served a petition to the United States Supreme Court asking it to hear a further appeal.

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Innovative Foundry Technologies LLC

On December 20, 2019, Innovative Foundry Technologies LLC filed a complaint against DISH Network (as well as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation; Broadcom Incorporated; Broadcom Corporation; and Cypress Semiconductor Corporation) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,580,122 (the “122 patent”), entitled “Transistor Device Having an Enhanced Width Dimension and a Method of Making Same”; United States Patent No. 6,806,126 (the “126 patent”), entitled “Method of Manufacturing a Semiconductor Component”; United States Patent No. 6,933,620 (the “620 patent”), entitled “Semiconductor Component and Method of Manufacture”; and United States Patent No. 7,009,226 (the “226 patent”), entitled “In-Situ Nitride/Oxynitride Processing with Reduced Deposition Surface Pattern Sensitivity.” On April 9, 2020, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation filed a petition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted claims of the 226 patent, and on April 14, 2020, it filed petitions challenging the validity of the asserted claims of the 126 patent and 620 patent. On December 30, 2020, the Court entered an order severing and staying the claims against us and certain other defendants not involved in the manufacturing of the accused chips. On April 22, 2021, the parties filed a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice of all claims against us. This matter is now concluded.

Optic153

On January 29, 2021, Optic153 LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C and Dish Network Service L.L.C. The complaint alleges infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,115,174 (the “174 patent”), entitled “Optical Signal Varying Devices”; U.S. Patent No. 6,236,487 (the “487 patent”), entitled “Optical Communication Control System”; U.S. Patent No. 6,344,922 (the “922 patent”), entitled “Optical Signal Varying Devices”; U.S. Patent No. 6,356,383 (the “383 patent”), entitled “Optical Transmission Systems Including Optical Amplifiers Apparatuses and Methods”; U.S. Patent No. 6,587,261 (the “261 patent”), entitled “Optical Transmission Systems Including Optical Amplifiers Apparatuses and Methods of Use Therein”; and U.S. Patent No. 6,771,413 (the “413 patent”), entitled “Optical Transmission Systems Including Optical Amplifiers, Apparatuses and Methods.” In general, the patents relate to various aspects of the provisioning of fiber optics communications. On April 26, 2021, Optic153 filed a request for dismissal of its claims against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C. This matter is now concluded.

Realtime Data LLC and Realtime Adaptive Streaming LLC

On June 6, 2017, Realtime Data LLC d/b/a IXO (“Realtime”) filed an amended complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the “Original Texas Action”) against DISH Network; our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Technologies L.L.C. (then known as EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.), Sling TV L.L.C. and Sling Media L.L.C.; EchoStar, and EchoStar’s wholly-owned subsidiary Hughes Network Systems, L.L.C. (“HNS”); and Arris Group, Inc. Realtime’s initial complaint in the Original Texas Action, filed on February 14, 2017, had named only EchoStar and HNS as defendants. The amended complaint in the Original Texas Action alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 8,717,204 (the “204 patent”), entitled “Methods for encoding and decoding data”; United States Patent No. 9,054,728 (the “728 patent”), entitled “Data compression systems and methods”; United States Patent No. 7,358,867 (the “867 patent”), entitled “Content independent data compression method and system”; United States Patent No. 8,502,707 (the “707 patent”), entitled “Data compression systems and methods”; United States Patent No. 8,275,897 (the “897 patent”), entitled “System and methods for accelerated data storage and retrieval”; United States Patent No. 8,867,610 (the “610 patent”), entitled “System and methods for video and audio data distribution”; United States Patent No. 8,934,535 (the “535 patent”), entitled “Systems and methods for video and audio data storage and distribution”; and United States Patent No. 8,553,759 (the “759 patent”), entitled “Bandwidth sensitive data compression and decompression.”

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Realtime alleges that DISH Network, SLING TV, Sling Media and Arris streaming video products and services compliant with various versions of the H.264 video compression standard infringe the 897 patent, the 610 patent and the 535 patent, and that the data compression system in Hughes’ products and services infringe the 204 patent, the 728 patent, the 867 patent, the 707 patent and the 759 patent.

On July 19, 2017, the Court severed Realtime’s claims against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C., Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media L.L.C. and Arris Group, Inc. (alleging infringement of the 897 patent, the 610 patent and the 535 patent) from the Original Texas Action into a separate action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the “Second Texas Action”). On August 31, 2017, Realtime dismissed the claims against DISH Network, Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media Inc., and Sling Media L.L.C. from the Second Texas Action and refiled these claims (alleging infringement of the 897 patent, the 610 patent and the 535 patent) against Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media Inc., and Sling Media L.L.C. in a new action in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado (the “Colorado Action”). Also on August 31, 2017, Realtime dismissed DISH Technologies L.L.C. from the Original Texas Action, and on September 12, 2017, added it as a defendant in an amended complaint in the Second Texas Action. On November 6, 2017, Realtime filed a joint motion to dismiss the Second Texas Action without prejudice, which the Court entered on November 8, 2017.

On October 10, 2017, Realtime Adaptive Streaming LLC (“Realtime Adaptive Streaming”) filed suit against our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Technologies L.L.C., as well as Arris Group, Inc., in a new action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the “Third Texas Action”), alleging infringement of the 610 patent and the 535 patent. Also on October 10, 2017, an amended complaint was filed in the Colorado Action, substituting Realtime Adaptive Streaming as the plaintiff instead of Realtime, and alleging infringement of only the 610 patent and the 535 patent, but not the 897 patent. On November 6, 2017, Realtime Adaptive Streaming filed a joint motion to dismiss the Third Texas Action without prejudice, which the court entered on November 8, 2017. Also on November 6, 2017, Realtime Adaptive Streaming filed a second amended complaint in the Colorado Action, adding our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Technologies L.L.C., as well as Arris Group, Inc., as defendants.

As a result, neither DISH Network nor any of its subsidiaries is a defendant in the Original Texas Action; the Court has dismissed without prejudice the Second Texas Action and the Third Texas Action; and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Technologies L.L.C., Sling TV L.L.C. and Sling Media L.L.C. as well as Arris Group, Inc., are defendants in the Colorado Action, which now has Realtime Adaptive Streaming as the named plaintiff.

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On July 3, 2018, Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media L.L.C., DISH Network L.L.C., and DISH Technologies L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of each of the asserted patents. On January 31, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions challenging all asserted claims of each of the asserted patents, and it held trial on the petitions on December 5, 2019. On January 17, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office terminated the petitions as time-barred, but issued a final written decision invalidating the 535 patent to third parties that had timely joined in our petition (and, on January 10, 2020, issued a final written decision invalidating the 535 patent in connection with a third party’s independent petition). On March 16, 2020, Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media L.L.C., DISH Network L.L.C., and DISH Technologies L.L.C. filed a notice of appeal from the terminated petitions to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On June 29, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office filed a notice of intervention in the appeal. On March 16, 2021, the Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction. On April 29, 2021, Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media L.L.C., DISH Network L.L.C., and DISH Technologies L.L.C. filed a petition for rehearing. On January 12, 2021, Realtime Adaptive Streaming filed a notice of dismissal of its claims on the 535 patent. The Colorado Action in the District Court was stayed on February 26, 2019, pending resolution of the petitions, but on January 15, 2021, the District Court lifted the stay and set trial on the remaining 610 patent for August 16, 2021. Realtime Adaptive Streaming’s damages expert contends that Realtime Adaptive Streaming is entitled to $42 million in damages. On August 7, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted a request for ex parte reexamination of the validity of the 610 patent.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. Realtime Adaptive Streaming is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Sound View Innovations, LLC

On December 30, 2019, Sound View Innovations, LLC filed one complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Technologies L.L.C. and a second complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary Sling TV L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint against DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Technologies L.L.C. alleges infringement of United States Patent No 6,502,133 (the “133 patent”), entitled “Real-Time Event Processing System with Analysis Engine Using Recovery Information” and both complaints allege infringement of United States Patent No. 6,708,213 (the “213 patent), entitled “Method for Streaming Multimedia Information Over Public Networks”; United States Patent No. 6,757,796 (the “796 patent”), entitled “Method and System for Caching Streaming Live Broadcasts transmitted Over a Network”; and United States Patent No. 6,725,456 (the “456 patent”), entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Ensuring Quality of Service in an Operating System.”

On May 21, 2020, June 3, 2020, June 5, 2020 and July 10, 2020, DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Technologies L.L.C. and Sling TV L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of, respectively, the 213 patent, the 133 patent, the 456 patent and the 796 patent. On November 25, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office declined to review the validity of the 213 patent, and on December 18, 2020, DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Technologies L.L.C. and Sling TV L.L.C. filed a request for rehearing of that decision. On January 19, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the 456 patent but declined to review the 133 patent. On February 24, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the 796 patent. On January 26, 2021, the District Court agreed to stay the case pending the outcome of the petitions to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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We intend to vigorously defend these cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. The plaintiff is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Telemarketing Shareholder Derivative Litigation

On October 19, 2017, Plumbers Local Union No. 519 Pension Trust Fund (“Plumbers Local 519”), a purported shareholder of DISH Network, filed a putative shareholder derivative action in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada alleging, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty claims against the following current and former members of DISH Network’s Board of Directors: Charles W. Ergen; James DeFranco; Cantey M. Ergen; Steven R. Goodbarn; David K. Moskowitz; Tom A. Ortolf; Carl E. Vogel; George R. Brokaw; and Gary S. Howard (collectively, the “Director Defendants”). In its complaint, Plumbers Local 519 contends that, by virtue of their alleged failure to appropriately ensure DISH Network’s compliance with telemarketing laws, the Director Defendants exposed DISH Network to liability for telemarketing violations, including those in the Krakauer Action. It also contends that the Director Defendants caused DISH Network to pay improper compensation and benefits to themselves and others who allegedly breached their fiduciary duties to DISH Network. Plumbers Local 519 alleges causes of action for breach of fiduciary duties of loyalty and good faith, gross mismanagement, abuse of control, corporate waste and unjust enrichment. Plumbers Local 519 is seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

On November 13, 2017, City of Sterling Heights Police and Fire Retirement System (“Sterling Heights”), a purported shareholder of DISH Network, filed a putative shareholder derivative action in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada. Sterling Heights makes substantially the same allegations as Plumbers Union 519, and alleges causes of action against the Director Defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment. Sterling Heights is seeking an unspecified amount of damages. Pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, on January 4, 2018, the District Court agreed to consolidate the Sterling Heights action with the Plumbers Local 519 action, and on January 12, 2018, the derivative plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint that largely duplicates the original Plumbers Local 519 complaint. DISH Network’s Board of Directors has established a Special Litigation Committee to review the factual allegations and legal claims in this action. On May 15, 2018, the District Court granted the Special Litigation Committee’s motion to stay the case pending its investigation. The Special Litigation Committee’s report was filed on November 27, 2018, and recommended that the Company not pursue the claims asserted by the derivative plaintiffs. On December 20, 2018, the Special Litigation Committee filed a motion seeking deferral to its determination that the claims should be dismissed. Following a two-day evidentiary hearing on July 6-7, 2020, on July 17, 2020, the District Court entered an order granting the Special Litigation Committee’s motion. On August 25, 2020, the derivative plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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TQ Delta, LLC

On July 17, 2015, TQ Delta, LLC (“TQ Delta”) filed a complaint against us, DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The Complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,961,369 (the “369 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Scrambling the Phase of the Carriers in a Multicarrier Communications System”; United States Patent No. 8,718,158 (the “158 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Scrambling the Phase of the Carriers in a Multicarrier Communications System”; United States Patent No. 9,014,243 (the “243 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Scrambling Using a Bit Scrambler and a Phase Scrambler”; United States Patent No. 7,835,430 (the “430 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Modulation Messaging for Frequency Domain Received Idle Channel Noise Information”; United States Patent No. 8,238,412 (the “412 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Modulation Messaging for Power Level per Subchannel Information”; United States Patent No. 8,432,956 (the “956 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Modulation Messaging for Power Level per Subchannel Information”; and United States Patent No. 8,611,404 (the “404 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Transmission System with Low Power Sleep Mode and Rapid-On Capability.”

On September 9, 2015, TQ Delta filed a first amended complaint that added allegations of infringement of United States Patent No. 9,094,268 (the “268 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Transmission System With Low Power Sleep Mode and Rapid-On Capability.” On May 16, 2016, TQ Delta filed a second amended complaint that added EchoStar Corporation and its then wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. as defendants. TQ Delta alleges that our satellite TV service, Internet service, set-top boxes, gateways, routers, modems, adapters and networks that operate in accordance with one or more Multimedia over Coax Alliance Standards infringe the asserted patents. TQ Delta has filed actions in the same court alleging infringement of the same patents against Comcast Corp., Cox Communications, Inc., DirecTV, Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc. TQ Delta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

On July 14, 2016, TQ Delta stipulated to dismiss with prejudice all claims related to the 369 patent and the 956 patent. On July 20, 2016, we filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims of the 404 patent and the 268 patent that have been asserted against us. Third parties have filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims that have been asserted against us in the action. On November 4, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the third-party petitions related to the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent.

On December 20, 2016, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court stayed the case until the resolution of all petitions to the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims at issue. On January 19, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 430 and 158 patents.

On February 9, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 404 patent, and on February 13, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 268 patent. On February 27, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 243 and 412 patents. On October 26, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on the petitions challenging the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims of those patents. On February 7, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on the petitions challenging the 404 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims of that patent on the basis of our petition. On February 10, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision on our petition challenging the 268 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.

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On March 12, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision on a third-party petition challenging the 268 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims. All asserted claims have now been invalidated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. TQ Delta has filed notices of appeal from the final written decisions adverse to it. On May 9, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the invalidity of the 430 patent and the 412 patent. On July 10, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the invalidity of the asserted claims of the 404 patent. On July 15, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the invalidity of the asserted claims of the 268 patent. On November 22, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the invalidity finding on the 243 patent and the 158 patent, and then, on March 29, 2020, denied a petition for panel rehearing as to those findings. On April 13, 2021, the Court lifted the stay. On April 23 and April 26, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued orders granting requests for ex parte reexamination of, respectively, the 158 patent and the 243 patent.

Turner Network Sales

On October 6, 2017, Turner Network Sales, Inc. (“Turner”) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The operative First Amended Complaint alleges that DISH Network L.L.C. improperly calculated and withheld licensing fees owing to Turner in connection with its carriage of CNN and other networks. On December 14, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed its operative first amended counterclaims against Turner. In the counterclaims, DISH Network L.L.C. seeks a declaratory judgment that it properly calculated the licensing fees owed to Turner for carriage of CNN, and also alleges claims for unrelated breaches of the parties’ affiliation agreement. In its October 1, 2018 damage expert’s report, Turner claimed damages of $159 million, plus $24 million in interest. On September 27, 2019, the Court granted, in part, Turner’s motion for summary judgment, holding, in part, that Turner was entitled to recover approximately $20 million in license fee payments that DISH Network L.L.C. had withheld after it discovered previous over-payments. On February 12, 2020, the parties filed a stipulation to dismiss certain of their respective claims. Trial on the remaining claims in this matter has been re-set for October 3, 2021. Turner’s damages expert contends that Turner is entitled to approximately $206 million in damages.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Uniloc

On January 31, 2019, Uniloc 2017 LLC (“Uniloc”) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary Sling TV L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The Complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,519,005 (the “005 patent”), which is entitled “Method of Concurrent Multiple-Mode Motion Estimation for Digital Video”; United States Patent No. 6,895,118 (the “118 patent”), which is entitled “Method of Coding Digital Image Based on Error Concealment”; United States Patent No. 9,721,273 (the “273 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Aggregating and Providing Audio and Visual Presentations Via a Computer Network”); and United States Patent No. 8,407,609 (the “609 patent”), which is entitled “System and Method for Providing and Tracking the Provision of Audio and Visual Presentations Via a Computer Network.” Uniloc is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

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On June 25, 2019, Sling TV L.L.C. filed a petition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the asserted claims of the 005 patent. On July 19, 2019 and July 22, 2019, respectively, Sling TV L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all asserted claims of the 273 patent and the 609 patent. On August 12, 2019, Sling TV L.L.C. filed a petition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the asserted claims of the 118 patent. On October 18, 2019, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court entered a stay of the trial proceedings. On January 9, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the petition challenging the 005 patent. On January 15, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the petition challenging the 273 patent. On February 4, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the petition challenging the 609 patent. On February 25, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office declined to institute proceedings on the petition challenging the 118 patent. On December 28, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision upholding the validity of the challenged claims of the 273 patent, and Sling TV L.L.C. has filed a notice of appeal from that decision. On January 5, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision invalidating all challenged claims of the 005 patent. On January 19, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision invalidating all challenged claims of the 609 patent (and a second final written decision invalidating all challenged claims of the 609 patent based on a third party’s petition).

Vermont National Telephone Company

On September 23, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia unsealed a qui tam complaint that was filed by Vermont National Telephone Company (“Vermont National”) against DISH Network; DISH Network’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, American AWS-3 Wireless I L.L.C., American II, American III, and DISH Wireless Holding L.L.C.; Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman) and Cantey M. Ergen (a member of DISH Network’s board of directors); Northstar Wireless; Northstar Spectrum; Northstar Manager, LLC; SNR Wireless; SNR HoldCo; SNR Wireless Management, LLC; and certain other parties. The complaint was unsealed after the United States Department of Justice notified the Court that it had declined to intervene in the action. The complaint is a civil action that was filed under seal on May 13, 2015 by Vermont National, which participated in the AWS-3 Auction through its wholly-owned subsidiary, VTel Wireless. The complaint alleges violations of the federal civil False Claims Act (the “FCA”) based on, among other things, allegations that Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless falsely claimed bidding credits of 25% in the AWS-3 Auction when they were allegedly under the de facto control of DISH Network and, therefore, were not entitled to the bidding credits as designated entities under applicable FCC rules. Vermont National seeks to recover on behalf of the United States government approximately $10 billion, which reflects the $3.3 billion in bidding credits that Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless claimed in the AWS-3 Auction, trebled under the FCA. Vermont National also seeks civil penalties of not less than $5,500 and not more than $11,000 for each violation of the FCA. On March 2, 2017, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia entered a stay of the litigation until such time as the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (the “D.C. Circuit”) issued its opinion in SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC, et al. v. F.C.C. The D.C. Circuit issued its opinion on August 29, 2017 and remanded the matter to the FCC for further proceedings. See Note 11 “Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 for further information.

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Thereafter, the Court maintained the stay until October 26, 2018. On February 11, 2019, the Court granted Vermont National’s unopposed motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On March 28, 2019, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss Vermont National’s amended complaint, and on March 23, 2021, the Court granted the motion to dismiss. On April 21, 2021, Vermont National filed a notice of appeal.

DISH Network intends to vigorously defend this case. DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this proceeding or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Waste Disposal Inquiry

The California Attorney General and the Alameda County (California) District Attorney are investigating whether certain of our waste disposal policies, procedures and practices are in violation of the California Business and Professions Code and the California Health and Safety Code. We expect that these entities will seek injunctive and monetary relief. The investigation appears to be part of a broader effort to investigate waste handling and disposal processes of a number of industries. While we are unable to predict the outcome of this investigation, we do not believe that the outcome will have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Other

In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, including, among other things, disputes with programmers regarding fees. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

10.

Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

The assets, liabilities and results of operations of the combined issuers and guarantors of the guaranteed security are not materially different than corresponding amounts presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the parent company. Therefore, summarized financial information on a condensed consolidating basis of the guarantor subsidiaries is not required. There are no restrictions on our ability to obtain cash dividends or other distributions of funds from the guarantor subsidiaries, except those imposed by applicable law.

11.

Disaggregation of Revenue

Geographic Information. Revenue is attributed to geographic regions based upon the location where the goods and services are provided. All service revenue was derived from the United States. Substantially all of our long-lived assets reside in the United States.

The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Revenue:	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
United States	$	3,155,617	$	3,157,304
Canada and Mexico		7,302		10,478
Total revenue	$	3,162,919	$	3,167,782

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The revenue from external customers disaggregated by major revenue source was as follows:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Category:	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Pay-TV subscriber and related revenue	$	3,137,387	$	3,130,900
Equipment sales and other revenue		25,532		36,882
Total	$	3,162,919	$	3,167,782

12.

Contract Balances

Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of March 31, 2021 were as follows:


Allowance for credit losses	Balance at Beginning of Period		Current Period Provision for Expected Credit Losses		Write-offs Charged Against Allowance		Balance at End of Period

	(In thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2021	$	43,233	$	8,682	$	(17,622)	$	34,293

Deferred revenue related to contracts with our customers is recorded in “Deferred revenue and other” and “Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in deferred revenue related to contracts with our customers were as follows:


	Contract
	Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2020	$	593,797
Recognition of unearned revenue		(1,401,337)
Deferral of revenue		1,415,412
Balance as of March 31, 2021	$	607,872

We apply a practical expedient and do not disclose the value of the remaining performance obligations for contracts that are less than one year in duration, which represent a substantial majority of our revenue. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations is not necessarily indicative of our future revenue.

13.

Related Party Transactions

Spin-off from EchoStar

Following the Spin-off, DISH Network and EchoStar have operated as separate publicly-traded companies and neither entity has any ownership interest in the other. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain entities established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

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Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and EchoStar have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from EchoStar, EchoStar obtains certain products, services and rights from us, and we and EchoStar have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, among other things, EchoStar transferred to us certain assets and liabilities of the EchoStar technologies and EchoStar broadcasting businesses. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, among other things, EchoStar transferred to DISH Network certain assets and liabilities of its EchoStar Satellite Services segment. In connection with the Share Exchange and the Master Transaction Agreement, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries entered into certain agreements covering, among other things, tax matters, employee matters, intellectual property matters and the provision of transitional services. In addition, certain agreements that we had with EchoStar have terminated, and we entered into certain new agreements with EchoStar. We also may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future. The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with EchoStar that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

“Trade accounts receivable”

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $1 million. These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Trade accounts payable”

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $3 million and $1 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts payable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Equipment sales and other revenue”

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we received $1 million for services provided to EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these revenues are discussed below.

Real Estate Lease Agreements. DISH Network has entered into lease agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain real estate to EchoStar. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic areas, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each lease is set forth below:

●

El Paso Lease Agreement. During 2012, DISH Network began leasing certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd., El Paso, Texas to EchoStar for an initial period ending on August 1, 2015, which also provides EchoStar with renewal options for four consecutive three-year terms. During the second quarter 2015, EchoStar exercised its first renewal option for a period ending on August 1, 2018 and in April 2018 EchoStar exercised its second renewal option for a period ending in August 2021.

●

90 Inverness Lease Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 90 Inverness Circle East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in February 2022. EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for four three-year periods.

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●

Cheyenne Lease Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar began leasing certain space from us at 530 EchoStar Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming for a period ending in February 2019. In August 2018, EchoStar exercised its option to renew this lease for a one-year period ending in February 2020. EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for 12 one-year periods. In connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, DISH Network and EchoStar amended this lease to provide EchoStar with certain space for a period ending in September 2021, with the option for EchoStar to renew for a one-year period upon 180 days’ written notice prior to the end of the term.

Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we provide certain collocation and antenna space to HNS through February 2022 at the following locations: Cheyenne, Wyoming; Gilbert, Arizona; New Braunfels, Texas; Monee, Illinois; Englewood, Colorado; and Spokane, Washington. During August 2017, we entered into certain other agreements pursuant to which we provide certain collocation and antenna space to HNS through August 2022 at the following locations: Monee, Illinois and Spokane, Washington. HNS has the option to renew each of these agreements for four three-year periods. HNS may terminate certain of these agreements with 180 days’ prior written notice to us at the following locations: New Braunfels, Texas; Englewood, Colorado; and Spokane, Washington. In September 2019, in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, we entered into an agreement pursuant to which we provide HNS with certain additional collocation space in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which expired in September 2020. In October 2019, HNS provided a termination notice for its New Braunfels, Texas agreement effective as of May 2020. The fees for the services provided under these agreements depend, among other things, on the number of racks leased and/or antennas present at the location.

Also in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, in September 2019, we entered into an agreement pursuant to which we provide HNS with antenna space and power in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a period of five years commencing no later than October 2020, with four three-year renewal terms, with prior written notice no more than 120 days but no less than 90 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

“Cost of services”

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred $1 million of costs for services provided to us by EchoStar. The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

EchoStar IX. We lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX. Subject to availability, we generally have the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis.

“Selling, general and administrative expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred $3 million and $4 million, respectively, for selling, general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

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Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from EchoStar. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area, and we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each lease is set forth below:

●

Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2019. In December 2020, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2021.

●

100 Inverness Lease Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we lease certain space from EchoStar at 100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in December 2021. This agreement may be terminated by either party upon 180 days’ prior notice.

Professional Services Agreement. Prior to 2010, in connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into various agreements with EchoStar including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. During 2009, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from DISH Network, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement: information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services.

Additionally, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed that DISH Network shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar amended the Professional Services Agreement to, among other things, provide certain transition services to each other related to the Share Exchange Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, DISH Network and EchoStar amended the Professional Services Agreement effective September 10, 2019 to, among other things, provide certain transition services to each other related to the Master Transaction Agreement and to remove certain services no longer necessary as a result of the Master Transaction Agreement. The Professional Services Agreement renewed on January 1, 2021 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2022 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days’ notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days’ notice. Revenue for services provided by us to EchoStar under the Professional Services Agreement is recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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Other Agreements - EchoStar

Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into a tax sharing agreement (the “Tax Sharing Agreement”) with EchoStar which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by DISH Network, and DISH Network will indemnify EchoStar for such taxes. However, DISH Network is not liable for and will not indemnify EchoStar for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of EchoStar’s stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that EchoStar takes or fails to take; or (iii) any action that EchoStar takes that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, EchoStar is solely liable for, and will indemnify DISH Network for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The Tax Sharing Agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.

Tax Matters Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into a Tax Matters Agreement, which governs certain rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes of the Transferred Businesses pursuant to the Share Exchange. Generally, EchoStar is responsible for all tax returns and tax liabilities for the Transferred Businesses for periods prior to the Share Exchange, and DISH Network are responsible for all tax returns and tax liabilities for the Transferred Businesses from and after the Share Exchange. Both DISH Network and EchoStar have made certain tax-related representations and are subject to various tax-related covenants after the consummation of the Share Exchange. Both DISH Network and EchoStar have agreed to indemnify each other if there is a breach of any such tax representation or violation of any such tax covenant and that breach or violation results in the Share Exchange not qualifying for tax free treatment for the other party. In addition, DISH Network has agreed to indemnify EchoStar if the Transferred Businesses are acquired, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via an acquisition of DISH Network), by one or more persons and such acquisition results in the Share Exchange not qualifying for tax free treatment. The Tax Matters Agreement supplements the Tax Sharing Agreement described above, which continues in full force and effect.

Patent Cross-License Agreements. In December 2011, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby: (i) EchoStar and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) DISH Network and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”). Each Cross License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10 million. In December 2016, DISH Network and EchoStar independently exercised their respective options to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022.

Rovi License Agreement. On August 19, 2016, we entered into a ten-year patent license agreement (the “Rovi License Agreement”) with Rovi Corporation (“Rovi”) and, for certain limited purposes, EchoStar. EchoStar is a party to the Rovi License Agreement solely with respect to certain provisions relating to the prior patent license agreement between EchoStar and Rovi. There are no payments between us and EchoStar under the Rovi License Agreement.

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Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement. In March 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”) and HNS entered into a master service agreement (the “MSA”) pursuant to which DNLLC, among other things: (i) has the right, but not the obligation, to market, promote and solicit orders for the Hughes broadband satellite service and related equipment; and (ii) installs Hughes service equipment with respect to activations generated by DNLLC. Under the MSA, HNS will make certain payments to DNLLC for each Hughes service activation generated, and installation performed, by DNLLC. Payments from HNS for services provided are recorded in “Service revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, these payments were $2 million and $4 million, respectively. The MSA has an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. After the first anniversary of the MSA, either party has the ability to terminate the MSA, in whole or in part, for any reason upon at least 90 days’ notice to the other party. Upon expiration or termination of the MSA, HNS will continue to provide the Hughes service to subscribers and make certain payments to DNLLC pursuant to the terms and conditions of the MSA. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of $1 million and $4 million, respectively, under the MSA.

Employee Matters Agreement – Share Exchange. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into an Employee Matters Agreement that addresses the transfer of employees from EchoStar to DISH Network, including certain benefit and compensation matters and the allocation of responsibility for employee-related liabilities relating to current and past employees of the Transferred Businesses. DISH Network assumed employee-related liabilities relating to the Transferred Businesses as part of the Share Exchange, except that EchoStar will be responsible for certain existing employee-related litigation as well as certain pre-Share Exchange compensation and benefits for employees transferring to DISH Network in connection with the Share Exchange.

Intellectual Property and Technology License Agreement. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into an Intellectual Property and Technology License Agreement (“IPTLA”), pursuant to which DISH Network and EchoStar license to each other certain intellectual property and technology. The IPTLA will continue in perpetuity, unless mutually terminated by the parties. Pursuant to the IPTLA, EchoStar granted to DISH Network a license to its intellectual property and technology for use by DISH Network, among other things, in connection with its continued operation of the Transferred Businesses acquired pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, including a limited license to use the “ECHOSTAR” trademark during a transition period. EchoStar retains full ownership of the “ECHOSTAR” trademark. In addition, DISH Network granted a license back to EchoStar, among other things, for the continued use of all intellectual property and technology transferred to DISH Network pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement that is used in EchoStar’s retained businesses.

Related Party Transactions with DISH Network

As a result of the Master Transaction Agreement in September 2019, certain agreements that we had with EchoStar were transferred to DISH Network. The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

“Cost of services”

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred expenses of $56 million for satellite capacity leased from DISH Network and telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by DISH Network. As a result of the Master Transaction Agreement, DISH Network is now a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity. These amounts are recorded in “Cost of services” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

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Satellite Capacity Leased from DISH Network. On September 10, 2019, in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement DISH Network entered into with EchoStar on May 19, 2019, we began leasing satellite capacity on satellites owned or leased by DISH Network from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. See “Pay-TV Satellites” in Note 6 for further information. The term of each lease is set forth below:

●

EchoStar X, XI and XIV. On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar X, XI and XIV satellites. The term of each satellite capacity agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite. We generally have the option to renew each satellite capacity agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, on September 10, 2019, the satellite capacity agreement we previously had with EchoStar for EchoStar X, XI and XIV was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing satellite capacity on these satellites from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date.

●

EchoStar XVI. In December 2009, we entered into a transponder service agreement with EchoStar to lease all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite, after its service commencement date. EchoStar XVI was launched in November 2012 to replace EchoStar XV at the 61.5 degree orbital location and is currently in service. Effective December 21, 2012, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. In July 2016, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, extend the initial term by one additional year and to reduce the term of the first renewal option by one year. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we had the option to renew for an additional five-year period. In May 2017, we exercised our first renewal option for an additional five-year period ending in January 2023. We also have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the first renewal period in January 2023. There can be no assurance that the option to renew this agreement will be exercised. During 2018, we and EchoStar further amended the agreement to, among other things, allow us to place and use certain satellites at the 61.5 degree orbital location. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, on September 10, 2019, the transponder service agreement we previously had with EchoStar for EchoStar XVI was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date.

Nimiq 5 Agreement. During 2009, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). During 2009, EchoStar also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with us, pursuant to which we received service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.

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Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we made certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continued through the service term, which expired ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, we had the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, on September 10, 2019, the Telesat Transponder Agreement was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services on the Nimiq 5 satellite from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. We have exercised our option to renew for a one-year period through September 2021. As discussed in Note 6, “Property and Equipment,” the Nimiq 5 satellite lease has been accounted for as a finance lease since September 2019. Accordingly, expenses related to this lease are no longer recorded in “Cost of services,” but rather in “Depreciation and amortization” and “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). During each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $9 million of “Depreciation and amortization expense” and $3 million and $4 million of “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized,”respectively, related to Nimiq 5.

QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provided, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite (“SES Transponder Agreement”). During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we received service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location. In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013.

Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the SES Transponder Agreement and QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the SES Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the SES Transponder Agreement will be exercised. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, on September 10, 2019, the SES Transponder Agreement was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services on QuetzSat-1 from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. Our lease arrangement with DISH Network expires in November 2021.

EchoStar XVIII Satellite. The EchoStar XVIII satellite was launched on June 18, 2016 and became operational as an in-orbit spare at the 61.5 degree orbital location during the third quarter 2016, at which time we began leasing it from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. On May 14, 2019, we and DOLLC II entered into an agreement to sell our interests in the LMDS and MVDDS licenses in exchange for the EchoStar XVIII satellite. See Note 6 for further information.

TT&C Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a TT&C agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for certain satellites (the “TT&C Agreement”). In February 2018, we amended the TT&C Agreement to, among other things, extend the term for one-year with four automatic one-year renewal periods. The fees for services provided under the TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. We and EchoStar are able to terminate the TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 12 months’ notice. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into a Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, the assets and employees that provide these services were transferred to DISH Network. We began receiving TT&C services from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

“Selling, general and administrative expenses”

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred $2 million for selling, general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by DISH Network. These amounts are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

Real Estate Lease Agreements. On September 10, 2019, in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, we began leasing office space owned or leased by DISH Network from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. The term of each lease is set forth below:

●

Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado originally from EchoStar to us was for a period ending on December 31, 2018. In December 2018, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2019. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, on September 10, 2019, this lease was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. In December 2020, we and DISH Network amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2021.

●

Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, EchoStar transferred ownership of a portion of this property to DISH Network, and, effective March 1, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar amended this lease agreement to (i) terminate the lease of certain space at the portion of the property that was transferred to us and (ii) provide for the continued lease to us of certain space at the portion of the property that EchoStar retained. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, the portion of the property EchoStar retained was transferred to DISH Network, and on September 10, 2019, this lease was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing certain space from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date.

Other Agreements – DISH Network

Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations. We provide certain administrative, call center, installation, marketing and other services to DISH Network’s broadband, wireless and other operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the costs associated with these services was $20 million and $21 million, respectively.

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

We own a 50% interest in NagraStar, a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming. Certain payments related to NagraStar are recorded in “Cost of services” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). In addition, certain other payments are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Selling, general and administrative expenses” or “Cost of services” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed. We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our investment in NagraStar is accounted for using the equity method.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	11,770	$	14,092

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	7,893	$	9,038
Commitments to NagraStar	$	4,171	$	3,260

Related Party Transactions with Dish Mexico

Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Dish Mexico”) is an entity that provides direct-to-home satellite services in Mexico, which is owned 49% by EchoStar. We provide certain broadcast services and certain satellite services to Dish Mexico, which are recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The table below summarizes our transactions with Dish Mexico:


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Sales:
Uplink services	$	1,295	$	1,381
Total	$	1,295	$	1,381

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Amounts Receivable:
Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico	$	2,942	$	3,343

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Item 2.MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following narrative analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to our financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This management’s narrative analysis is intended to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations and contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Overview

We currently operate one business segment.

Our Pay-TV business strategy is to be the best provider of video services in the United States by providing products with the best technology, outstanding customer service, and great value. We offer pay-TV services under the DISH® brand and the SLING® brand (collectively “Pay-TV” services). The DISH branded pay-TV service consists of, among other things, FCC licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, broadcast operations, a leased fiber optic network, in-home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations (“DISH TV”). We also design, develop and distribute receiver systems and provide digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and other services to third-party pay-TV providers. The SLING branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, multichannel, live-linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”) Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“SLING TV”). We promote our Pay-TV services as providing our subscribers with a better “price-to-value” relationship than those available from other subscription television service providers. We market our SLING TV services to consumers who do not subscribe to traditional satellite and cable pay-TV services, as well as to current and recent traditional pay-TV subscribers who desire a lower cost alternative.

Recent Developments

COVID-19 Update

A novel strain of coronavirus which causes the disease COVID-19 has resulted in a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions around the world and resulted in global travel restrictions and business slowdowns or shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic has also created unanticipated circumstances and uncertainty, disruption, and significant volatility in the economic environment generally, which have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business operations and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many of our subscribers are impacted by recommendations and/or mandates from federal, state, and local authorities to practice social distancing, to refrain from gathering in groups and, in some areas, to refrain from non-essential movements outside of their homes. While certain government regulations and/or mandates have eased, or are expected to ease in 2021 and COVID-19 vaccines have become more available in certain areas, governmental authorities are continuing to take various actions in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 continues to impact our business during 2021, in particular in the following areas:

●

In response to the outbreak and business disruption, first and foremost, we have prioritized the health and safety of our employees. We have implemented increased health and safety practices including, increased use of personal protective equipment for employees to protect them and our subscribers, and temperature checks at certain locations.

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●

Our commercial business is impacted as many bars, restaurants, and other commercial establishments have been and continue to be recommended and/or mandated to operate at reduced capacity. In addition, airlines and hotels have reduced operations as a result of government actions and/or related lower consumer demand.

●

Beginning in the second half of March 2020, COVID-19 and the related governmental recommendations and/or mandates created reduced in person selling opportunities, and a reduction in subscribers’ willingness to open direct mail marketing and allow in-home technicians into their homes. As a result, we reduced our marketing expenditures and our gross new DISH TV subscribers began to decrease.

●

Our DISH Smart Home Services brand was impacted as in-home installation and support has been impacted by government actions and/or related lower consumer demand for these services.

●

Our supply chain has been impacted by COVID-19, and there have been and could be additional significant and unanticipated interruptions and/or delays in the supply of materials and/or equipment across our supply chain, due to, among other things, surges in COVID-19. Moreover, the recent surges in COVID-19 cases in areas outside the United States and the stringent lockdowns implemented in response to such surges are causing interruptions and/or delays that are adversely impacting our business. In addition, during 2021 there have been worldwide interruptions and delays in the supply of electronic components including semi-conductors, which may significantly impact our ability to obtain set-top boxes. Furthermore, we may not be able to diversify sources of supply in a timely manner to mitigate these interruptions and/or delays. These interruptions and/or delays in our supply chain could have a material adverse effect on our business.

●

Due to the economic climate, combined with changing needs of our subscribers and how we can best serve them, during the second quarter of 2020, we made the decision to reevaluate our organization. This included a focused set of staffing reductions to align our workforce to best serve our subscribers.

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and guidance from international and domestic authorities, including federal, state and local public health agencies and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments beyond our control requiring us to adjust our operating plan. As such, given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the future.

Pay-TV

We offer Pay-TV services under the DISH^® brand and the SLING^® brand. As of March 31, 2021, we had 11.060 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States, including 8.686 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.374 million SLING TV subscribers. We promote our Pay-TV services as providing our subscribers with better service, technology and value than those available from other subscription television service providers. We offer a wide selection of video services under the DISH TV brand, with access to hundreds of channels depending on the level of subscription. Our standard programming packages generally include programming provided by national and regional cable networks. We also offer programming packages that include local broadcast networks, specialty sports channels, premium movie channels and Latino and international programming. We market our SLING TV services to consumers who do not subscribe to traditional satellite and cable pay-TV services, as well as to current and recent traditional pay-TV subscribers who desire a lower cost alternative. Our SLING TV services require an Internet connection and are available on multiple streaming-capable devices including streaming media devices, TVs, tablets, computers, game consoles and phones. We offer SLING domestic, SLING International, and SLING Latino video programming services.

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Trends

Competition

Competition has intensified in recent years as the pay-TV industry has matured. We and our competitors increasingly must seek to attract a greater proportion of new subscribers from each other’s existing subscriber bases rather than from first-time purchasers of pay-TV services. We face substantial competition from established pay-TV providers and broadband service providers and increasing competition from companies providing/facilitating the delivery of video content via the Internet to computers, televisions, and other streaming and mobile devices, including wireless service providers. In recent years, industry consolidation and convergence has created competitors with greater scale and multiple product/service offerings. These developments, among others, have contributed to intense and increasing competition, and we expect such competition to continue. We incur significant costs to retain our existing DISH TV subscribers, mostly as a result of upgrading their equipment to next generation receivers, primarily including our Hopper receivers, and by providing retention credits. Our DISH TV subscriber retention costs may vary significantly from period to period.

Many of our competitors have been especially aggressive by offering discounted programming and services for both new and existing subscribers, including bundled offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other promotional offers. Certain competitors have been able to subsidize the price of video services with the price of broadband and/or wireless services.

Our Pay-TV services also face increased competition from programmers and other companies who distribute video directly to consumers over the Internet, as well as traditional satellite television providers, cable companies and large telecommunications companies that are increasing their Internet-based video offerings. We also face competition from providers of video content, many of which are providers of our programming content, that distribute content over the Internet including services with live-linear television programming, as well as single programmer offerings and offerings of large libraries of on-demand content, including in certain cases original content. These providers include, among others, Netflix, Hulu, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Disney, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, ViacomCBS, STARZ, Peacock, Fubo and Philo.

Significant changes in consumer behavior with regard to the means by which consumers obtain video entertainment and information in response to digital media competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition or otherwise disrupt our business. In particular, consumers have shown increased interest in viewing certain video programming in any place, at any time and/or on any broadband-connected device they choose. Online content providers may cause our subscribers to disconnect our DISH TV services (“cord cutting”), downgrade to smaller, less expensive programming packages (“cord shaving”) or elect to purchase through these online content providers a certain portion of the services that they would have historically purchased from us, such as pay per view movies.

Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances among cable television providers, telecommunications companies, programming providers and others may result in, among other things, greater scale and financial leverage and increase the availability of offerings from providers capable of bundling video, broadband and/or wireless services in competition with our services and may exacerbate the risks described in our public filings. These transactions may affect us adversely by, among other things, making it more difficult for us to obtain access to certain programming networks on nondiscriminatory and fair terms, or at all.

Our Pay-TV subscriber base has been declining due to, among other things, the factors described above. There can be no assurance that our Pay-TV subscriber base will not continue to decline and that the pace of such decline will not accelerate. As our Pay-TV subscriber base continues to decline, it could have a material adverse long-term effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

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Programming

Our ability to compete successfully will depend, among other things, on our ability to continue to obtain desirable programming and deliver it to our subscribers at competitive prices. Programming costs represent a large percentage of our “Cost of services” and the largest component of our total expense. We expect these costs to continue to increase due to contractual price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms and certain programming costs are rising at a much faster rate than wages or inflation. In particular, the rates we are charged for retransmitting local broadcast channels have been increasing substantially and may exceed our ability to increase our prices to our subscribers. Going forward, our margins may face pressure if we are unable to renew our long-term programming contracts on acceptable pricing and other economic terms or if we are unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our subscribers.

Increases in programming costs have caused us to increase the rates that we charge to our subscribers, which could in turn cause our existing Pay-TV subscribers to disconnect our service or cause potential new Pay-TV subscribers to choose not to subscribe to our service. Additionally, even if our subscribers do not disconnect our services, they may purchase through new and existing online content providers a certain portion of the services that they would have historically purchased from us, such as pay-per-view movies.

Furthermore, our net Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and DISH TV churn rate may be negatively impacted if we are unable to renew our long-term programming carriage contracts before they expire. In the past, our net Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and DISH TV churn rate have been negatively impacted as a result of programming interruptions and threatened programming interruptions in connection with the scheduled expiration of programming carriage contracts with content providers. There can be no assurance that channel removals will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition or otherwise disrupt our business.

We cannot predict with any certainty the impact to our net Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and DISH TV churn rate resulting from additional programming interruptions or threatened programming interruptions that may occur in the future. As a result, we may at times suffer from periods of lower net Pay-TV subscriber additions or higher net Pay-TV subscriber losses.

Operational Liquidity

We make general investments in property such as satellites, set-top boxes, information technology and facilities that support our Pay-TV business. Moreover, since we are a subscriber-based company, we also make subscriber-specific investments to acquire new subscribers and retain existing subscribers. While the general investments may be deferred without impacting the business in the short-term, the subscriber-specific investments are less discretionary. Our overall objective is to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of each subscriber to provide an adequate return against the upfront investment. Once the upfront investment has been made for each subscriber, the subsequent cash flow is generally positive, but there can be no assurances that over time we will recoup or earn a return on the upfront investment.

There are a number of factors that impact our future cash flow compared to the cash flow we generate at a given point in time. The first factor is our churn rate and how successful we are at retaining our current subscribers. To the extent we lose subscribers from our existing base, the positive cash flow from that base is correspondingly reduced. The second factor is how successful we are at maintaining our service margins. To the extent our “Cost of services” grow faster than our “Service revenue,” the amount of cash flow that is generated per existing subscriber is reduced. Our Pay-TV service margins have been reduced by, among other things, a shift to lower priced Pay-TV programming packages and higher programming costs. The third factor is the rate at which we acquire new subscribers. The faster we acquire new subscribers, the more our positive ongoing cash flow from existing subscribers is offset by the negative upfront cash flow associated with acquiring new subscribers. Conversely, the slower we acquire subscribers, the more our operating cash flow is enhanced in that period. Finally, our future cash flow is impacted by the rate at which we make general investments, incur litigation expense, and any cash flow from financing activities. Declines in our Pay-TV subscriber base and subscriber-related margins continue to negatively impact our cash flow, and there can be no assurances that these declines will not continue.

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Availability of Credit and Effect on Liquidity

The ability to raise capital has generally existed for us despite economic weakness and uncertainty. While modest fluctuations in the cost of capital will not likely impact our current operational plans, significant fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Debt Issuances and Maturity

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we repurchased $205 million of our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 in open market trades. The remaining balance of $1.795 billion matures on June 1, 2021. We expect to fund this obligation from cash and marketable investment securities balances at that time. However, depending on market conditions, we may refinance this obligation in whole or in part.

Future Liquidity

We have made cash distributions to partially finance the development of DISH Network’s 5G Network Deployment and retail wireless business to date and may make additional cash distributions to finance, in whole or in part, DISH Network’s future efforts. We may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to among other things, make additional cash distributions to DISH Network, continue investing in our business and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions. See Note 9 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

Covenants and Restrictions Related to our Long-Term Debt

We are subject to the covenants and restrictions set forth in the indentures related to our long-term debt. In particular, the indentures related to our outstanding senior notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on our ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (iii) pay dividends or make distributions on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock; (iv) make certain investments; (v) create liens; (vi) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate with another company; and (viii) transfer or sell assets. Should we fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of the debt under the senior notes could become immediately payable. The senior notes also provide that the debt may be required to be prepaid if certain change-in-control events occur. As of the date of filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we were in compliance with the covenants and restrictions related to our respective long-term debt.

EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS

Service revenue. “Service revenue” consists principally of Pay-TV subscriber revenue. Certain of the amounts included in “Service revenue” are not recurring on a monthly basis.

Equipment sales and other revenue. “Equipment sales and other revenue” principally includes the non-subsidized sales of Pay-TV equipment.

Cost of services. “Cost of services” principally include Pay-TV programming expenses and other operating costs related to our Pay-TV services.

Cost of sales - equipment and other. “Cost of sales – equipment and other” principally includes the cost of the non-subsidized sales of Pay-TV equipment. Costs are generally recognized as products are delivered to customers and the related revenue is recognized.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. “Selling, general and administrative expenses” consists primarily of direct sales costs, advertising, third-party commissions related to the acquisition of subscribers, costs related to the installation of our new Pay-TV subscribers, the cost of subsidized sales of Pay-TV equipment for new subscribers and employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems, and accounting and finance.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” primarily includes interest expense associated with our long-term debt (net of capitalized interest), prepayment premiums, amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs associated with our long-term debt, and interest expense associated with our finance lease obligations.

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Other, net. The main components of “Other, net” are gains and losses realized on the sale of investments, impairment of marketable and non-marketable investment securities, unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value of certain marketable investment securities and equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA is defined as “Net income (loss)” plus “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” net of “Interest income,” “Income tax (provision) benefit, net” and “Depreciation and amortization.” This “non-GAAP measure” is reconciled to “Net income (loss)” in our discussion of “Results of Operations” below.

Operating income before depreciation and amortization (“OIBDA”). OIBDA is defined as “Operating income (loss)” plus “Depreciation and amortization.” This “non-GAAP measure” is reconciled to “Operating income (loss)” in our discussion of “Results of Operations” below.

DISH TV subscribers. We include customers obtained through direct sales, independent third-party retailers and other independent third-party distribution relationships in our DISH TV subscriber count. We also provide DISH TV services to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts. For certain of these commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by $34.99, and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our DISH TV subscriber count.

SLING TV subscribers. We include customers obtained through direct sales and third-party marketing agreements in our SLING TV subscriber count. SLING TV subscribers are recorded net of disconnects. SLING TV customers receiving service for no charge, under certain new subscriber promotions, are excluded from our SLING TV subscriber count. For customers who subscribe to multiple SLING TV packages, each customer is only counted as one SLING TV subscriber.

Pay-TV subscribers. Our Pay-TV subscriber count includes all DISH TV and SLING TV subscribers discussed above. For customers who subscribe to both our DISH TV services and our SLING TV services, each subscription is counted as a separate Pay-TV subscriber.

Pay-TV average monthly revenue per subscriber (“Pay-TV ARPU”). We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating ARPU and believe presentations of ARPU may not be calculated consistently by other companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate Pay-TV average monthly revenue per Pay-TV subscriber, or Pay-TV ARPU, by dividing average monthly Pay-TV “Service revenue,” for the period by our average number of Pay-TV subscribers for the period. The average number of Pay-TV subscribers is calculated for the period by adding the average number of Pay-TV subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. The average number of Pay-TV subscribers for each month is calculated by adding the beginning and ending Pay-TV subscribers for the month and dividing by two. SLING TV subscribers on average purchase lower priced programming services than DISH TV subscribers, and therefore, as SLING TV subscribers increase, it has had a negative impact on Pay-TV ARPU.

DISH TV average monthly subscriber churn rate (“DISH TV churn rate”). We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriber churn rate and believe presentations of subscriber churn rates may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate DISH TV churn rate for any period by dividing the number of DISH TV subscribers who terminated service during the period by the average number of DISH TV subscribers for the same period, and further dividing by the number of months in the period. The average number of DISH TV subscribers is calculated for the period by adding the average number of DISH TV subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. The average number of DISH TV subscribers for each month is calculated by adding the beginning and ending DISH TV subscribers for the month and dividing by two.

DISH TV SAC. Subscriber acquisition cost measures are commonly used by those evaluating traditional companies in the pay-TV industry. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating the “average subscriber acquisition costs per new DISH TV subscriber activation,” or DISH TV SAC, and we believe presentations of pay-TV SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. Our DISH TV SAC is calculated using all of costs of acquiring DISH TV subscribers (e.g., subsidized equipment, advertising, installation, commissions and direct sales, etc.) which are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses,” plus capitalized payments made under certain sales incentive programs and the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new DISH TV subscribers, divided by gross new DISH TV subscriber activations. We include all new DISH TV subscribers in our calculation, including DISH TV subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020.


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,						Variance
Statements of Operations Data	2021			2020			Amount			%

	(In thousands)
Revenue:
Service revenue	$	3,137,387		$	3,130,900		$	6,487		0.2
Equipment sales and other revenue		25,532			36,882			(11,350)		(30.8)
Total revenue		3,162,919			3,167,782			(4,863)		(0.2)

Costs and Expenses:
Cost of services		1,958,699			2,072,432			(113,733)		(5.5)
% of Service revenue		62.4	%		66.2	%
Cost of sales - equipment and other		16,275			30,814			(14,539)		(47.2)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		333,074			422,249			(89,175)		(21.1)
% of Total revenue		10.5	%		13.3	%
Depreciation and amortization		115,242			135,085			(19,843)		(14.7)
Total costs and expenses		2,423,290			2,660,580			(237,290)		(8.9)

Operating income (loss)		739,629			507,202			232,427		45.8

Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		806			850			(44)		(5.2)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(173,976)			(182,340)			8,364		4.6
Other, net		(1,508)			945			(2,453)		*
Total other income (expense)		(174,678)			(180,545)			5,867		3.2

Income (loss) before income taxes		564,951			326,657			238,294		72.9
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(140,424)			(82,504)			(57,920)		(70.2)
Effective tax rate		24.9	%		25.3	%
Net income (loss)	$	424,527		$	244,153		$	180,374		73.9

Other Data:
Pay-TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions) **		11.060			11.323			(0.263)		(2.3)
DISH TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions) **		8.686			9.012			(0.326)		(3.6)
SLING TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions)		2.374			2.311			0.063		2.7
Pay-TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		(0.230)			(0.413)			0.183		44.3
DISH TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		(0.130)			(0.132)			0.002		1.5
SLING TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		(0.100)			(0.281)			0.181		64.4
Pay-TV ARPU	$	93.63		$	88.76		$	4.87		5.5
DISH TV subscriber additions, gross (in millions)		0.210			0.299			(0.089)		(29.8)
DISH TV churn rate		1.30	%		1.54	%		(0.24)	%	(15.6)
DISH TV SAC	$	790		$	861		$	(71)		(8.2)
EBITDA	$	853,363		$	643,232		$	210,131		32.7
OIBDA	$	854,871		$	642,287		$	212,584		33.1

* Percentage is not meaningful.

**During the first quarter 2020, we removed approximately 250,000 subscribers representing commercial accounts impacted by COVID-19 from our ending Pay-TV subscriber count. During the year ended December, 31, 2020, 80,000 of these subscribers came off pause or had temporary rate relief end and are included in our ending Pay-TV subscriber count and 69,000 of these subscribers disconnected. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the remaining commercial accounts representing 101,000 subscribers disconnected. The effect of the removal of the 250,000 subscribers, the addition of these 80,000 subscribers and disconnect of 170,000 subscribers was excluded from the calculation of our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, net Pay-TV subscriber additions/losses and Pay-TV churn rate. See “Results of Operations – Pay-TV subscribers” for further information.

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Pay-TV subscribers

DISH TV subscribers. We lost approximately 130,000 net DISH TV subscribers during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the loss of approximately 132,000 net DISH TV subscribers during the same period in 2020. This decrease in net DISH TV subscriber losses primarily resulted from lower gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, offset by a lower DISH TV churn rate.

SLING TV subscribers. We lost approximately 100,000 net SLING TV subscribers during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the loss of approximately 281,000 net SLING TV subscribers during the same period in 2020. The decrease in net SLING TV subscriber losses was primarily related to lower subscriber disconnects resulting from our emphasis on acquiring and retaining higher quality subscribers, partially offset by lower SLING TV subscriber activations. We continue to experience increased competition, including competition from other subscription video on-demand and live-linear OTT service providers. The three months ended March 31, 2020 was negatively impacted by delays and cancellations of sporting events as a result of COVID-19.

DISH TV subscribers, gross. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we activated approximately 210,000 gross new DISH TV subscribers compared to approximately 299,000 gross new DISH TV subscribers during the same period in 2020, a decrease of 29.8%. This decrease in our gross new DISH TV subscriber activations was primarily related to the impact of COVID-19. Beginning in the second half of March 2020, COVID-19 and the related governmental recommendations and/or mandates created reduced in person selling opportunities, and a reduction in customers’ willingness to open direct mail marketing and allow in-home technicians into their homes. As a result, beginning in the first quarter 2020, we reduced our marketing expenditures and our gross new DISH TV subscribers began to decrease. We continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 and cannot predict with certainty the impact to our gross new DISH TV subscribers as a result of, among other things, lower discretionary spending and reduced ability to perform our in-home service operations due to the impact of social distancing. In addition, our gross new DISH TV subscriber activations continue to be negatively impacted by stricter customer acquisition policies for our DISH TV subscribers, including an emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers, and by increased competitive pressures, including aggressive short term introductory pricing and bundled offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers, and channel removals.

DISH TV churn rate. Our DISH TV churn rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 1.30% compared to 1.54% for the same period in 2020. This decrease primarily resulted from the impact of COVID-19, including, among other things, the recommendations and/or mandates from federal, state, and local authorities that customers refrain from non-essential movements outside of their homes and the resulting increased consumption of our Pay-TV services. In addition, COVID-19 had an impact on competitive pressures due to, among other things, a reduction in customers’ willingness to allow competitors’ technicians into their homes. We continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 and cannot predict with certainty the impact to our DISH TV churn rate as a result of, among other things, lower discretionary spending and reduced ability to perform our in-home service operations due to the impact of social distancing. In addition, this decrease also resulted from our emphasis on acquiring and retaining higher quality subscribers. Our DISH TV churn rate continues to be adversely impacted by external factors, such as, among other things, increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers, as well as cord cutting. Our DISH TV churn rate is also impacted by internal factors, such as, among other things, our ability to consistently provide outstanding customer service, price increases, programming interruptions in connection with the scheduled expiration of certain programming carriage contracts, our ability to control piracy and other forms of fraud and the level of our retention efforts.

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Beginning in March 2020, several federal, state, and local government agencies implemented recommendations, guidelines, and orders regarding “social distancing” in an attempt to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19. As a result of these actions, many bars, restaurants, and other commercial establishments were ordered to and in certain cases continue to be recommended and/or ordered to suspend all non-essential “in-person” business operations and/or operate at reduced capacity. In addition, airlines and hotels significantly reduced operations as a result of government actions and/or related lower consumer demand. In an effort to avoid charging commercial customers for services in their establishments which were or are no longer open to the public, we paused service or provided temporary rate relief for certain of those commercial accounts. For certain commercial accounts, each subscription is counted as one Pay-TV subscriber. For other commercial accounts, as discussed above, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by $34.99, and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our Pay-TV subscriber count. During the first quarter 2020, we removed 250,000 subscribers from our ending Pay-TV subscriber count for commercial accounts we placed on pause, or received reduced revenue, or for which we anticipate the account to disconnect due to COVID-19. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 80,000 of these subscribers came off pause or had temporary rate relief end and 69,000 of these subscribers disconnected. We did not incur any significant expenses in connection with the return of the 80,000 commercial accounts and accordingly, those commercial accounts were added to our ending subscriber count during the periods they returned in 2020 and were not recorded as gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations. During the first quarter of 2021, the remaining commercial accounts representing 101,000 subscribers disconnected.

We cannot predict with any certainty the impact to our net Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and DISH TV subscriber churn rate resulting from programming interruptions or threatened programming interruptions that may occur in the future. As a result, we may at times suffer from periods of lower net Pay-TV subscriber additions or higher net Pay-TV subscriber losses.

We have not always met our own standards for performing high-quality installations, effectively resolving subscriber issues when they arise, answering subscriber calls in an acceptable timeframe, effectively communicating with our subscriber base, reducing calls driven by the complexity of our business, improving the reliability of certain systems and subscriber equipment and aligning the interests of certain independent third-party retailers and installers to provide high-quality service. Most of these factors have affected both gross new DISH TV subscriber activations as well as DISH TV subscriber churn rate. Our future gross new DISH TV subscriber activations and our DISH TV subscriber churn rate may be negatively impacted by these factors, which could in turn adversely affect our revenue.

Service revenue. “Service revenue” totaled $3.137 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $6 million or 0.2% compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in “Service revenue” compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily related to an increase in Pay-TV ARPU, discussed below, offset by a lower average Pay-TV subscriber base.

Pay-TV ARPU. Pay-TV ARPU was $93.63 during the three months ended March 31, 2021versus $88.76 during the same period in 2020. The $4.87 or 5.5% increase in Pay-TV ARPU was primarily attributable to the DISH TV programming package price increases in the first quarter 2021 and 2020, the SLING TV programming package price increases in the first quarter 2021 and 2020 and higher ad sales revenue, partially offset by an increase in SLING TV subscribers as a percentage of our total Pay-TV subscriber base. SLING TV subscribers on average purchase lower priced programming services than DISH TV subscribers, and therefore, the increase in SLING TV subscribers as a percentage of our total Pay-TV subscriber base had a negative impact on Pay-TV ARPU.

Cost of services. “Cost of services” totaled $1.959 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of $114 million or 5.5% compared to the same period in 2020. The decrease in “Cost of services” was primarily attributable to a lower average Pay-TV subscriber base and a decrease in variable and retention costs per subscriber, partially offset by higher programming costs per subscriber. Variable and retention costs per subscriber decreased due to, among other things, increased operational efficiencies, including a focused set of staffing reductions in 2020. Programming costs per subscriber increased during the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to rate increases in certain of our programming contracts, including the renewal of certain contracts at higher rates, particularly for local broadcast channels. “Cost of services” represented 62.4% and 66.2% of “Service revenue” during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts to purchase programming content in which our payment obligations are generally contingent on the number of Pay-TV subscribers to whom we provide the respective content. Our “Cost of services” have and will continue to face further upward pressure from price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms. In addition, our programming expenses will increase to the extent we are successful in growing our Pay-TV subscriber base.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. “Selling, general and administrative expenses” totaled $333 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, an $89 million or 21.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2020. This change was primarily driven by a decrease in subscriber acquisition costs resulting from reduced marketing expenditures and fewer gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and by cost cutting initiatives including a focused set of staffing reductions in 2020.

DISH TV SAC. DISH TV SAC was $790 during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $861 during the same period in 2020, a decrease of $71 or 8.2%. This change was primarily attributable to a decrease in advertising costs per subscriber and higher commercial additions compared to the same period in 2020. Commercial activations historically have lower DISH TV SAC than residential activations, and therefore the increase in commercial activations had a positive impact on DISH TV SAC. Beginning in the first quarter 2020, as a result of COVID-19 and the related governmental recommendations and/or mandates, our in person selling opportunities and our customers’ willingness to open direct mail marketing and allow in-home technicians into their homes were reduced. Accordingly, we reduced our marketing expenditures starting in the first quarter 2020 and therefore our gross new DISH TV subscriber activations decreased.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new DISH TV subscribers totaled $22 million and $35 million, respectively. This decrease in capital expenditures primarily resulted from a decrease in gross new DISH TV subscriber activations.

To remain competitive, we upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the costs associated with these upgrades may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render a portion of our existing equipment obsolete, we would be unable to redeploy all returned equipment and consequently would realize less benefit from the DISH TV SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.

Our “DISH TV SAC” may materially increase in the future to the extent that we, among other things, transition to newer technologies, introduce more aggressive promotions, or provide greater equipment subsidies.

Income tax (provision) benefit, net. Our income tax provision was $140 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $58 million compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in the provision was primarily related to an increase in “Income (loss) before income taxes.”

Non-GAAP Performance Measures and Reconciliation

It is management’s intent to provide non-GAAP financial information to enhance the understanding of our GAAP financial information, and it should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Each non-GAAP financial measure is presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as not to imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure. We believe that providing these non-GAAP measures in addition to the GAAP measures allows management, investors and other users of our financial information to more fully and accurately assess both consolidated and segment performance. The non-GAAP financial information presented may be determined or calculated differently by other companies and may not be directly comparable to that of other companies.

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EBITDA

EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it is a helpful measure for those evaluating operating performance in relation to our competitors. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
EBITDA	$	853,363	$	643,232
Interest, net		(173,170)		(181,490)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(140,424)		(82,504)
Depreciation and amortization		(115,242)		(135,085)
Net income (loss)	$	424,527	$	244,153

The changes in EBITDA during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses.

OIBDA

OIBDA, which is presented below, is a non-GAAP measure and does not purport to be an alternative to operating income (loss) as a measure of operating performance. We believe this measure is useful to management, investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability of our business on a more variable cost basis as it excludes the depreciation and amortization expenses related primarily to capital expenditures and acquisitions, as well as in evaluating operating performance in relation to our competitors. OIBDA is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortization expense to operating income (loss).


	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
OIBDA	$	854,871	$	642,287
Depreciation and amortization		(115,242)		(135,085)
Operating Income (loss)	$	739,629	$	507,202

The changes in OIBDA during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, were primarily a result of the factors described in connection with operating revenues and operating expenses.

Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion regarding disclosure controls and procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

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Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. However, we are continually monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and any potential impact to our internal controls.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 9 “Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation” in the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors.

Item 6.EXHIBITS

(a)

Exhibits.



31.1*		Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2*		Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1*		Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

32.2*		Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

101*		The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH DBS for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed on May 4, 2021, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit), (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes to these financial statements.
104*		Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded in the Inline XBRL document).

*Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	DISH DBS CORPORATION


	By:	/s/ W. Erik Carlson
		W. Erik Carlson
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		(Duly Authorized Officer)

	By:	/s/ Paul W. Orban
		Paul W. Orban
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: May 4, 2021

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Section 302 Certification

I, W. Erik Carlson, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH DBS Corporation;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 4, 2021


/s/ W. Erik Carlson
President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Section 302 Certification

I, Paul W. Orban, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH DBS Corporation;

2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 4, 2021


/s/ Paul W. Orban
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Section 906 Certification

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, the undersigned officer of DISH DBS Corporation (the “Company”) hereby certifies that to the best of his knowledge the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


	Dated:	May 4, 2021

	Name:	/s/ W. Erik Carlson

	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Section 906 Certification


	Dated:	May 4, 2021

	Name:	/s/ Paul W. Orban

	Title:	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.