10-Q

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, 2016.

OR

☐ 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)

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 and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☐	Non-accelerated filer ☒	Smaller reporting company ☐
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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 April 15, 2016, 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 Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	i
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (Unaudited)	1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)	3
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	4
Item 2.	Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations	37
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	*
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	48
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	48
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	48
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	48
	Signatures	49

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

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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:

Competition and Economic Risks

· We face intense and increasing competition from satellite television providers, cable companies and telecommunications companies, especially as the pay-TV industry has matured and bundled offers have become more prevalent, 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 competition from digital media companies that provide or facilitate the delivery of video content via the Internet may reduce our gross new 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.

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

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

· Our over-the-top (“OTT”) Sling TV Internet-based services face certain risks, including, among others, significant competition.

· We face increasing competition from other distributors of unique programming services such as foreign language and sports programming that may limit our ability to maintain subscribers that desire these unique programming services.

Operational and Service Delivery Risks

· If we do not continue improving our operational performance and customer satisfaction, our gross new subscriber activations may decrease and our subscriber churn may increase.

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

· Programming expenses are increasing and could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

i

· We depend on others to provide the programming that we offer to our subscribers and, if we fail to obtain or lose access to this programming, our gross new subscriber activations may decline and our subscriber churn may increase.

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

· We may be required to make substantial additional investments to maintain competitive programming offerings.

· Any failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure and communications systems, including without limitation those caused by cyber-attacks or other malicious activities, could disrupt or harm our business.

· We currently depend on EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries, or EchoStar, to design, develop and manufacture substantially all of our new DISH branded pay-TV set-top boxes and certain related components, to provide the vast majority of our transponder capacity, to provide digital broadcast operations and other services to us, and to provide streaming delivery technology and infrastructure for our Sling TV services.  Our business would be adversely affected if EchoStar ceases to provide these products and services to us and we are unable to obtain suitable replacement products and services from third parties.

· Technology in the pay-TV industry changes rapidly, and our success may depend in part on our timely introduction and implementation of, and effective investment in, new competitive products and services and more advanced equipment, and our failure to do so 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 such as information technology support, billing systems, and security access devices, and the inability of these key vendors to meet our needs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

· Our primary supplier of new set-top boxes, EchoStar, relies on a few suppliers and in some cases a single supplier, for many components of our new set-top boxes, and any reduction or interruption in supplies or significant increase in the price of supplies could have a negative impact on our business.

· Our programming signals are subject to theft, and we are vulnerable to other forms of fraud that could require us to make significant expenditures to remedy.

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

· We have limited satellite capacity and failures or reduced capacity could adversely affect our DISH branded pay-TV business.

· Our owned and leased satellites are subject to construction, launch, operational and environmental risks that could limit our ability to utilize these satellites.

· We generally do not carry commercial launch or in-orbit insurance on any of the satellites that we use, other than certain satellites leased from third parties, and could face significant impairment charges if any of our owned satellites fail.

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

ii

· We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may negatively affect our business.

Acquisition and Capital Structure Risks

· Our parent, DISH Network, has made substantial investments to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and other related assets.  In addition, DISH Network has made substantial non-controlling investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities related to AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses.

· Our parent, DISH Network, faces certain risks related to its non-controlling investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities.

· To the extent that our parent, DISH Network, commercializes its wireless spectrum licenses, it will face certain risks entering and competing in the wireless services industry and operating a wireless services business.

· 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 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.

· We have substantial debt outstanding and may incur additional debt.

· Our parent, DISH Network, is controlled by one principal stockholder who is also our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

· A ruling in the Do Not Call litigation requiring us to pay substantial civil penalties and/or damages and/or enjoining us, whether acting directly or indirectly through authorized telemarketers or independent third-party retailers, from certain activities could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

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

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

· Our ability to distribute video content via the Internet, including our Sling TV services, involves regulatory risk.

· Changes in the Cable Act of 1992 (“Cable Act”), and/or the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) that implement the Cable Act, may limit our ability to access programming from cable-affiliated programmers at nondiscriminatory rates.

· The injunction against our retransmission of distant networks, which is currently waived, may be reinstated.

· We are subject to significant regulatory oversight, and changes in applicable regulatory requirements, including any adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the Internet, could adversely affect our business.

iii

· Our business depends on FCC licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications for FCC licenses that may not be granted.

· We are subject to digital high-definition (“HD”) “carry-one, carry-all” requirements that cause capacity constraints.

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

· We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or 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.

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.

iv

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	52,113	$	419,926
Marketable investment securities		26		141,335
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,621 and $20,972, respectively		766,460		822,505
Inventory		455,205		390,253
Other current assets		96,836		115,205
Total current assets		1,370,640		1,889,224
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities		82,374		82,374
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,896,638 and $2,871,457, respectively		2,072,128		2,150,340
FCC authorizations		635,794		635,794
Other investment securities		324,371		327,250
Other noncurrent assets, net		232,637		219,574
Total noncurrent assets		3,347,304		3,415,332
Total assets	$	4,717,944	$	5,304,556
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$	524,276	$	433,349
Advances from affiliates		604,950		—
Deferred revenue and other		843,595		843,638
Accrued programming		1,585,979		1,531,389
Accrued interest		184,072		224,513
Other accrued expenses		419,136		430,820
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		33,126		1,531,928
Total current liabilities		4,195,134		4,995,637
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion		12,201,217		12,206,687
Deferred tax liabilities		1,042,634		1,089,016
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities		179,517		164,682
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion		13,423,368		13,460,385
Total liabilities		17,618,502		18,456,022
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		20,000		18,000
Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding		—		—
Additional paid-in capital		1,308,429		1,309,138
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(241)		12,039
Accumulated earnings (deficit)		(14,230,518)		(14,492,752)
Total DISH DBS stockholder's equity (deficit)		(12,922,330)		(13,171,575)
Noncontrolling interests		1,772		2,109
Total stockholder’s equity (deficit)		(12,920,558)		(13,169,466)
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity (deficit)	$	4,717,944	$	5,304,556

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

1

DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue	$	3,660,665	$	3,590,704
Equipment sales and other revenue		11,489		30,358
Total revenue		3,672,154		3,621,062
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6):
Subscriber-related expenses		2,151,427		2,105,096
Satellite and transmission expenses		173,221		184,680
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other		11,987		30,495
Subscriber acquisition costs:
Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies		58,766		47,518
Other subscriber acquisition costs		178,092		194,982
Subscriber acquisition advertising		122,675		136,433
Total subscriber acquisition costs		359,533		378,933
General and administrative expenses		192,067		191,674
Depreciation and amortization (Note 6)		212,254		223,895
Total costs and expenses		3,100,489		3,114,773
Operating income (loss)		571,665		506,289
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		346		4,217
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(191,337)		(222,010)
Other, net		32,393		91
Total other income (expense)		(158,598)		(217,702)
Income (loss) before income taxes		413,067		288,587
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(157,562)		(104,600)
Net income (loss)		255,505		183,987
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(6,729)		(3,945)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	262,234	$	187,932
Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	$	255,505	$	183,987
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		(19,717)		(17,532)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net		7,437		4,946
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(12,280)		(12,586)
Comprehensive income (loss)		243,225		171,401
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(6,729)		(3,945)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	249,954	$	175,346

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

2

DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	255,505	$	183,987
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		212,254		223,895
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		(32,310)		—
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		4,477		7,709
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		(35,853)		(32,217)
Other, net		9,275		13,252
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net		105,189		233,005
Net cash flows from operating activities		518,537		629,631
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net		139,938		1,338,073
Purchases of property and equipment		(136,942)		(163,376)
Other, net		13,142		2,949
Net cash flows from investing activities		16,138		1,177,646
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Dividend to DISH Orbital Corporation		—		(8,250,000)
Redemption and repurchases of senior notes (Note 7)		(1,500,000)		—
Advances from affiliates		604,950		—
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		(7,506)		(6,586)
Other, net		68		7,967
Net cash flows from financing activities		(902,488)		(8,248,619)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(367,813)		(6,441,342)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		419,926		6,762,140
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	52,113	$	320,798

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

3

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.  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, Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, third-party broadcast operations, customer service facilities, a leased fiber optic network, in-home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations.  The Sling branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, live, linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”) Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“Sling TV”).  The Sling International video programming service (formerly known as DishWorld) was launched prior to 2015, which historically represented a small percentage of our Pay-TV subscribers.  During February and June 2015, we launched our Sling domestic and Sling Latino services, respectively.  In addition to these Sling TV services that may only be streamed on one device at a time (single-stream services), on April 13, 2016, we launched a live beta multi-stream Sling domestic service, which includes, among other things, the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously.  All Sling TV subscribers are included in our Pay-TV subscriber count.  As of March 31, 2016, we had 13.874 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States.

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, 2015.  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.  See below for further information.  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, the cost method is used.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

4

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Sling TV.  On May 2, 2014, DISH Network contributed its equity interest in Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (“Sling TV Holding,” formerly known as DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) to us.  As a result, all operating activities of Sling TV Holding are included in our financial results beginning May 2, 2014.  Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) and Sling TV Holding entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV Holding to a ten percent non-voting interest.  EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest is redeemable contingent on a certain performance goal being achieved by Sling TV Holding.  In addition, subject to certain conditions, the interest is redeemable at fair value within sixty days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement.  This interest is considered temporary equity and is recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the mezzanine section of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding was initially accounted for at fair value.  The performance goal has been determined to be probable of achievement.  Accordingly, the value of EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding is adjusted each reporting period for any change in redemption value above the initial fair value (adjusted for the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar subsequent to August 1, 2014), with the offset recorded in “Additional paid-in capital,” net of deferred taxes on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets effective August 1, 2014, with the offset recorded in “Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 10 for further information on Sling TV Holding and the Exchange Agreement.

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 doubtful accounts, 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, fair value of multi-element arrangements, capital leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, 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

5

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

· 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) and current liabilities (excluding the “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations”) is equal to or approximates 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 estimated based on 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 7 for the fair value of our long-term debt.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This converged standard on revenue recognition was issued jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board to create common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2014-09 provides a framework for revenue recognition that replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption.  We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  We have not yet selected an adoption method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.  The new standard could impact revenue and cost recognition for a significant number of our contracts, as well as our business processes and information technology systems.  As a result, our evaluation of the effect of the new standard will likely extend over several future periods.  On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral on the effective date for implementation of this standard, which changed the effective date for us to January 1, 2018.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”),Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee).  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Leases.  On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases, which relates to the accounting of leasing transactions.  This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months.  In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

Compensation – Stock Compensation.  On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation – Stock Compensation:  Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments.  This standard addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including:  (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

3.Supplemental Data – Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents our supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	229,548	$	230,081
Cash received for interest		346		4,217
Cash paid for income taxes		4,276		577
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		173,933		140,595
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		988		—

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, among other reasons, to 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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(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, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities	$	26	$	141,335
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		82,307		82,280
Total marketable investment securities		82,333		223,615
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		67		94
Other investment securities:
Investment in EchoStar preferred tracking stock - cost method		228,795		228,795
Investment in HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method		87,409		87,409
Other investment securities - cost method		8,167		11,046
Total other investment securities		324,371		327,250
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	406,771	$	550,959

(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 consists of various debt and equity instruments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale.

Current Marketable Investment Securities

Our current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in equity securities and various debt instruments including, among others, commercial paper, corporate securities and U.S. 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.

Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash and cash equivalents, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit.

Other Investment Securities

We have strategic investments in certain debt and equity securities that are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and accounted for using the cost, equity and/or available-for-sale methods of accounting.

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(Unaudited)

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.

Investment in Tracking Stock

On February 20, 2014, we entered into agreements with EchoStar to implement a transaction pursuant to which, among other things:  (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSSC”), a subsidiary of EchoStar, five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV (collectively the “Transferred Satellites”), including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million), and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for an aggregate of 6,290,499 shares of  a series of preferred tracking stock issued by EchoStar and an aggregate of 81.128 shares of  a series of preferred tracking stock issued by HSSC (collectively, the “Tracking Stock”); and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back certain satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites (collectively, the “Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction”).  As of November 30, 2015, we no longer lease satellite capacity on the EchoStar I satellite.  The Tracking Stock generally tracks the residential retail satellite broadband business of Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSSC, including without limitation the operations, assets and liabilities attributed to the Hughes residential retail satellite broadband business (collectively, the “Hughes Retail Group”).  The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to us represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group.

Since the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is among entities under common control, we recorded the Tracking Stock at EchoStar’s and HSSC’s historical cost basis for these instruments of $229 million and $87 million, respectively.  The difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the Transferred Satellites of $356 million (including debt obligations, net of deferred taxes), plus the $11 million in cash, resulted in a $51 million capital transaction recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock.  As such, the Tracking Stock is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. 

On February 20, 2014, DISH Operating L.L.C. (“DOLLC”) and DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”), each indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with EchoStar and HSSC with respect to the Tracking Stock (the “Investor Rights Agreement”).  The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for us; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of DISH Network and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock.  The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate with respect to our interest should we no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had accumulated net unrealized gains of less than $1 million and $20 million, respectively.  These amounts, net of related tax effect, were less than $1 million and $12 million, respectively. 

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(Unaudited)

All of these amounts are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit).”  The components of our available-for-sale investments are summarized in the table below.

	As of March 31, 2016								As of December 31, 2015
	Marketable								Marketable
	Investment		Unrealized						Investment		Unrealized
	Securities		Gains		Losses		Net		Securities		Gains		Losses		Net
	(In thousands)
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	82,144	$	45	$	(6)	$	39	$	82,124	$	2	$	(135)	$	(133)
Corporate securities		—		—		—		—		90,838		3		(174)		(171)
Other		163		—		—		—		17,382		—		(2)		(2)
Equity securities		26		12		—		12		33,271		20,034		—		20,034
Total	$	82,333	$	57	$	(6)	$	51	$	223,615	$	20,039	$	(311)	$	19,728

As of March 31, 2016, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $60 million with contractual maturities within one year and $22million with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity.

Fair Value Measurements

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

	As of
	March 31, 2016								December 31, 2015
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	307,406	$	25,814	$	281,592	$	—
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	82,144	$	77,375	$	4,769		—	$	82,124	$	77,328	$	4,796	$	—
Corporate securities		—		—		—		—		90,838		—		90,838		—
Other		163		—		163		—		17,382		—		17,382		—
Equity securities		26		26		—		—		33,271		33,271		—		—
Total	$	82,333	$	77,401	$	4,932	$	—	$	223,615	$	110,599	$	113,016	$	—

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we had no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.

5.Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following:

	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	371,372	$	304,812
Work-in-process and service repairs		74,351		74,768
Raw materials		9,482		10,673
Total inventory	$	455,205	$	390,253

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

6.Property and Equipment

Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following:

	For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	180,651	$	191,753
Satellites		15,261		15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		16,342		16,881
Total depreciation and amortization	$	212,254	$	223,895

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 12 satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator, one of which we own and depreciate over its estimated useful life.  We currently utilize certain capacity on nine satellites that we lease from EchoStar, which are accounted for as operating leases.  We also lease two satellites from third parties, which are accounted for as capital leases and are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or the term of the satellite agreement.

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(Unaudited)

As of March 31, 2016, our pay-TV satellite fleet consisted of the following:

			Estimated
			Useful Life
			(Years)/
		Degree	Lease
	Launch	Orbital	Termination
Satellites	Date	Location	Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	15
Under Construction:
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	110	15
Leased from EchoStar (1):
EchoStar VII (2)	February 2002	119	June 2017
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (2)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (2)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XII (2)	July 2003	61.5	September 2017
EchoStar XIV (2)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (3)	November 2012	61.5	January 2017
Nimiq 5	September 2009	72.7	September 2019
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 2019

(1) See Note 10 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

(2) We generally have the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the useful life of the respective satellite.

(3) We have the option to renew this lease for an additional six-year period.  If we exercise our six-year renewal option, we have the option to renew this lease for an additional five years.

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(Unaudited)

7.Long-Term Debt

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, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	As of
	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (1)	$	—	$	—	$	1,500,000	$	1,506,750
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017		900,000		916,200		900,000		922,770
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018		1,200,000		1,205,964		1,200,000		1,207,560
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019		1,400,000		1,547,000		1,400,000		1,525,440
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020		1,100,000		1,119,338		1,100,000		1,100,000
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021		2,000,000		2,080,000		2,000,000		2,021,020
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		1,905,000		2,000,000		1,889,780
5 % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,321,305		1,500,000		1,297,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		1,835,000		2,000,000		1,765,000
Other notes payable		13,684		13,684		13,686		13,686
Subtotal		12,113,684	$	11,943,491		13,613,686	$	13,249,506
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(39,317)				(41,563)
Capital lease obligations (2)		159,976				166,492
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	$	12,234,343			$	13,738,615

(1) On February 1, 2016, we redeemed the principal balance of our 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016.

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

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

8.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

DISH Network Spectrum

DISH Network has invested over $5.0 billion since 2008 to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.  DISH Network will need to make significant additional investments or partner with others to, among other things, commercialize, build-out, and integrate these licenses and related assets, and any additional acquired licenses and related assets; and comply with regulations applicable to such licenses.  Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such investments or partnerships could vary significantly.  DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize its wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers.  For example, on February 10, 2016, DISH Network filed an application with the FCC to potentially participate as a bidder in the forward auction phase of the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction (“Auction 1000”).  Auction 1000 will take place in two phases.  In the first phase or reverse auction phase, participating television broadcasters will “sell” their rights to use certain broadcast television spectrum in the 600 MHz frequency range to the FCC.  In the second phase or forward auction phase, the FCC will “resell” that spectrum to various auction participants, including wireless service providers and other potential bidders.  The first phase of Auction 1000 began on March 29, 2016. 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

The FCC determined that bidding in Auction 1000 will be “anonymous,” which means that prior to and during the course of the auction, the FCC will not make public any information about a specific applicant’s upfront deposits or its bids.  In addition, FCC rules restrict information that bidders may disclose about their participation in Auction 1000.

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.  See Note 10 for further information regarding our dividends to DOC.  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

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 has made over $10.0 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.  DISH Network may need to make significant additional loans to the Northstar Entities and to the SNR Entities, or they may need to partner with others, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses, and comply with regulations applicable to the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses.  Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such loans or partnerships could vary significantly. 

In connection with certain funding obligations related to the investments by American II and American III discussed above, in February 2015, we paid a dividend of $8.250 billion to DOC for, among other things, general corporate purposes, which included such funding obligations, and to fund other DISH Network cash needs.  We may make additional cash distributions to finance in whole or in part loans that DISH Network may make to the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities in the future 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, make additional cash distributions to DISH Network, continue investing in our business and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions. 

See Note 10 “Commitments” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 for further information.

Guarantees

During the third quarter 2009, EchoStar entered into a satellite transponder service agreement for Nimiq 5 through 2024.  We sublease this capacity from EchoStar and DISH Network guarantees a certain portion of EchoStar’s obligation under its satellite transponder service agreement through 2019.  As of March 31, 2016, the remaining obligation of the DISH Network guarantee was $232 million.  As of March 31, 2016, DISH Network has not recorded a liability on the balance sheet for this guarantee.

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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 our acts or omissions following the Spin-off.

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 (as with many patent-related cases).  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.

California Institute of Technology

On October 1, 2013, the California Institute of Technology (“Caltech”) filed complaints against DISH Network and its wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., as well as Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, which are subsidiaries of EchoStar, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.  The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781 and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled “Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes.”  Caltech alleges that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents.  In the operative Amended Complaint, served on March 6, 2014, Caltech claims that our Hopper® set-top box, as well as the Hughes defendants’ satellite broadband products and services, infringes the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard.  On May 5, 2015, the Court granted summary judgment in our favor as to the Hopper set-top box alleged in the complaint.  On February 17, 2015, Caltech filed a new complaint in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, asserting the same patents against the same defendants.  Caltech alleges that certain broadband equipment, including without limitation the HT1000 and HT1100 modems, gateway hardware, software and/or firmware that the Hughes defendants provide to, among others, us for our use in connection with the dishNET branded broadband service, infringes these patents.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

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(Unaudited)

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.

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 wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Utah.  The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; 7,526,784, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,543,318, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,577,970, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; and 8,117,282, 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.

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.

CRFD Research, Inc. (a subsidiary of Marathon Patent Group, Inc.)

On January 17, 2014, CRFD Research, Inc. (“CRFD”) filed a complaint against us, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Network, EchoStar, and its wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,191,233 (the “233 patent”).  The 233 patent is entitled “System for Automated, Mid-Session, User-Directed, Device-to-Device Session Transfer System,” and relates to transferring an ongoing software session from one device to another.  CRFD alleges that our Hopper and Joey® set-top boxes infringe the 233 patent.  On the same day, CRFD filed similar complaints against AT&T Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corp. and Limelight Networks, Inc.  CRFD is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  On January 26, 2015, we and EchoStar filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 233 patent.  The United States Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to institute a proceeding on our petition, as well as on two third-party petitions challenging the validity of the 233 patent, and it heard oral argument on January 16, 2016.  On June 4, 2015, the litigation in the District Court was ordered stayed pending resolution of the proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

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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; United States Patent No. 9,053,494; United States Patent No. 7,840,437; and United States Patent No. 8,955,029.  Each patent is entitled “System for Data Management And On-Demand Rental And Purchase Of Digital Data Products.”  Customedia appears to allege 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 an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

Do Not Call Litigation

On March 25, 2009, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. was sued in a civil action by the United States Attorney General and several states in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”), as well as analogous state statutes and state consumer protection laws.  The plaintiffs allege that we, directly and through certain independent third-party retailers and their affiliates, committed certain telemarketing violations.  On December 23, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment, which indicated for the first time that the state plaintiffs were seeking civil penalties and damages of approximately $270 million and that the federal plaintiff was seeking an unspecified amount of civil penalties (which could substantially exceed the civil penalties and damages being sought by the state plaintiffs).  The plaintiffs were also seeking injunctive relief that if granted would, among other things, enjoin DISH Network L.L.C., whether acting directly or indirectly through authorized telemarketers or independent third-party retailers, from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services for five years, and enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from accepting activations or sales from certain existing independent third-party retailers and from certain new independent third-party retailers, except under certain circumstances.  We also filed a motion for summary judgment, seeking dismissal of all claims.  On December 12, 2014, the Court issued its opinion with respect to the parties’ summary judgment motions.  The Court found that DISH Network L.L.C. is entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to one claim in the action.  In addition, the Court found that the plaintiffs are entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to ten claims in the action, which includes, among other things, findings by the Court establishing DISH Network L.L.C.’s liability for a substantial amount of the alleged outbound telemarketing calls by DISH Network L.L.C. and certain of its independent third-party retailers that were the subject of the plaintiffs’ motion.  The Court did not issue any injunctive relief and did not make any determination on civil penalties or damages, ruling instead that the scope of any injunctive relief and the amount of any civil penalties or damages are questions for trial. 

In pre-trial disclosures, the federal plaintiff indicated that it intended to seek up to $900 million in alleged civil penalties, and the state plaintiffs indicated that they intended to seek as much as $23.5 billion in alleged civil penalties and damages.  The plaintiffs also modified their request for injunctive relief.  Their requested injunction, if granted, would enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from placing outbound telemarketing calls unless and until:  (i) DISH Network L.L.C. hires a third-party consulting organization to perform a review of its call center operations; (ii) such third-party consulting organization submits a telemarketing compliance plan to the Court and the federal plaintiff; (iii) the Court holds a hearing on the adequacy of the plan; (iv) if the Court approves the plan, DISH Network L.L.C. implements the plan and verifies to the Court that it has implemented the plan; and (v) the Court issues an order permitting DISH Network L.L.C. to resume placing outbound telemarketing calls.   The plaintiffs’ modified request for injunctive relief, if granted, would also enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from accepting customer orders solicited by certain independent third-party retailers unless and until a similar third-party review and Court approval process was followed with respect to the telemarketing activities of its independent third-party retailer base to ensure compliance with the TSR.

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The first phase of the bench trial took place January 19, 2016 through February 11, 2016.  In closing briefs, the federal plaintiff indicated that it still is seeking $900 million in alleged civil penalties; the California state plaintiff indicated that it is seeking $100 million in alleged civil penalties and damages for its state law claims (in addition to any amounts sought on its federal law claims); the Ohio state plaintiff indicated that it is seeking approximately $10 million in alleged civil penalties and damages for its state law claims (in addition to any amounts sought on its federal law claims); and the Illinois and North Carolina state plaintiffs did not state the specific alleged civil penalties and damages that they are seeking; but the state plaintiffs have taken the general position that any damages award less than $1.0 billion (presumably for both federal and state law claims) would not raise constitutional concerns.  Under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, excessive fines may not be imposed.

The Court scheduled a second phase of the bench trial for October 2016, which is planned to cover the plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief, as well as DISH Network L.L.C.’s response to certain evidence that the state plaintiffs presented in the first phase.  However, the federal plaintiff subsequently filed a motion with the Court seeking to cancel the separate hearing on the plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief and asking the Court to rule on those matters based on the current trial record.

We may also from time to time be subject to private civil litigation alleging telemarketing violations.  For example, a portion of the alleged telemarketing violations by an independent third-party retailer at issue in the case described in the previous paragraph are also the subject of a certified class action filed against DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

We intend to vigorously defend these cases.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Dragon Intellectual Property, LLC

On December 20, 2013, Dragon Intellectual Property, LLC (“Dragon IP”) filed complaints against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., as well as Apple Inc.; AT&T, Inc.; Charter Communications, Inc.; Comcast Corp.; Cox Communications, Inc.; DirecTV; Sirius XM Radio Inc.; Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,930,444 (the “444 patent”), which is entitled “Simultaneous Recording and Playback Apparatus.”  Dragon IP alleges that various of our DVR receivers infringe the 444 patent.  Dragon IP is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  On December 23, 2014, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 444 patent.  On April 10, 2015, the Court granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to stay the action in light of DISH Network L.L.C.’s petition and certain other defendants’ petitions pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 444 patent.  On July 17, 2015, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute a proceeding on our petition, and it heard oral argument on February 9, 2016.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

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Grecia

On March 27, 2015, William Grecia (“Grecia”) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,533,860 (the “860 patent”), which is entitled “Personalized Digital Media Access System—PDMAS Part II.”  Grecia alleges that we violate the 860 patent in connection with our digital rights management.  Grecia is the named inventor on the 860 patent.  On June 22, 2015, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  On November 18, 2015, Grecia filed an amended complaint adding allegations that we infringe U.S. Patent No. 8,402,555 (the “555 patent”), which is entitled “Personalized Digital Media Access System (PDMAS).” Grecia is the named inventor on the 555 patent.  Grecia alleges that we violate the 555 patent in connection with our digital rights management.  Grecia dismissed his action with prejudice on February 3, 2016. 

On February 3, 2016, Grecia filed a new complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,887,308 (the “308 patent”), which is entitled “Digital Cloud Access—PDMAS Part III,” on which Grecia is also the named inventor.  Grecia alleges that we violate the 308 patent in connection with our DISH Anywhere feature.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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 Hopper Litigation

On May 24, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.; CBS Corporation; Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.; Fox Television Holdings, Inc.; Fox Cable Network Services, L.L.C. and NBCUniversal, LLC.  In the lawsuit, we sought a declaratory judgment that we are not infringing any defendant’s copyright, or breaching any defendant’s retransmission consent agreement, by virtue of the PrimeTime Anytime™ and AutoHop features of our Hopper set-top box.  A consumer can use the PrimeTime Anytime feature, at his or her option, to record certain primetime programs airing on ABC, CBS, Fox, and/or NBC up to every night, and to store those recordings for up to eight days.  A consumer can use the AutoHop feature, at his or her option, to watch certain recordings that the subscriber made with our PrimeTime Anytime feature, commercial-free, if played back at a certain point after the show’s original airing.

Later on May 24, 2012, (i) Fox Broadcasting Company; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature, the AutoHop feature, as well as Slingbox placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their retransmission consent agreements, (ii) NBC Studios LLC; Universal Network Television, LLC; Open 4 Business Productions LLC and NBCUniversal, LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights, and (iii) CBS Broadcasting Inc.; CBS Studios Inc. and Survivor Productions LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights.

As a result of certain parties’ competing venue-related motions brought in both the New York and California actions, and certain networks’ filing various counterclaims and amended complaints, the claims have proceeded in the following venues:  (1) the copyright and contract claims regarding the ABC and CBS parties in New York; and (2) the copyright and contract claims regarding the Fox and NBC parties in California.

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California Actions.  The NBC plaintiffs and Fox plaintiffs filed amended complaints in their respective California actions, adding copyright claims against EchoStar and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar.  In addition, the Fox plaintiffs’ amended complaint added claims challenging the Hopper Transfers™ feature of our second-generation Hopper set-top box.

On November 7, 2012, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features, and the Fox plaintiffs appealed.  On March 27, 2013, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending resolution of the appeal by the Fox plaintiffs.  On July 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features.  On August 7, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc, which was denied on January 24, 2014.  The United States Supreme Court granted the Fox plaintiffs an extension until May 23, 2014 to file a petition for writ of certiorari, but they did not file one.  As a result, the stay of the NBC plaintiffs’ action expired.  On August 6, 2014, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending a final judgment on all claims in the Fox plaintiffs’ action.  The Fox action was dismissed on February 11, 2016.  On March 4, 2016, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs until September 9, 2016; provided that either party may file a motion with the Court to lift the stay after May 27, 2016.  No trial date is currently set on the NBC claims.

In addition, on February 21, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a second motion for preliminary injunction against:  (i) us seeking to enjoin the Hopper Transfers feature in our second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging breach of their retransmission consent agreement; and (ii) us and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. seeking to enjoin the Slingbox placeshifting functionality in our second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging copyright infringement and breach of their retransmission consent agreement.  On September 23, 2013, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion.  The Fox plaintiffs appealed, and on July 14, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the Hopper Transfers feature and the Slingbox placeshifting functionality in our second-generation Hopper set-top box.

On January 12, 2015, the Court ruled on the Fox plaintiffs’ and our respective motions for summary judgment, holding that:  (a) the Slingbox placeshifting functionality and the PrimeTime Anytime, AutoHop and Hopper Transfers features do not violate the copyright laws; (b) certain quality assurance copies (which were discontinued in November 2012) do violate the copyright laws; and (c) the Slingbox placeshifting functionality, the Hopper Transfers feature and such quality assurance copies breach our Fox retransmission consent agreement.  At the parties’ joint request, the Court had stayed the case until January 15, 2016.  Pursuant to a settlement between us and the Fox plaintiffs, we, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and the Fox plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the California court.  The Court ordered such dismissal on February 11, 2016.

New York Actions.  Both the ABC and CBS parties filed counterclaims in the New York action adding copyright claims against EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., and the CBS parties filed a counterclaim alleging that we fraudulently concealed the AutoHop feature when negotiating the renewal of our CBS retransmission consent agreement.  On November 23, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features.  On September 18, 2013, the New York court denied that motion.  The ABC plaintiffs appealed, and oral argument on the appeal was heard on February 20, 2014 before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  Pursuant to a settlement between us and the ABC parties, during March 2014, the ABC parties withdrew their appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; we and the ABC parties dismissed without prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; and the ABC parties granted a covenant not to sue.  Pursuant to a settlement between us and the CBS parties, on December 10, 2014, we and the CBS parties dismissed with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the New York Court.

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We intend to vigorously prosecute and defend our position in this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted copyrights, or are in breach of the retransmission consent agreement, we may be subject to substantial damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  In addition, as a result of this litigation, we may not be able to renew our retransmission consent agreement and other programming agreements on favorable terms or at all.  If we are unable to renew these agreements, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain substitute programming, or that such substitute programming would be comparable in quality or cost to our existing programming.  Loss of access to existing programming could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, among other things, our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn rate.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

LightSquared/Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (LightSquared Bankruptcy)

As previously disclosed in our public filings, L-Band Acquisition, LLC (“LBAC”), DISH Network’s wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Plan Support Agreement (the “PSA”) with certain senior secured lenders to LightSquared LP (the “LightSquared LP Lenders”) on July 23, 2013, which contemplated the purchase by LBAC of substantially all of the assets of LightSquared LP and certain of its subsidiaries (the “LBAC Bid”) that are debtors and debtors in possession in the LightSquared bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”), which cases are jointly administered under the caption In re LightSquared Inc., et. al., Case No. 12 12080 (SCC).

Pursuant to the PSA, LBAC was entitled to terminate the PSA in certain circumstances, certain of which required three business days’ written notice, including, without limitation, in the event that certain milestones specified in the PSA were not met.  On January 7, 2014, LBAC delivered written notice of termination of the PSA to the LightSquared LP Lenders.  As a result, the PSA terminated effective on January 10, 2014, and the LBAC Bid was withdrawn.

On August 6, 2013, Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and other affiliates of Harbinger (collectively, “Harbinger”), a shareholder of LightSquared Inc., filed an adversary proceeding against DISH Network, LBAC, EchoStar, Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), SP Special Opportunities, LLC (“SPSO”) (an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen), and certain other parties, in the Bankruptcy Court.  Harbinger alleged, among other things, claims based on fraud, unfair competition, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage related to certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt by SPSO.  Subsequently, LightSquared intervened to join in certain claims alleged against certain defendants other than DISH Network, LBAC and EchoStar.

On October 29, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed all of the claims in Harbinger’s complaint in their entirety, but granted leave for LightSquared to file its own complaint in intervention.  On November 15, 2013, LightSquared filed its complaint, which included various claims against DISH Network, EchoStar, Mr. Ergen and SPSO.  On December 2, 2013, Harbinger filed an amended complaint, asserting various claims against SPSO.  On December 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed several of the claims asserted by LightSquared and Harbinger.  The surviving claims included, among others, LightSquared’s claims against SPSO for declaratory relief, breach of contract and statutory disallowance; LightSquared’s tortious interference claim against DISH Network, EchoStar and Mr. Ergen; and Harbinger’s claim against SPSO for statutory disallowance.  These claims proceeded to a non-jury trial on January 9, 2014.  In its Post-Trial Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered on June 10, 2014, the Bankruptcy Court rejected all claims against DISH Network and EchoStar, and it rejected some but not all claims against the other defendants.  On July 7, 2015, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York denied Harbinger’s motion for an interlocutory appeal of certain Bankruptcy Court orders in the adversary proceeding.  On March 27, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Modified Second Amended Joint Plan pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and, on December 7, 2015, the Plan became effective.

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

LightSquared Transaction Shareholder Derivative Actions

On August 9, 2013, a purported shareholder of DISH Network, Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund (“Jacksonville PFPF”), 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 members of DISH Network’s Board of Directors as of that date:  Charles W. Ergen; Joseph P. Clayton; James DeFranco; Cantey M. Ergen; Steven R. Goodbarn; David K. Moskowitz; Tom A. Ortolf; and Carl E. Vogel (collectively, the “Director Defendants”).  In its first amended complaint, Jacksonville PFPF asserted claims that Mr. Ergen breached his fiduciary duty to DISH Network in connection with certain purchases of LightSquared debt by SPSO, an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen, and that the other Director Defendants aided and abetted that alleged breach of duty.  The Jacksonville PFPF claims alleged that (1) the debt purchases created an impermissible conflict of interest and (2) put at risk the LBAC Bid, which as noted above has been withdrawn.  Jacksonville PFPF further claimed that most members of DISH Network’s Board of Directors are beholden to Mr. Ergen to an extent that prevents them from discharging their duties in connection with DISH Network’s participation in the LightSquared bankruptcy auction process.  Jacksonville PFPF is seeking an unspecified amount of damages.  Jacksonville PFPF dismissed its claims against Mr. Goodbarn on October 8, 2013.

Jacksonville PFPF sought a preliminary injunction that would enjoin Mr. Ergen and all of the Director Defendants other than Mr. Goodbarn from influencing DISH Network’s efforts to acquire certain assets of LightSquared in the bankruptcy proceeding.  On November 27, 2013, the Court denied that request but granted narrower relief enjoining Mr. Ergen and anyone acting on his behalf from participating in negotiations related to one aspect of the LBAC Bid, which, as noted above, has been withdrawn.

Five alleged shareholders have filed substantially similar putative derivative complaints in state and federal courts alleging the same or substantially similar claims.  On September 18, 2013, DCM Multi-Manager Fund, LLC filed a duplicative putative derivative complaint in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada, which was consolidated with the Jacksonville PFPF action on October 9, 2013.  Between September 25, 2013 and October 2, 2013, City of Daytona Beach Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System and Iron Worker Mid-South Pension Fund filed duplicative putative derivative complaints in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.  Also on October 2, 2013, Iron Workers District Council (Philadelphia and Vicinity) Retirement and Pension Plan filed its complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.

On October 11, 2013, Iron Worker Mid-South Pension Fund dismissed its claims without prejudice.  On October 30, 2013, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System dismissed its claims without prejudice and, on January 2, 2014, filed a new complaint in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada, which, on May 2, 2014, was consolidated with the Jacksonville PFPF action.  On December 13, 2013, City of Daytona Beach Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System voluntarily dismissed its claims without prejudice.  On March 28, 2014, Iron Workers District Council (Philadelphia and Vicinity) Retirement and Pension Plan voluntarily dismissed its claims without prejudice.

On July 25, 2014, Jacksonville PFPF filed a second amended complaint, which added claims against George R. Brokaw and Charles M. Lillis, as Director Defendants, and Thomas A. Cullen, R. Stanton Dodge and K. Jason Kiser, as officers of DISH Network. Jacksonville PFPF asserted five claims in its second amended complaint, each of which alleged breaches of the duty of loyalty.  Three of the claims were asserted solely against Mr. Ergen; one claim was made against all of the remaining Director Defendants, other than Mr. Ergen and Mr. Clayton; and the final claim was made against Messrs. Cullen, Dodge and Kiser.

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DISH Network’s Board of Directors has established a Special Litigation Committee to review the factual allegations and legal claims in these actions.  On October 24, 2014, the Special Litigation Committee filed a report in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada regarding its investigation of the claims and allegations asserted in Jacksonville PFPF’s second amended complaint.  The Special Litigation Committee filed a motion to dismiss the action based, among other things, on its business judgment that it is in the best interests of DISH Network not to pursue the claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF.  The Director Defendants and Messrs. Cullen, Dodge and Kiser have also filed various motions to dismiss the action.  In an order entered on September 18, 2015, the Court granted the Special Litigation Committee’s motion to defer to the Special Litigation Committee’s October 24, 2014 report, including its finding that dismissal of the action is in the best interest of DISH Network.  The Court also held that, in light of granting the motion to defer, the pending motions to dismiss filed by the individual defendants were denied without prejudice as moot.  On October 12, 2015, Jacksonville PFPF filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court of Nevada.  DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Qurio Holdings, Inc.

On September 26, 2014, Qurio Holdings, Inc. (“Qurio”) filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,102,863 (the “863 patent”) entitled “Highspeed WAN To Wireless LAN Gateway” and United States Patent No. 7,787,904 (the “904 patent”) entitled “Personal Area Network Having Media Player And Mobile Device Controlling The Same.”  On the same day, Qurio filed similar complaints against Comcast and DirecTV.  On November 13, 2014, Qurio filed a first amended complaint, which added a claim alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,879,567 (the “567 patent”) entitled “High-Speed WAN To Wireless LAN Gateway.”  Qurio is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  On February 9, 2015, the Court granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  During October 2015, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 863, 904 and 567 patents.  On November 3, 2015, the case was stayed pending resolution of these proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  On April 4, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on each of our petitions, as well as on a third-party petition challenging the validity of the 904 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 cause 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.

Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C.

On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C. (“TDL”) filed suit against DISH Network and EchoStar, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952 (the “952 patent”), which relates to certain favorite channel features.  TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  The case was stayed in July 2009 pending two reexamination petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which concluded in August 2015 and resulted in 42 out of the 53 claims of the 952 patent being invalidated.  As a result, the case resumed in August 2015.  A trial date has not been set.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause 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.

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(Unaudited)

TQ Beta LLC

On June 30, 2014, TQ Beta LLC (“TQ Beta”) filed a complaint against us; our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C.; DISH Network; EchoStar; and EchoStar’s subsidiaries EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, and Sling Media Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  The Complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 7,203,456 (the “456 patent”), which is entitled “Method and Apparatus for Time and Space Domain Shifting of Broadcast Signals.”  TQ Beta alleges that our Hopper set-top boxes, ViP 722 and ViP 722k DVR devices, as well as our DISH Anywhere™ service and DISH Anywhere mobile application, infringe the 456 patent.  TQ Beta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  During August 2015, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 456 patent, and in February 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions.  On February 25, 2016, the case was stayed pending resolution of these proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the Court vacated all pending court dates and deadlines.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

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.”  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.  On the same day, in the same court, TQ Delta filed actions 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.  Trial has been set for November 13, 2017.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

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(Unaudited)

Two-Way Media Ltd.

On February 17, 2016, Two-Way Media Ltd. (“TWM”) filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against us; DISH Network; our subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Network Service L.L.C., Sling TV Holding L.L.C., Sling TV L.L.C., and Sling TV Purchasing L.L.C.; and EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. and Sling Media, Inc.  The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,778,187, 5,983,005, 6,434,622 and 7,266,686, each entitled “Multicasting Method and Apparatus,” and United States Patent No. 9,124,607, entitled “Methods and Systems for Playing Media.”  TWM claims infringement by our Sling TV domestic and international services, Slingboxes and DISH DVRs incorporating Slingbox technology, and the DISH Anywhere application and website.  TWM is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

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.

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.

9.Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

Our senior notes are fully, unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries other than minor subsidiaries, and the stand-alone entity DISH DBS has no independent assets or operations.  Therefore, supplemental 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.

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(Unaudited)

10.Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with DISH Network

On February 12, 2015, we paid a dividend of $8.250 billion to DOC for, among other things, general corporate purposes, which included certain funding obligations related to DISH Network’s non-controlling debt and equity investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities, and to fund other DISH Network cash needs.

Advertising Sales.  We provide advertising services to DISH Network’s broadband business.  During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we received revenue associated with these services of $2 million and $4 million, respectively, in “Subscriber-related revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations.  We provide certain administrative support such as legal, information systems, marketing, human resources, accounting and finance services to DISH Network’s broadband, wireless and other operations.  During each of the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the costs associated with these services were $4 million.  In addition, we provide call center, installation and other services to DISH Network for its broadband business.

Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

Following the Spin-off, DISH Network and EchoStar have operated as separate publicly-traded companies, and, except for the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction and Sling TV Holding described below, 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 Chief Executive Officer, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

EchoStar is our primary supplier of set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations and a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity.  Generally, the amounts we pay EchoStar for products and services are based on pricing equal to EchoStar’s cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which will vary depending on the nature of the products and services provided.

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.  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, 2016 and December 31, 2015, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $25 million and $23 million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Trade accounts payable”

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $323 million and $263 million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts payable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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(Unaudited)

“Equipment sales and other revenue”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we received less than $1 million and $13 million, respectively, for equipment sales, services and other revenue from 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.

Remanufactured Receiver and Services Agreement.  We entered into a remanufactured receiver and services agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories from us at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased.  In November 2015, we and EchoStar extended this agreement until December 31, 2016.  EchoStar may terminate the remanufactured receiver and services agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us.  We may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire us.

Satellite Capacity Leased to EchoStar.  Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain capacity on certain satellites owned by us.  The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

· EchoStar XV.  During May 2013, we began leasing satellite capacity to EchoStar on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite for testing at EchoStar’s Brazilian authorization at the 45 degree orbital location.  Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease.  Both parties have the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice.  This lease terminated in November 2015 and EchoStar relocated this satellite from the 45 degree orbital location back to the 61.5 degree orbital location where it currently serves as an in-orbit spare.

Real Estate Lease Agreements.  Since the Spin-off, 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 leased 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.

“Subscriber-related expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $3 million and $3 million, respectively, for subscriber-related expenses from EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

SlingService Services Agreement.  Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services related to placeshifting,which is used for, among other things, the DISH Anywhere mobile application.  The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services.  This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  This agreement renewed on February 23, 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 23, 2017.  This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar.

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(Unaudited)

DISH Remote Access Services Agreement.  Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive, among other things, certain remote DVR management services.  The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services.  This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  This agreement renewed on February 23, 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 23, 2017.  This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. 

“Satellite and transmission expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $164 million and $175 million, respectively, for satellite and transmission expenses from EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Satellite and transmission expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

Broadcast Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement (the “2012 Broadcast Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides broadcast services to us, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016.  The fees for services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either:  (a) EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.  We have the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar.  If we terminate the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate.

Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming.  During May 2010, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain broadcast services to us in connection with our carriage of certain sports related programming.  The term of this agreement is for ten years.  If we terminate this agreement for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate.  The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.  Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we lease certain capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by EchoStar.  The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease.  See “Pay-TV Satellites” in Note 6 for further information.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

· EchoStar I, VII, X, XI and XIV.  On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar I, VII, 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.  The satellite capacity agreement for EchoStar I expired on November 30, 2015. 

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(Unaudited)

· EchoStar VIII.  During May 2013, we began leasing capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare.  Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease.  Both parties have the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice.  This lease terminated in November 2015.

· 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.

· EchoStar XII.  The lease for EchoStar XII generally terminates upon the earlier of:  (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite (unless we determine to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponders on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service and the exercise of certain renewal options.  We generally have the option to renew the lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the satellite’s life.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

· EchoStar XVI.  During 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 during 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.  Prior to expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew for an additional six-year period.  Prior to expiration of the initial term, EchoStar also has the right, upon certain conditions, to renew for an additional six-year period.  If either we or EchoStar exercise our respective six-year renewal options, then we have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

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 currently receive service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.  DISH Network has also guaranteed certain obligations of EchoStar under the Telesat Transponder Agreement.  See discussion under “Guarantees” in Note 8.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service.  Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite.  Upon in‑orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement.  During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we receive 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 while we and EchoStar explored alternative uses for the QuetzSat-1 satellite.

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(Unaudited)

In the interim, EchoStar provided us with alternate capacity at the 77 degree orbital location.  During the first quarter 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease five DBS transponders back to EchoStar.  During 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 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 QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  Upon an in‑orbit failure or end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3.  During May 2012, EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (“Ciel”) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Spectrum Rights”).  During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) pursuant to which we may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights.

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, during May 2012, EchoStar also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Service Agreement”).  During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on the SES-3 satellite (the “DISH 103 Service Agreement”).  Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar through the service term.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of:  (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date.  Upon in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

TT&C Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for certain satellites for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the “2012 TT&C Agreement”).  The fees for services provided under the 2012 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 are able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice.

DISHOnline.com Services Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2010, we entered into a two-year agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services associated with an online video portal.  The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services.  We have the option to renew this agreement for successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar.  InNovember 2015, we exercised our right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending on December 31, 2016.

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(Unaudited)

Sling TV Holding.  On May 2, 2014, DISH Network contributed its equity interest in Sling TV Holding to us.  Effective July 1, 2012, DISH Network and EchoStar formed Sling TV Holding, which was owned two-thirds by DISH Network and one-third by EchoStar and was consolidated into DISH Network’s financial statements beginning July 1, 2012.  Sling TV Holding was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies.  At that time, DISH Network, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding entered into the following agreements with respect to Sling TV Holding:  (i) a contribution agreement pursuant to which DISH Network and EchoStar contributed certain assets in exchange for its respective ownership interests in Sling TV Holding; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement (the “Operating Agreement”), which provides for the governance of Sling TV Holding; and (iii) a commercial agreement (the “Commercial Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding has:  (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from DISH Network and EchoStar, respectively.  Since this was a formation of an entity under common control and a step-up in basis was not allowed, each party’s contributions were recorded at historical book value for accounting purposes.

Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV Holding to a ten percent non-voting interest.  We now have a ninety percent equity interest and a 100% voting interest in Sling TV Holding.  In addition, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding amended and restated the Operating Agreement, primarily to reflect the changes implemented by the Exchange Agreement.  Finally, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding amended and restated the Commercial Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding:  (1) continues to have certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; (2) continues to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and EchoStar; and (3) has a license from EchoStar to use certain of the assets distributed to EchoStar as part of the Exchange Agreement. Sling TV Holding operates, through its subsidiary Sling TV L.L.C., the Sling TV services.

Since the Exchange Agreement is among entities under common control, we recorded the difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred to EchoStar and our historical cost basis in EchoStar’s one-third noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding as a $6 million, net of deferred taxes, capital distribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In addition, we recorded the initial fair value of EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest as a $14 million, net of deferred taxes, deemed distribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest is redeemable contingent on a certain performance goal being achieved by Sling TV Holding.  In addition, subject to certain conditions, the interest is redeemable at fair value within sixty days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement.  This interest is considered temporary equity and is recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the mezzanine section of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding was initially accounted for at fair value.  The performance goal has been determined to be probable of achievement.  Accordingly, the value of EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding is adjusted each reporting period for any change in redemption value above the initial fair value (adjusted for the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar subsequent to August 1, 2014), with the offset recorded in “Additional paid-in capital,” net of deferred taxes, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Subsequent to the Exchange Agreement, the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the offset recorded in “Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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(Unaudited)

“General and administrative expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $22 million and $20 million, respectively, for general and administrative expenses from EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “General and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

Product Support Agreement.  In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from EchoStar (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related accessories that EchoStar has previously sold and in the future may sell to us.  The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided.  The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such receivers and related accessories, unless terminated earlier.  We may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice.  In the event of an early termination of this agreement, we are entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to EchoStar for the services.

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 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:

· Inverness Lease Agreement.  The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.  This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice.  In February 2016, we provided notice to EchoStar to terminate this lease effective in August 2016.

· Meridian Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

· Santa Fe Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

· EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement.  The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016.

· Gilbert Lease Agreement.  Effective August 1, 2014, we began leasing certain space from EchoStar at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending on July 31, 2016.  We also have renewal options for three additional one-year terms.

· Cheyenne Lease Agreement.  The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.

Application Development Agreement.  During the fourth quarter 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the “Application Development Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides us with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for set-top boxes for a period ending on February 1, 2017.  The Application Development Agreement renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or EchoStar at any time upon at least 90 days notice.  The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

XiP Encryption Agreement.  During the third quarter 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with EchoStar for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the “XiP Encryption Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes.  The initial term of the XiP Encryption Agreement was for a period until December 31, 2014.  Under the XiP Encryption Agreement, we had the option, but not the obligation, to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term.  On May 5, 2014, we provided EchoStar notice to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2015.  On November 4, 2015, we and EchoStar extended the term of the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2016.  We and EchoStar each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 30 days notice and 180 days notice, respectively.  The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month.

Sling Trademark License Agreement.  On December 31, 2014, Sling TV L.L.C. entered into an agreement with Sling Media, Inc., a subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which we have the right for a fixed fee to use certain trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property related to the “Sling” trademark for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

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.  The Professional Services Agreement renewed on January 1, 2016 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2017 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).

Other Agreements - EchoStar

Receiver Agreement.  EchoStar is currently our primary supplier of set-top box receivers.  Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a receiver agreement (the “2012 Receiver Agreement”) pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment.  On November 4, 2015, we and EchoStar amended the 2012 Receiver Agreement to extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2016.  The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows us to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories and other equipment from EchoStar either:  (i) at a cost (decreasing as EchoStar reduces costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on EchoStar’s mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased.  Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, EchoStar’s margins will be increased if they are able to reduce the costs of their digital set-top boxes and their margins will be reduced if these costs increase.  EchoStar provides us with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement.  Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters.  We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar.  EchoStar is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire us.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we purchased set-top boxes and other equipment from EchoStar of $247 million and $223 million, respectively.  Included in these amounts are purchases of certain broadband equipment from EchoStar under the 2012 Receiver Agreement.  These amounts are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” or “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.

Tax Sharing Agreement.  In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into a 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.

TiVo.  On April 29, 2011, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”).  The settlement resolved all pending litigation between DISH Network and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH digital video recorders, or DVRs.  Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by DISH Network or EchoStar were dissolved.  DISH Network and EchoStar are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500 million, including an initial payment of $300 million and the remaining $200 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar from DISH Network, DISH Network made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from EchoStar totaling approximately $10 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to EchoStar’s sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer.  Future payments will be allocated between DISH Network and EchoStar based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with DISH Network being responsible for 95% of each annual payment.

Patent Cross-License Agreements.  During 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.  Each Cross License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022.  If both options are exercised, the aggregate additional payments to such third party would total less than $3 million.  However, DISH Network and EchoStar may elect to extend their respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other.  Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenues of DISH Network and EchoStar, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed to allocate their respective payments to such third party based on their respective percentage of combined total revenue.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar.  On February 20, 2014, we entered into the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar pursuant to which, among other things: (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites, including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for the Tracking Stock; and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites.  The Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is further described below:

· Transaction Agreement.  On February 20, 2014, DOLLC, DNLLC and EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C., all indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into the Transaction Agreement with EchoStar, HSSC and Alpha Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which, on March 1, 2014, we, among other things, transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites in exchange for the Tracking Stock.  The Tracking Stock generally tracks the Hughes Retail Group.  The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to us represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group.  Since the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is among entities under common control, we recorded the Tracking Stock at EchoStar’s and HSSC’s historical cost basis for these instruments of $229 million and $87 million, respectively.  The difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the Transferred Satellites of $356 million (including debt obligations, net of deferred taxes), plus the $11 million in cash, resulted in a $51 million capital transaction recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock.  As such, the Tracking Stock is accounted for under the cost method of accounting.  The Transaction Agreement includes, among other things, customary mutual provisions for representations, warranties and indemnification.

· Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. On February 20, 2014, we entered into satellite capacity agreements with certain subsidiaries of EchoStar pursuant to which, beginning March 1, 2014, we, among other things, lease all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites.  The satellite capacity agreement for EchoStar I expired on November 30, 2015.  See further information under “Satellite and transmission expenses – Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.”

· Investor Rights Agreement.  On February 20, 2014, EchoStar, HSSC, DOLLC and DNLLC (DOLLC and DNLLC, collectively referred to as the “DISH Investors”) also entered into the Investor Rights Agreement with respect to the Tracking Stock.  The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for the DISH Investors; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of DISH Network and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock.  The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate as to the DISH Investors at such time as the DISH Investors no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.

35

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)

PMC.  During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (“PMC”) filed suit against DISH Network; EchoStar and Motorola Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277 and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing.  On May 7, 2015, DISH Network, EchoStar and PMC entered into a settlement and release agreement that provided, among other things, for a license by PMC to DISH Network and EchoStar for certain patents and patent applications and the dismissal of all of PMC’s claims in the action against DISH Network and EchoStar with prejudice.  On June 4, 2015, the Court dismissed all of PMC’s claims in the action against DISH Network and EchoStar with prejudice.  In June 2015, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar would contribute a one-time payment of $5 million towards the settlement under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off and the 2012 Receiver Agreement.

gTLD Bidding Agreement.  In April 2015, we and EchoStar entered into a gTLD Bidding Agreement whereby, among other things:  (i) we obtained rights from EchoStar to participate in a generic top level domain (“gTLD”) auction, assuming all rights and obligations from EchoStar related to EchoStar’s application with ICANN for a particular gTLD; (ii) we agreed to reimburse EchoStar for its ICANN application fee and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the application and the auction; and (iii) we and EchoStar agreed to split equally the net proceeds obtained by us as the losing bidder in the auction, less such fee reimbursement and out-of-pocket expenses.  During the third quarter 2015, we paid EchoStar approximately $1 million related to this agreement.

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

NagraStar is a joint venture between EchoStar and Nagra USA, Inc. that is our provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming.  These expenses are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	19,102	$	22,498
	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	19,867	$	19,362
Commitments to NagraStar	$	1,402	$	1,532

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

You should read the following narrative analysis of our 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, 2015 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

Our 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 promote DISH®  branded programming packages as providing our subscribers with a better “price-to-value” relationship than those available from other subscription television service providers.  We believe that there continues to be unsatisfied demand for high-quality, reasonably priced subscription television services.

Our current revenue and profit is primarily derived from providing Pay-TV services to our subscribers.  We also generate revenue from equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs, equipment upgrade fees and additional outlet fees from subscribers with receivers with multiple tuners; advertising services; and fees earned from our in-home service operations.  Our most significant expenses are subscriber-related expenses, which are primarily related to programming, subscriber acquisition costs and depreciation and amortization.

Financial Highlights

2016 First Quarter Consolidated Results of Operations and Key Operating Metrics

· Revenue of $3.672 billion

· Pay-TV ARPU of $87.94

· Net income attributable to DISH DBS of $262 million

· Gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations of approximately 657,000

· Pay-TV SAC of $648

· Loss of approximately 23,000 net Pay-TV subscribers

· Pay-TV churn rate of 1.63%

Consolidated Financial Condition as of March 31, 2016

· Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities of $52 million

· Total assets of $4.718 billion

· Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $12.234 billion

We offer Pay-TV services under the DISH® brand and the Sling® brand (collectively “Pay-TV” services).  We had 13.874 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States as of March 31, 2016 and are the nation’s third largest pay-TV provider.  Competition has intensified in recent years as the pay-TV industry has matured.  To differentiate our DISH branded pay-TV service from our competitors, we introduced the Hopper® whole-home DVR during 2012 and have continued to add functionality and simplicity for a more intuitive user experience.  Our Hopper and Joey® whole-home DVR promotes a suite of integrated features and functionality designed to maximize the convenience and ease of watching TV anytime and anywhere.  It also has several innovative features that a consumer can use, at his or her option, to watch and record television programming, through their televisions, Internet-connected tablets, smartphones and computers.  During the first quarter 2016, we made our next generation Hopper, the Hopper 3, available to customers nationwide.  Among other things, the Hopper 3 features 16 tuners, delivers an enhanced 4K Ultra HD experience, and supports up to seven TVs simultaneously.  There can be no assurance that these integrated features and functionality will positively affect our results of operations or our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations.

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Sling branded pay-TV services.  The Sling branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, live, linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”) Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“Sling TV”).We market our Sling TV services primarily to consumers who do not subscribe to traditional satellite and cable pay-TV services.  Our Sling TV services require an Internet connection and are available on certain streaming-capable devices including TVs, tablets, computers, game consoles and smart phones.  The Sling International video programming service (formerly known as DishWorld) was launched prior to 2015, which historically represented a small percentage of our Pay-TV subscribers.  Sling International offers over 200 channels in 18 languages.  In February 2015, we launched our Sling domestic service.  The Sling domestic core package consists of over 20 channels offered for a monthly subscription.  In addition to the core programming package, Sling domestic offers additional tiers of programming, including sports, kids, movies, world news, lifestyle and Spanish language and additional premium content such as HBO, each available for an additional monthly fee.  Sling TV programming is offered live and on-demand and can be replayed as programming rights permit.  In June 2015, we also launched our Sling Latino service.  In addition to these Sling TV services that may only be streamed on one device at a time (single-stream services), on April 13, 2016, we launched a live beta multi-stream Sling domestic service, which includes, among other things, the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously.All Sling TV subscribers are included in our Pay-TV subscriber count.

Trends

Competition

Competition has intensified in recent years as the pay-TV industry has matured.  With respect to our DISH branded pay-TV services, 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.  Some 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.  In some cases, certain competitors have been able to potentially subsidize the price of video services with the price of broadband and/or wireless services.  We incur significant costs to retain our existing DISH branded pay-TV customers, mostly as a result of upgrading their equipment to HD and DVR receivers and by providing retention credits.  Our subscriber retention costs may vary significantly from period to period.  Our Pay-TV services also face increased competition from content providers and other companies who distribute video directly to consumers over the Internet.  Programming offered over the Internet has become more prevalent and consumers are spending an increasing amount of time accessing video content via the Internet on their mobile devices.  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 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, resulting in less revenue to us.

We implement new marketing promotions from time to time that are intended to increase our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations.  During 2015 and early 2016, we launched various marketing promotions offering certain DISH branded pay-TV programming packages without a price increase for a limited time period.  While we plan to implement other new marketing efforts, there can be no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in increasing our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations.  Additionally, in response to our efforts, we may face increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing, more aggressive retention efforts, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers.

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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.  In the event that 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.

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 “Subscriber-related expenses” and the largest component of our total expense.  We expect these costs to continue to increase, especially for local broadcast channels and sports programming.  In addition, certain programming costs are rising at a much faster rate than wages or inflation.  Further, programming costs continue to increase due to contractual price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms.  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.

Increases in programming costs generally cause 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, resulting in less revenue to us.

Furthermore, our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, net Pay-TV subscriber additions and Pay-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 gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, net Pay-TV subscriber additions and Pay-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.  We cannot predict with any certainty the impact to our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, net Pay-TV subscriber additions and Pay-TV 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 gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, lower net Pay-TV subscriber additions and higher Pay-TV churn rates.

Operations and Customer Service

While competitive factors have impacted the entire pay-TV industry, our relative performance has also been driven by issues specific to us.  In the past, our subscriber growth has been adversely affected by signal theft and other forms of fraud and by our operational inefficiencies.  To combat signal theft and improve the security of our broadcast system, we use microchips embedded in credit card sized access cards, called “smart cards,” or security chips in our DBS receiver systems to control access to authorized programming content (“Security Access Devices”).  We expect that future replacements of these devices will be necessary to keep our system secure.  To combat other forms of fraud, among other things, we monitor our independent distributors’ and independent retailers’ adherence to our business rules.

While we have made improvements in responding to and dealing with customer service issues, we continue to focus on the prevention of these issues, which is critical to our business, financial condition and results of operations.  To improve our operational performance, we continue to make investments in staffing, training, information systems, and other initiatives, primarily in our call center and in-home service operations.  These investments are intended to help combat inefficiencies introduced by the increasing complexity of our business, improve customer satisfaction, reduce churn, increase productivity, and allow us to scale better over the long run.  We cannot be certain, however, that our spending will ultimately be successful in improving our operational performance.

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Changes in our Technology

We have been deploying DBS receivers that utilize 8PSK modulation technology with MPEG-4 compression technology for several years.  These technologies, when fully deployed, will allow improved broadcast efficiency, and therefore allow increased programming capacity.  Many of our customers today, however, do not have DBS receivers that use MPEG-4 compression technology.  In addition, given that all of our HD content is broadcast in MPEG-4, any growth in HD penetration will naturally accelerate our transition to these newer technologies and may increase our subscriber acquisition and retention costs.  All new DBS receivers that we purchase from EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) have MPEG-4 compression with 8PSK modulation technology.

In addition, from time to time, we change equipment for certain subscribers to make more efficient use of transponder capacity in support of HD and other initiatives.  We believe that the benefit from the increase in available transponder capacity outweighs the short-term cost of these equipment changes.

Operational Liquidity

We make general investments in property such as satellites, set-top boxes, information technology and facilities that support our overall 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 Pay-TV churn rate and how successful we are at retaining our current Pay-TV subscribers.  As we lose Pay-TV 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 subscriber-related margins.  To the extent our “Subscriber-related expenses” grow faster than our “Subscriber-related revenue,” the amount of cash flow that is generated per existing subscriber is reduced.  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.  Finally, our future cash flow is impacted by the rate at which we make general investments and any cash flow from financing activities.

Our subscriber-specific investments to acquire new subscribers have a significant impact on our cash flow.  While fewer subscribers might translate into lower ongoing cash flow in the long-term, cash flow is actually aided, in the short-term, by the reduction in subscriber-specific investment spending.  As a result, a slow-down in our business due to external or internal factors does not introduce the same level of short-term liquidity risk as it might in other industries.

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.

Future Liquidity

Debt Maturity

Our 7 1/8% Senior Notes with an aggregate principal balance of $1.5 billion were redeemed on February 1, 2016.

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Wireless Spectrum

DISH Network Spectrum.  DISH Network has invested over $5.0 billion since 2008 to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.  DISH Network will need to make significant additional investments or partner with others to, among other things, commercialize, build-out, and integrate these licenses and related assets, and any additional acquired licenses and related assets; and comply with regulations applicable to such licenses.  Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such investments or partnerships could vary significantly.  DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize its wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers.  For example, on February 10, 2016, DISH Network filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to potentially participate as a bidder in the forward auction phase of the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction (“Auction 1000”).  Auction 1000 will take place in two phases.  In the first phase or reverse auction phase, participating television broadcasters will “sell” their rights to use certain broadcast television spectrum in the 600 MHz frequency range to the FCC.  In the second phase or forward auction phase, the FCC will “resell” that spectrum to various auction participants, including wireless service providers and other potential bidders.  The first phase of Auction 1000 began on March 29, 2016.  The FCC determined that bidding in Auction 1000 will be “anonymous,” which means that prior to and during the course of the auction, the FCC will not make public any information about a specific applicant’s upfront deposits or its bids.  In addition, FCC rules restrict information that bidders may disclose about their participation in Auction 1000.

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.  See Note 10 in the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our dividends to DISH Orbital Corporation (“DOC”).  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.  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 has made over $10.0 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.  DISH Network may need to make significant additional loans to the Northstar Entities and to the SNR Entities, or they may need to partner with others, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses, and comply with regulations applicable to the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses.  Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such loans or partnerships could vary significantly. 

In connection with certain funding obligations related to the investments by American II and American III discussed above, in February 2015, we paid a dividend of $8.250 billion to DOC for, among other things, general corporate purposes, which included such funding obligations, and to fund other DISH Network cash needs.  We may make additional cash distributions to finance in whole or in part loans that DISH Network may make to the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities in the future 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.

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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 10 “Commitments” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 for further information.

Covenants and Restrictions Related to our Senior Notes

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.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This converged standard on revenue recognition was issued jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board to create common revenue recognition guidance for accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2014-09 provides a framework for revenue recognition that replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption.  We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  We have not yet selected an adoption method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.  The new standard could impact revenue and cost recognition for a significant number of our contracts, as well as our business processes and information technology systems.  As a result, our evaluation of the effect of the new standard will likely extend over several future periods.  On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral on the effective date for implementation of this standard, which changed the effective date for us to January 1, 2018.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”),Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee).  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Leases.  On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases, which relates to the accounting of leasing transactions.  This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months.  In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Compensation – Stock Compensation.  On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation – Stock Compensation:  Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments.  This standard addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including:  (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS

Subscriber-related revenue.  “Subscriber-related revenue” consists principally of revenue from basic, premium movie, local, HD programming, pay-per-view, Latino and international subscription services; equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs, equipment upgrade fees and additional outlet fees; advertising services; fees earned from our in-home service operations and other subscriber revenue.  Certain of the amounts included in “Subscriber-related 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 DBS accessories to independent retailers and other independent distributors of our equipment and revenue from equipment sales, services and other agreements with EchoStar.

Subscriber-related expenses.  “Subscriber-related expenses” principally include programming expenses, which represent a substantial majority of these expenses.  “Subscriber-related expenses” also include costs for Pay-TV services incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, billing costs, refurbishment and repair costs related to DBS receiver systems, subscriber retention and other variable subscriber expenses.

Satellite and transmission expenses.  “Satellite and transmission expenses” includes the cost of leasing satellite and transponder capacity from EchoStar and the cost of digital broadcast operations provided to us by EchoStar, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, and other professional services.  “Satellite and transmission expenses” also includes executory costs associated with capital leases and costs associated with transponder leases and other related services.  In addition, “Satellite and transmission expenses” includes costs associated with our Sling TV services including, among other things, streaming delivery technology and infrastructure.

Cost of sales - equipment, services and other.  “Cost of sales - equipment, services and other” primarily includes the cost of non-subsidized sales of DBS accessories to independent retailers and other independent distributors of our equipment and costs related to equipment sales, services and other agreements with EchoStar.

Subscriber acquisition costs.  While we primarily lease DBS receiver systems, we also subsidize certain costs to attract new subscribers.  Our “Subscriber acquisition costs” include the cost of subsidized sales of DBS receiver systems to independent retailers and other independent distributors of our equipment, the cost of subsidized sales of DBS receiver systems directly by us to subscribers, including net costs related to our promotional incentives, costs related to our direct sales efforts and costs related to installation and acquisition advertising.  Our “Subscriber acquisition costs” also includes costs associated with acquiring Sling TV subscribers including, among other things, costs related to acquisition advertising, our direct sales efforts and commissions.

Pay-TV SAC.  Subscriber acquisition cost measures are commonly used by those evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry.  We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating the “average subscriber acquisition costs per new Pay-TV subscriber activation,” or Pay-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 Pay-TV SAC is calculated as “Subscriber acquisition costs,” plus the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new DISH branded pay-TV subscribers, divided by gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations.  We include all the costs of acquiring Pay-TV subscribers (e.g., subsidized and capitalized equipment) as we believe it is a more comprehensive measure of how much we are spending to acquire subscribers.  We also include all new Pay-TV subscribers in our calculation, including Pay-TV subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs.  Subscriber acquisition costs for Sling TV subscribers are lower than those for DISH branded pay-TV subscribers.

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General and administrative expenses.  “General and administrative expenses” consists primarily of employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems, accounting and finance, including non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.  It also includes outside professional fees (e.g., legal, information systems and accounting services) and other items associated with facilities and administration.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.  “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” primarily includes interest expense (net of capitalized interest), prepayment premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our senior debt and interest expense associated with our capital lease obligations.

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, and equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).  EBITDA is defined as “Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS” 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) attributable to DISH DBS” in our discussion of “Results of Operations” below.

Pay-TV subscribers.  We include customers obtained through direct sales, independent retailers and other independent distribution relationships in our Pay-TV subscriber count.  We also provide DISH branded pay-TV service to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts.  For certain of these commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by an amount approximately equal to the retail price of our DISH America programming package, and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our Pay-TV subscriber count.  The Sling International video programming service was launched prior to 2015, which historically represented a small percentage of our Pay-TV subscribers.  During February and June 2015, we launched our Sling domestic and Sling Latino services, respectively.  All Sling TV subscribers are included in our Pay-TV subscriber count.  Sling TV subscribers receiving service for no charge, under certain new subscriber promotions, are excluded from our Pay-TV subscriber count.  Sling TV subscribers are reported net of disconnects in our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations.  For customers who subscribe to both our DISH branded pay-TV service and our Sling branded pay-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 “Subscriber-related 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.

Pay-TV average monthly subscriber churn rate (“Pay-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 Pay-TV churn rate for any period by dividing the number of DISH branded pay-TV subscribers who terminated service during the period by the average number of Pay-TV subscribers for the same period, and further dividing by the number of months in the period.  When calculating the Pay-TV churn rate, the same methodology for calculating average number of Pay-TV subscribers is used as when calculating Pay-TV ARPU.  As described above, Sling TV subscribers are reported net of disconnects in our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations.  Therefore, to the extent that our Sling TV subscriber base grows, our Pay-TV churn rate will be positively impacted.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,						Variance
Statements of Operations Data	2016			2015			Amount			%
				(In thousands)
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue	$	3,660,665		$	3,590,704		$	69,961		1.9
Equipment sales and other revenue		11,489			30,358			(18,869)		(62.2)
Total revenue		3,672,154			3,621,062			51,092		1.4
Costs and Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses		2,151,427			2,105,096			46,331		2.2
% of Subscriber-related revenue		58.8	%		58.6	%
Satellite and transmission expenses		173,221			184,680			(11,459)		(6.2)
% of Subscriber-related revenue		4.7	%		5.1	%
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other		11,987			30,495			(18,508)		(60.7)
Subscriber acquisition costs		359,533			378,933			(19,400)		(5.1)
General and administrative expenses		192,067			191,674			393		0.2
% of Total revenue		5.2	%		5.3	%
Depreciation and amortization		212,254			223,895			(11,641)		(5.2)
Total costs and expenses		3,100,489			3,114,773			(14,284)		(0.5)
Operating income (loss)		571,665			506,289			65,376		12.9
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		346			4,217			(3,871)		(91.8)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(191,337)			(222,010)			30,673		13.8
Other, net		32,393			91			32,302		*
Total other income (expense)		(158,598)			(217,702)			59,104		27.1
Income (loss) before income taxes		413,067			288,587			124,480		43.1
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(157,562)			(104,600)			(52,962)		(50.6)
Effective tax rate		38.1	%		36.2	%
Net income (loss)		255,505			183,987			71,518		38.9
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(6,729)			(3,945)			(2,784)		(70.6)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	262,234		$	187,932		$	74,302		39.5
Other Data:
Pay-TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions)		13.874			14.013			(0.139)		(1.0)
Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross (in millions)		0.657			0.723			(0.066)		(9.1)
Pay-TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		(0.023)			0.035			(0.058)		*
Pay-TV average monthly subscriber churn rate (“Pay-TV churn rate”)		1.63	%		1.64	%		(0.01)	%	(0.6)
Pay-TV average subscriber acquisition cost per subscriber (“Pay-TV SAC”)	$	648		$	667		$	(19)		(2.8)
Pay-TV average monthly revenue per subscriber (“Pay-TV ARPU”)	$	87.94		$	85.73		$	2.21		2.6
EBITDA	$	823,041		$	734,220		$	88,821		12.1

* Percentage is not meaningful.

Pay-TV subscribers.  We lost approximately 23,000 net Pay-TV subscribers during the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the addition of approximately 35,000 net Pay-TV subscribers during the same period in 2015.  The net Pay-TV subscriber losses during the three months ended March 31, 2016 primarily resulted from lower gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations discussed below.

Our Pay-TV churn rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 1.63% compared to 1.64% for the same period in 2015.  Our Pay-TV churn rate continues to be adversely affected by 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 Pay-TV churn rate is also impacted by, among other things, the credit quality of previously acquired subscribers, 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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During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we activated approximately 657,000 gross new Pay-TV subscribers compared to approximately 723,000 gross new Pay-TV subscribers during the same period in 2015, a decrease of 9.1%.  Our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations continue to be negatively impacted by stricter customer acquisition policies for our DISH branded pay-TV subscribers (including a focus on attaining higher quality subscribers) and increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing, more aggressive retention efforts, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers. 

In the past, our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, net Pay-TV subscriber additions and Pay-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.  We cannot predict with any certainty the impact to our gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, net Pay-TV subscriber additions and Pay-TV 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 gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations, lower net Pay-TV subscriber additions and higher Pay-TV churn rates.

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 Pay-TV subscriber activations as well as Pay-TV churn rate.  Our future gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations and our Pay-TV churn rate may be negatively impacted by these factors, which could in turn adversely affect our revenue growth.

Subscriber-related revenue.  “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $3.661 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $70 million or 1.9% compared to the same period in 2015.  The change in “Subscriber-related revenue” from the same period in 2015 was primarily related to the increase in Pay-TV ARPU discussed below, partially offset by a lower average Pay-TV subscriber base.

Pay-TV ARPU.  Pay-TV ARPU was $87.94 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 versus $85.73 during the same period in 2015.  The $2.21 or 2.6% increase in Pay-TV ARPU was primarily attributable to the DISH branded pay-TV programming package price increases in February 2016 and 2015.  These increases were partially offset by a shift in DISH branded pay-TV programming package mix, an increase in Sling TV subscribers and a decrease in premium and pay-per-view revenue.  Sling TV subscribers generally have lower priced programming packages than DISH branded pay-TV subscribers, and therefore, to the extent that Sling TV subscribers increase, it has a negative impact on Pay-TV ARPU.

Subscriber-related expenses.  “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $2.151 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $46 million or 2.2% compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to higher programming costs, partially offset by a decrease in variable and retention costs per subscriber and a lower average Pay-TV subscriber base.  The increase in programming costs was driven by rate increases in certain of our programming contracts, including the renewal of certain contracts at higher rates.  The decrease in retention costs per subscriber primarily resulted from fewer Pay-TV subscriber equipment migrations and upgrades.  “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 58.8% and 58.6% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

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 “Subscriber-related expenses” have and may 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 continue to increase to the extent we are successful in growing our Pay-TV subscriber base.

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Subscriber acquisition costs.  “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled $360 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $19 million or 5.1% compared to the same period in 2015.  This change was primarily attributable to a decrease in gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations and a decrease in Pay-TV SAC, discussed below. 

Pay-TV SAC.  Pay-TV SAC was $648 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $667 during the same period in 2015, a decrease of $19 or 2.8%.  This change was primarily attributable to a decrease in hardware costs per activation.  The decrease in hardware costs per activation was driven by a higher percentage of remanufactured receivers being activated on new DISH branded pay-TV subscriber accounts and by a reduction in manufacturing costs related to certain receiver systems.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new DISH branded pay-TV subscribers totaled $66 million and $103 million, respectively.  This decrease in capital expenditures under our lease program for new DISH branded pay-TV subscribers resulted primarily from fewer gross new Pay-TV subscriber activations and a decrease in hardware costs per activation, discussed above. 

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 Pay-TV SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.

Our “Subscriber acquisition costs” and “Pay-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.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.  “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” totaled $191 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $31 million or 13.8% compared to the same period in 2015.  The decrease was principally related to debt redemptions during 2016 and 2015.

Other, net.  “Other, net” income was $32 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $32 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The three months ended March 31, 2016 was positively impacted by net realized gains on our marketable and other investment securities.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.  EBITDA was $823 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $89 million or 12.1% compared to the same period in 2015.  The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
EBITDA	$	823,041	$	734,220
Interest, net		(190,991)		(217,793)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(157,562)		(104,600)
Depreciation and amortization		(212,254)		(223,895)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	262,234	$	187,932

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 to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the pay-TV industry.  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.

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Income tax (provision) benefit, net.  Our income tax provision was $158 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016,  an increase of $53 million compared to the same period in 2015.  The increase in the provision was primarily related to the increase in “Income (loss) before income taxes.”

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.

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.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 8 “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, 2015 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, 2016, filed on April 22, 2016, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”):  (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (iv) related notes to these financial statements.

*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/ Charles W. Ergen
	Charles W. Ergen
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	(Duly Authorized Officer)
By:	/s/ Steven E. Swain
	Steven E. Swain
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)
By:	/s/ Paul W. Orban
	Paul W. Orban
	Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
	(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date:  April 22, 2016

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Section 302 Certification

I, Charles W. Ergen, 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;

4.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:

a)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;

b)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;

c)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

d)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):

a)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

b)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:  April 22, 2016

/s/  Charles W. Ergen

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Section 302 Certification

I, Steven E. Swain, 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;

4.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:

a)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;

b)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;

c)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

d)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):

a)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

b)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:  April 22, 2016

/s/ Steven E. Swain

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

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, 2016 (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:	April 22, 2016
Name:	/s/ Charles W. Ergen
Title:	Chairman 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.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL 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, 2016 (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:	April 22, 2016
Name:	/s/ Steven E. Swain
Title:	Senior 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.

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.

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 15, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	DISH DBS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001042642
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,113	$ 419,926
Marketable investment securities	26	141,335
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,621 and $20,972, respectively	766,460	822,505
Inventory	455,205	390,253
Other current assets	96,836	115,205
Total current assets	1,370,640	1,889,224
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities	82,374	82,374
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,896,638 and $2,871,457, respectively	2,072,128	2,150,340
FCC authorizations	635,794	635,794
Other investment securities	324,371	327,250
Other noncurrent assets, net	232,637	219,574
Total noncurrent assets	3,347,304	3,415,332
Total assets	4,717,944	5,304,556
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	524,276	433,349
Advances from affiliates	604,950
Deferred revenue and other	843,595	843,638
Accrued programming	1,585,979	1,531,389
Accrued interest	184,072	224,513
Other accrued expenses	419,136	430,820
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	33,126	1,531,928
Total current liabilities	4,195,134	4,995,637
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	12,201,217	12,206,687
Deferred tax liabilities	1,042,634	1,089,016
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	179,517	164,682
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion	13,423,368	13,460,385
Total liabilities	$ 17,618,502	$ 18,456,022
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 20,000	$ 18,000
Stockholder's Equity (Deficit):
Additional paid-in capital	1,308,429	1,309,138
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(241)	12,039
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(14,230,518)	(14,492,752)
Total DISH DBS stockholder's equity (deficit)	(12,922,330)	(13,171,575)
Noncontrolling interests	1,772	2,109
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)	(12,920,558)	(13,169,466)
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)	$ 4,717,944	$ 5,304,556

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable	$ 14,621	$ 20,972
Noncurrent Assets:
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment, net	$ 2,896,638	$ 2,871,457
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,015	1,015
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,015	1,015

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue	$ 3,660,665	$ 3,590,704
Equipment sales and other revenue	11,489	30,358
Total revenue	3,672,154	3,621,062
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6):
Subscriber-related expenses	2,151,427	2,105,096
Satellite and transmission expenses	173,221	184,680
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other	11,987	30,495
Subscriber acquisition costs:
Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies	58,766	47,518
Other subscriber acquisition costs	178,092	194,982
Subscriber acquisition advertising	122,675	136,433
Total subscriber acquisition costs	359,533	378,933
General and administrative expenses	192,067	191,674
Depreciation and amortization (Note 6)	212,254	223,895
Total costs and expenses	3,100,489	3,114,773
Operating income (loss)	571,665	506,289
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	346	4,217
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(191,337)	(222,010)
Other, net	32,393	91
Total other income (expense)	(158,598)	(217,702)
Income (loss) before income taxes	413,067	288,587
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(157,562)	(104,600)
Net income (loss)	255,505	183,987
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(6,729)	(3,945)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	262,234	187,932
Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	255,505	183,987
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(19,717)	(17,532)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net	7,437	4,946
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,280)	(12,586)
Comprehensive income (loss)	243,225	171,401
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(6,729)	(3,945)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$ 249,954	$ 175,346

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 255,505	$ 183,987
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	212,254	223,895
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments	(32,310)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	4,477	7,709
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(35,853)	(32,217)
Other, net	9,275	13,252
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net	105,189	233,005
Net cash flows from operating activities	518,537	629,631
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net	139,938	1,338,073
Purchases of property and equipment	(136,942)	(163,376)
Other, net	13,142	2,949
Net cash flows from investing activities	16,138	1,177,646
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Dividend to DISH Orbital Corporation		(8,250,000)
Redemption and repurchases of senior notes (Note 7)	(1,500,000)
Advances from affiliates	604,950
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(7,506)	(6,586)
Other, net	68	7,967
Net cash flows from financing activities	(902,488)	(8,248,619)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(367,813)	(6,441,342)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	419,926	6,762,140
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 52,113	$ 320,798

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Organization and Business Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization and Business Activities

Organization and Business Activities

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.  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, Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, third-party broadcast operations, customer service facilities, a leased fiber optic network, in-home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations.  The Sling branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, live, linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”) Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“Sling TV”).  The Sling International video programming service (formerly known as DishWorld) was launched prior to 2015, which historically represented a small percentage of our Pay-TV subscribers.  During February and June 2015, we launched our Sling domestic and Sling Latino services, respectively.  In addition to these Sling TV services that may only be streamed on one device at a time (single-stream services), on April 13, 2016, we launched a live beta multi-stream Sling domestic service, which includes, among other things, the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously. All Sling TV subscribers are included in our Pay-TV subscriber count.  As of March 31, 2016, we had 13.874 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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, 2015.  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.  See below for further information.  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, the cost method is used.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Sling TV.  On May 2, 2014, DISH Network contributed its equity interest in Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (“Sling TV Holding,” formerly known as DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) to us.  As a result, all operating activities of Sling TV Holding are included in our financial results beginning May 2, 2014.  Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) and Sling TV Holding entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV Holding to a ten percent non-voting interest.  EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest is redeemable contingent on a certain performance goal being achieved by Sling TV Holding.  In addition, subject to certain conditions, the interest is redeemable at fair value within sixty days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement.  This interest is considered temporary equity and is recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the mezzanine section of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding was initially accounted for at fair value.  The performance goal has been determined to be probable of achievement.  Accordingly, the value of EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding is adjusted each reporting period for any change in redemption value above the initial fair value (adjusted for the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar subsequent to August 1, 2014), with the offset recorded in “Additional paid-in capital,” net of deferred taxes on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets effective August 1, 2014, with the offset recorded in “Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 10 for further information on Sling TV Holding and the Exchange Agreement.

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 doubtful accounts, 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, fair value of multi-element arrangements, capital leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) and current liabilities (excluding the “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations”) is equal to or approximates 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 estimated based on 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 7 for the fair value of our long-term debt.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This converged standard on revenue recognition was issued jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board to create common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2014-09 provides a framework for revenue recognition that replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption.  We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  We have not yet selected an adoption method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.  The new standard could impact revenue and cost recognition for a significant number of our contracts, as well as our business processes and information technology systems.  As a result, our evaluation of the effect of the new standard will likely extend over several future periods.  On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral on the effective date for implementation of this standard, which changed the effective date for us to January 1, 2018.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”),Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee).  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Leases.  On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases, which relates to the accounting of leasing transactions.  This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months.  In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Compensation – Stock Compensation.  On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation – Stock Compensation:  Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments.  This standard addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including:  (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

3.Supplemental Data – Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents our supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	229,548	$	230,081
Cash received for interest		346		4,217
Cash paid for income taxes		4,276		577
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		173,933		140,595
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		988		—

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, among other reasons, to 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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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

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

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

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, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities	$	26	$	141,335
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		82,307		82,280
Total marketable investment securities		82,333		223,615
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		67		94
Other investment securities:
Investment in EchoStar preferred tracking stock - cost method		228,795		228,795
Investment in HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method		87,409		87,409
Other investment securities - cost method		8,167		11,046
Total other investment securities		324,371		327,250
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	406,771	$	550,959

(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 consists of various debt and equity instruments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale.

Current Marketable Investment Securities

Our current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in equity securities and various debt instruments including,among others, commercial paper, corporate securities and U.S. 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.

Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash and cash equivalents, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit.

Other Investment Securities

We have strategic investments in certain debt and equity securities that are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and accounted for using the cost, equity and/or available-for-sale methods of accounting.

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.

Investment in Tracking Stock

On February 20, 2014, we entered into agreementswith EchoStarto implement a transaction pursuant to which, among other things:  (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSSC”), a subsidiary of EchoStar, five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV (collectively the “Transferred Satellites”), including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million), and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange foran aggregate of 6,290,499 shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued by EchoStar and an aggregate of 81.128 shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued by HSSC (collectively, the “Tracking Stock”); and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back certain satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites (collectively, the “Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction”).As of November 30, 2015, we no longer lease satellite capacity on the EchoStar I satellite.  The Tracking Stock generally tracks the residential retail satellite broadband business of Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSSC, including without limitation the operations, assets and liabilities attributed to the Hughes residential retail satellite broadband business (collectively, the “Hughes Retail Group”).  The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to us represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group.

Since the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is among entities under common control, we recorded the Tracking Stock at EchoStar’s and HSSC’s historical cost basis for these instruments of $229 million and $87 million, respectively.  The difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the Transferred Satellites of $356 million (including debt obligations, net of deferred taxes), plus the $11 million in cash, resulted in a $51 million capital transaction recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock.  As such, the Tracking Stock is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. 

On February 20, 2014, DISH Operating L.L.C. (“DOLLC”) and DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”), each indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with EchoStar and HSSC with respect to the Tracking Stock (the “Investor Rights Agreement”).  The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for us; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of DISHNetwork and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock.  The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate with respect to our interest should we no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had accumulated net unrealized gains of less than $1 million and $20million, respectively.  These amounts, net of related tax effect, were less than $1  million and $12 million, respectively. All of these amounts are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit).” The components of our available-for-sale investments are summarized in the table below.

	As of March 31, 2016								As of December 31, 2015
	Marketable								Marketable
	Investment		Unrealized						Investment		Unrealized
	Securities		Gains		Losses		Net		Securities		Gains		Losses		Net
	(In thousands)
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	82,144	$	45	$	(6)	$	39	$	82,124	$	2	$	(135)	$	(133)
Corporate securities		—		—		—		—		90,838		3		(174)		(171)
Other		163		—		—		—		17,382		—		(2)		(2)
Equity securities		26		12		—		12		33,271		20,034		—		20,034
Total	$	82,333	$	57	$	(6)	$	51	$	223,615	$	20,039	$	(311)	$	19,728

As of March 31, 2016, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $60 million with contractual maturities within one year and $22million with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity.

Fair Value Measurements

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

	As of
	March 31, 2016								December 31, 2015
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	307,406	$	25,814	$	281,592	$	—
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	82,144	$	77,375	$	4,769		—	$	82,124	$	77,328	$	4,796	$	—
Corporate securities		—		—		—		—		90,838		—		90,838		—
Other		163		—		163		—		17,382		—		17,382		—
Equity securities		26		26		—		—		33,271		33,271		—		—
Total	$	82,333	$	77,401	$	4,932	$	—	$	223,615	$	110,599	$	113,016	$	—

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we had no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.

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Inventory

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Inventory

Inventory

5.Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following:

	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	371,372	$	304,812
Work-in-process and service repairs		74,351		74,768
Raw materials		9,482		10,673
Total inventory	$	455,205	$	390,253

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Property and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

6.Property and Equipment

Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following:

	For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	180,651	$	191,753
Satellites		15,261		15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		16,342		16,881
Total depreciation and amortization	$	212,254	$	223,895

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 12 satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator, one of which we own and depreciate over its estimated useful life.We currently utilize certain capacity on nine satellites that we lease from EchoStar, which are accounted for as operating leases.  We also lease two satellites from third parties, which are accounted for as capital leases and are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or the term of the satellite agreement.

As of March 31, 2016, our pay-TV satellite fleet consisted of the following:

			Estimated
			Useful Life
			(Years)/
		Degree	Lease
	Launch	Orbital	Termination
Satellites	Date	Location	Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	15
Under Construction:
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	110	15
Leased from EchoStar (1):
EchoStar VII (2)	February 2002	119	June 2017
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (2)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (2)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XII (2)	July 2003	61.5	September 2017
EchoStar XIV (2)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (3)	November 2012	61.5	January 2017
Nimiq 5	September 2009	72.7	September 2019
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 2019

(1) See Note 10 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

(2) We generally have the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the useful life of the respective satellite.

(3) We have the option to renew this lease for an additional six-year period.  If we exercise our six-year renewal option, we have the option to renew this lease for an additional five years.

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Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

7.Long-Term Debt

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, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	As of
	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (1)	$	—	$	—	$	1,500,000	$	1,506,750
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017		900,000		916,200		900,000		922,770
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018		1,200,000		1,205,964		1,200,000		1,207,560
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019		1,400,000		1,547,000		1,400,000		1,525,440
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020		1,100,000		1,119,338		1,100,000		1,100,000
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021		2,000,000		2,080,000		2,000,000		2,021,020
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		1,905,000		2,000,000		1,889,780
5 % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,321,305		1,500,000		1,297,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		1,835,000		2,000,000		1,765,000
Other notes payable		13,684		13,684		13,686		13,686
Subtotal		12,113,684	$	11,943,491		13,613,686	$	13,249,506
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(39,317)				(41,563)
Capital lease obligations (2)		159,976				166,492
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	$	12,234,343			$	13,738,615

(1) On February 1, 2016, we redeemed the principal balance of our 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016.

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

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

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

8.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

DISH Network Spectrum

DISH Network has invested over $5.0 billion since 2008 to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.  DISH Network will need to make significant additional investments or partner with others to, among other things, commercialize, build-out, and integrate these licenses and related assets, and any additional acquired licenses and related assets; and comply with regulations applicable to such licenses.  Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such investments or partnerships could vary significantly.  DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize its wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers.  For example, on February 10, 2016, DISH Network filed an application with the FCC to potentially participate as a bidder in the forward auction phase of the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction (“Auction 1000”).  Auction 1000 will take place in two phases.  In the first phase or reverse auction phase, participating television broadcasters will “sell” their rights to use certain broadcast television spectrum in the 600 MHz frequency range to the FCC.  In the second phase or forward auction phase, the FCC will “resell” that spectrum to various auction participants, including wireless service providers and other potential bidders.  The first phase of Auction 1000 began on March 29, 2016.  The FCC determined that bidding in Auction 1000 will be “anonymous,” which means that prior to and during the course of the auction, the FCC will not make public any information about a specific applicant’s upfront deposits or its bids.  In addition, FCC rules restrict information that bidders may disclose about their participation in Auction 1000.

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.  See Note 10 for further information regarding our dividends to DOC.  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

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 has made over $10.0 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.  DISH Network may need to make significant additional loans to the Northstar Entities and to the SNR Entities, or they may need to partner with others, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses, and comply with regulations applicable to the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses.  Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such loans or partnerships could vary significantly. 

In connection with certain funding obligations related to the investments by American II and American III discussed above, in February 2015, we paid a dividend of $8.250 billion to DOC for, among other things, general corporate purposes, which included such funding obligations, and to fund other DISH Network cash needs.  We may make additional cash distributions to finance in whole or in part loans that DISH Network may make to the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities in the future 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, make additional cash distributions to DISH Network, continue investing in our business and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions. 

See Note 10 “Commitments” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 for further information.

Guarantees

During the third quarter 2009, EchoStar entered into a satellite transponder service agreement for Nimiq 5 through 2024.  We sublease this capacity from EchoStar and DISH Network guarantees a certain portion of EchoStar’s obligation under its satellite transponder service agreement through 2019.  As of March 31, 2016, the remaining obligation of the DISH Network guarantee was $232 million.  As of March 31, 2016, DISH Network has not recorded a liability on the balance sheet for this guarantee.

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 our acts or omissions following the Spin-off.

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 (as with many patent-related cases).  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.

California Institute of Technology

On October 1, 2013, the California Institute of Technology (“Caltech”) filed complaints against DISH Network and its wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., as well as Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, which are subsidiaries of EchoStar, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.  The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781 and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled “Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes.”  Caltech alleges that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents.  In the operative Amended Complaint, served on March 6, 2014, Caltech claims that our Hopper® set-top box, as well as the Hughes defendants’ satellite broadband products and services, infringes the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard.  On May 5, 2015, the Court granted summary judgment in our favor as to the Hopper set-top box alleged in the complaint.  On February 17, 2015, Caltech filed a new complaint in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, asserting the same patents against the same defendants.  Caltech alleges that certain broadband equipment, including without limitation the HT1000 and HT1100 modems, gateway hardware, software and/or firmware that the Hughes defendants provide to, among others, us for our use in connection with the dishNET branded broadband service, infringes these patents.

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.

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 wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Utah.  The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; 7,526,784, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,543,318, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,577,970, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; and 8,117,282, 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.

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.

CRFD Research, Inc. (a subsidiary of Marathon Patent Group,Inc.)

On January 17, 2014, CRFD Research, Inc. (“CRFD”) filed a complaint against us, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Network, EchoStar, and its wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,191,233 (the “233 patent”).  The 233 patent is entitled “System for Automated, Mid-Session, User-Directed, Device-to-Device Session Transfer System,” and relates to transferring an ongoing software session from one device to another.  CRFD alleges that our Hopper and Joey® set-top boxes infringe the 233 patent.  On the same day, CRFD filed similar complaints against AT&T Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corp. and Limelight Networks, Inc.  CRFD is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  On January 26, 2015, we and EchoStar filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 233 patent.  The United States Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to institute a proceeding on our petition, as well as on two third-party petitions challenging the validity of the 233 patent,and it heard oral argument on January 16, 2016.  On June4,2015, the litigation in the District Court was ordered stayed pending resolution of the proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

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; United States Patent No. 9,053,494; United States Patent No. 7,840,437; and United States Patent No. 8,955,029.  Each patent is entitled “System for Data Management And On-Demand Rental And Purchase Of Digital Data Products.”  Customedia appears to allege 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 an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

Do Not Call Litigation

On March 25, 2009, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. was sued in a civil action by the United States Attorney General and several states in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”), as well as analogous state statutes and state consumer protection laws.  The plaintiffs allege that we, directly and through certain independent third-party retailers and their affiliates, committed certain telemarketing violations.  On December 23, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment, which indicated for the first time that the state plaintiffs were seeking civil penalties and damages of approximately $270 million and that the federal plaintiff was seeking an unspecified amount of civil penalties (which could substantially exceed the civil penalties and damages being sought by the state plaintiffs).  The plaintiffs were also seeking injunctive relief that if granted would, among other things, enjoin DISH Network L.L.C., whether acting directly or indirectly through authorized telemarketers or independent third-party retailers, from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services for five years, and enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from accepting activations or sales from certain existing independent third-party retailers and from certain new independent third-party retailers, except under certain circumstances.  We also filed a motion for summary judgment, seeking dismissal of all claims.  On December 12, 2014, the Court issued its opinion with respect to the parties’ summary judgment motions.  The Court found that DISH Network L.L.C. is entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to one claim in the action.  In addition, the Court found that the plaintiffs are entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to ten claims in the action, which includes, among other things, findings by the Court establishing DISH Network L.L.C.’s liability for a substantial amount of the alleged outbound telemarketing calls by DISH Network L.L.C. and certain of its independent third-party retailers that were the subject of the plaintiffs’ motion.  The Court did not issue any injunctive relief and did not make any determination on civil penalties or damages, ruling instead that the scope of any injunctive relief and the amount of any civil penalties or damages are questions for trial. 

In pre-trial disclosures, the federal plaintiff indicated that it intended to seek up to $900 million in alleged civil penalties, and the state plaintiffs indicated that they intended to seek as much as $23.5 billion in alleged civil penalties and damages.  The plaintiffs also modified their request for injunctive relief.  Their requested injunction, if granted, would enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from placing outbound telemarketing calls unless and until:  (i) DISH Network L.L.C. hires a third-party consulting organization to perform a review of its call center operations; (ii) such third-party consulting organization submits a telemarketing compliance plan to the Court and the federal plaintiff; (iii) the Court holds a hearing on the adequacy of the plan; (iv) if the Court approves the plan, DISH Network L.L.C. implements the plan and verifies to the Court that it has implemented the plan; and (v) the Court issues an order permitting DISH Network L.L.C. to resume placing outbound telemarketing calls.   The plaintiffs’ modified request for injunctive relief, if granted, would also enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from accepting customer orders solicited by certain independent third-party retailers unless and until a similar third-party review and Court approval process was followed with respect to the telemarketing activities of its independent third-party retailer base to ensure compliance with the TSR.

The first phase of the bench trial took place January 19, 2016 through February 11, 2016.  In closing briefs, the federal plaintiff indicated that it still is seeking $900 million in alleged civil penalties; the California state plaintiff indicated that it is seeking $100 million in alleged civil penalties and damages for its state law claims (in addition to any amounts sought on its federal law claims); the Ohio state plaintiff indicated that it is seeking approximately $10 million in alleged civil penalties and damages for its state law claims (in addition to any amounts sought on its federal law claims); and the Illinois and North Carolina state plaintiffs did not state the specific alleged civil penalties and damages that they are seeking; but the state plaintiffs have taken the general position that any damages award less than $1.0 billion (presumably for both federal and state law claims) would not raise constitutional concerns.  Under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, excessive fines may not be imposed.

The Court scheduled a second phase of the bench trial for October 2016, which is planned to cover the plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief, as well as DISH Network L.L.C.’s response to certain evidence that the state plaintiffs presented in the first phase.  However, the federal plaintiff subsequently filed a motion with the Court seeking to cancel the separate hearing on the plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief and asking the Court to rule on those matters based on the current trial record.

We may also from time to time be subject to private civil litigation alleging telemarketing violations.  For example, a portion of the alleged telemarketing violations by an independent third-party retailer at issue in the case described in the previous paragraph are also the subject of a certified class action filed against DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

We intend to vigorously defend these cases.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Dragon Intellectual Property, LLC

On December20, 2013, Dragon Intellectual Property, LLC (“Dragon IP”) filed complaints against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., as well as Apple Inc.; AT&T,Inc.; Charter Communications,Inc.; Comcast Corp.; Cox Communications,Inc.; DirecTV; Sirius XM Radio Inc.; Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,930,444 (the “444 patent”), which is entitled “Simultaneous Recording and Playback Apparatus.”  Dragon IP alleges that various of our DVR receivers infringe the 444 patent.  Dragon IP is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  On December 23, 2014, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 444 patent.  On April 10, 2015, the Court granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to stay the action in light of DISH Network L.L.C.’s petition and certain other defendants’ petitions pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 444 patent.  On July 17, 2015, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute a proceeding on our petition, and it heard oral argument on February 9, 2016.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

Grecia

On March 27, 2015, William Grecia (“Grecia”) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,533,860 (the “860 patent”), which is entitled “Personalized Digital Media Access System—PDMAS Part II.”  Grecia alleges that we violate the 860 patent in connection with our digital rights management.  Grecia is the named inventor on the 860 patent.  On June 22, 2015, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  On November 18, 2015, Grecia filed an amended complaint adding allegations that we infringe U.S. Patent No. 8,402,555 (the “555 patent”), which is entitled “Personalized Digital Media Access System (PDMAS).” Grecia is the named inventor on the 555 patent.  Grecia alleges that we violate the 555 patent in connection with our digital rights management.  Grecia dismissed his action with prejudice on February 3, 2016. 

On February 3, 2016, Grecia filed a new complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,887,308 (the “308 patent”), which is entitled “Digital Cloud Access—PDMAS Part III,” on which Grecia is also the named inventor.  Grecia alleges that we violate the 308 patent in connection with our DISH Anywhere feature.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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 Hopper Litigation

On May 24, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.; CBS Corporation; Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.; Fox Television Holdings, Inc.; Fox Cable Network Services, L.L.C. and NBCUniversal, LLC.  In the lawsuit, we sought a declaratory judgment that we are not infringing any defendant’s copyright, or breaching any defendant’s retransmission consent agreement, by virtue of the PrimeTime Anytime™ and AutoHop features of our Hopper set-top box.  A consumer can use the PrimeTime Anytime feature, at his or her option, to record certain primetime programs airing on ABC, CBS, Fox, and/or NBC up to every night, and to store those recordings for up to eight days.  A consumer can use the AutoHop feature, at his or her option, to watch certain recordings that the subscriber made with our PrimeTime Anytime feature, commercial-free, if played back at a certain point after the show’s original airing.

Later on May 24, 2012, (i) Fox Broadcasting Company; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature, the AutoHop feature, as well as Slingbox placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their retransmission consent agreements, (ii) NBC Studios LLC; Universal Network Television, LLC; Open 4 Business Productions LLC and NBCUniversal, LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights, and (iii) CBS Broadcasting Inc.; CBS Studios Inc. and Survivor Productions LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights.

As a result of certain parties’ competing venue-related motions brought in both the New York and California actions, and certain networks’ filing various counterclaims and amended complaints, the claims have proceeded in the following venues:  (1)the copyright and contract claims regarding the ABC and CBS parties in New York; and (2)the copyright and contract claims regarding the Fox and NBC parties in California.

California Actions.  The NBC plaintiffs and Fox plaintiffs filed amended complaints in their respective California actions, adding copyright claims against EchoStar and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar.  In addition, the Fox plaintiffs’ amended complaint added claims challenging the Hopper Transfers™ feature of our second-generation Hopper set-top box.

On November 7, 2012, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features, and the Fox plaintiffs appealed.  On March 27, 2013, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending resolution of the appeal by the Fox plaintiffs.  On July 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features.  On August 7, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc, which was denied on January 24, 2014.  The United States Supreme Court granted the Fox plaintiffs an extension until May 23, 2014 to file a petition for writ of certiorari, but they did not file one.  As a result, the stay of the NBC plaintiffs’ action expired.  On August 6, 2014, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending a final judgment on all claims in the Fox plaintiffs’ action.  The Fox action was dismissed on February 11, 2016.  On March 4, 2016, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs until September 9, 2016; provided that either party may file a motion with the Court to lift the stay after May 27, 2016.  No trial date is currently set on the NBC claims.

In addition, on February 21, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a second motion for preliminary injunction against:  (i) us seeking to enjoin the Hopper Transfers feature in our second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging breach of their retransmission consent agreement; and (ii)us and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. seeking to enjoin the Slingbox placeshifting functionality in our second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging copyright infringement and breach of their retransmission consent agreement.  On September 23, 2013, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion.  The Fox plaintiffs appealed, and on July 14, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the Hopper Transfers feature and the Slingbox placeshifting functionality in our second-generation Hopper set-top box.

On January 12, 2015, the Court ruled on the Fox plaintiffs’ and our respective motions for summary judgment, holding that:  (a)the Slingbox placeshifting functionality and the PrimeTime Anytime, AutoHop and Hopper Transfers features do not violate the copyright laws; (b)certain quality assurance copies (which were discontinued in November 2012) do violate the copyright laws; and (c)the Slingbox placeshifting functionality, the Hopper Transfers feature and such quality assurance copies breach our Fox retransmission consent agreement.  At the parties’ joint request, the Court had stayed the case until January 15, 2016.  Pursuant to a settlement between us and the Fox plaintiffs, we, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and the Fox plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the California court.  The Court ordered such dismissal on February 11, 2016.

New York Actions.  Both the ABC and CBS parties filed counterclaims in the New York action adding copyright claims against EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., and the CBS parties filed a counterclaim alleging that we fraudulently concealed the AutoHop feature when negotiating the renewal of our CBS retransmission consent agreement.  On November 23, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features.  On September 18, 2013, the New York court denied that motion.  The ABC plaintiffs appealed, and oral argument on the appeal was heard on February 20, 2014 before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  Pursuant to a settlement between us and the ABC parties, during March 2014, the ABC parties withdrew their appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; we and the ABC parties dismissed without prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; and the ABC parties granted a covenant not to sue.  Pursuant to a settlement between us and the CBS parties, on December 10, 2014, we and the CBS parties dismissed with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the New York Court.

We intend to vigorously prosecute and defend our position in this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted copyrights, or are in breach of the retransmission consent agreement, we may be subject to substantial damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  In addition, as a result of this litigation, we may not be able to renew our retransmission consent agreement and other programming agreements on favorable terms or at all.  If we are unable to renew these agreements, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain substitute programming, or that such substitute programming would be comparable in quality or cost to our existing programming.  Loss of access to existing programming could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, among other things, our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn rate.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

LightSquared/Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (LightSquared Bankruptcy)

As previously disclosed in our public filings, L-Band Acquisition, LLC (“LBAC”), DISH Network’s wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Plan Support Agreement (the “PSA”) with certain senior secured lenders to LightSquared LP (the “LightSquared LP Lenders”) on July 23, 2013, which contemplated the purchase by LBAC of substantially all of the assets of LightSquared LP and certain of its subsidiaries (the “LBAC Bid”) that are debtors and debtors in possession in the LightSquared bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”), which cases are jointly administered under the caption In re LightSquared Inc., et. al., Case No.12 12080 (SCC).

Pursuant to the PSA, LBAC was entitled to terminate the PSA in certain circumstances, certain of which required three business days’ written notice, including, without limitation, in the event that certain milestones specified in the PSA were not met.  On January7, 2014, LBAC delivered written notice of termination of the PSA to the LightSquared LP Lenders.  As a result, the PSA terminated effective on January 10, 2014, and the LBAC Bid was withdrawn.

On August6, 2013, Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and other affiliates of Harbinger (collectively, “Harbinger”), a shareholder of LightSquared Inc., filed an adversary proceeding against DISH Network, LBAC, EchoStar, Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), SP Special Opportunities, LLC (“SPSO”) (an entity controlled by Mr.Ergen), and certain other parties, in the Bankruptcy Court.  Harbinger alleged, among other things, claims based on fraud, unfair competition, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage related to certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt by SPSO.  Subsequently, LightSquared intervened to join in certain claims alleged against certain defendants other than DISH Network, LBAC and EchoStar.

On October 29, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed all of the claims in Harbinger’s complaint in their entirety, but granted leave for LightSquared to file its own complaint in intervention.  On November 15, 2013, LightSquared filed its complaint, which included various claims against DISH Network, EchoStar, Mr. Ergen and SPSO.  On December 2, 2013, Harbinger filed an amended complaint, asserting various claims against SPSO.  On December 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed several of the claims asserted by LightSquared and Harbinger.  The surviving claims included, among others, LightSquared’s claims against SPSO for declaratory relief, breach of contract and statutory disallowance; LightSquared’s tortious interference claim against DISH Network, EchoStar and Mr. Ergen; and Harbinger’s claim against SPSO for statutory disallowance.  These claims proceeded to a non-jury trial on January 9, 2014.  In its Post-Trial Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered on June 10, 2014, the Bankruptcy Court rejected all claims against DISH Network and EchoStar, and it rejected some but not all claims against the other defendants.  On July 7, 2015, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York denied Harbinger’s motion for an interlocutory appeal of certain Bankruptcy Court orders in the adversary proceeding.  On March 27, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Modified Second Amended Joint Plan pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and, on December 7, 2015, the Plan became effective.

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

LightSquared Transaction Shareholder Derivative Actions

On August 9, 2013, a purported shareholder of DISH Network, Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund (“Jacksonville PFPF”), 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 members of DISH Network’s Board of Directors as of that date:  Charles W. Ergen; Joseph P. Clayton; James DeFranco; Cantey M. Ergen; Steven R. Goodbarn; David K. Moskowitz; Tom A. Ortolf; and Carl E. Vogel (collectively, the “Director Defendants”).  In its first amended complaint, Jacksonville PFPF asserted claims that Mr. Ergen breached his fiduciary duty to DISH Network in connection with certain purchases of LightSquared debt by SPSO, an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen, and that the other Director Defendants aided and abetted that alleged breach of duty.  The Jacksonville PFPF claims alleged that (1) the debt purchases created an impermissible conflict of interest and (2) put at risk the LBAC Bid, which as noted above has been withdrawn.  Jacksonville PFPF further claimed that most members of DISH Network’s Board of Directors are beholden to Mr. Ergen to an extent that prevents them from discharging their duties in connection with DISH Network’s participation in the LightSquared bankruptcy auction process.  Jacksonville PFPF is seeking an unspecified amount of damages.  Jacksonville PFPF dismissed its claims against Mr. Goodbarn on October 8, 2013.

Jacksonville PFPF sought a preliminary injunction that would enjoin Mr. Ergen and all of the Director Defendants other than Mr.Goodbarn from influencing DISH Network’s efforts to acquire certain assets of LightSquared in the bankruptcy proceeding.  On November27, 2013, the Court denied that request but granted narrower relief enjoining Mr.Ergen and anyone acting on his behalf from participating in negotiations related to one aspect of the LBAC Bid, which, as noted above, has been withdrawn.

Five alleged shareholders have filed substantially similar putative derivative complaints in state and federal courts alleging the same or substantially similar claims.  On September 18, 2013, DCM Multi-Manager Fund, LLC filed a duplicative putative derivative complaint in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada, which was consolidated with the Jacksonville PFPF action on October 9, 2013.  Between September 25, 2013 and October 2, 2013, City of Daytona Beach Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System and Iron Worker Mid-South Pension Fund filed duplicative putative derivative complaints in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.  Also on October2, 2013, Iron Workers District Council (Philadelphia and Vicinity) Retirement and Pension Plan filed its complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.

On October 11, 2013, Iron Worker Mid-South Pension Fund dismissed its claims without prejudice.  On October 30, 2013, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System dismissed its claims without prejudice and, on January 2, 2014, filed a new complaint in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada, which, on May 2, 2014, was consolidated with the Jacksonville PFPF action.  On December 13, 2013, City of Daytona Beach Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System voluntarily dismissed its claims without prejudice.  On March 28, 2014, Iron Workers District Council (Philadelphia and Vicinity) Retirement and Pension Plan voluntarily dismissed its claims without prejudice.

On July 25, 2014, Jacksonville PFPF filed a second amended complaint, which added claims against George R. Brokaw and Charles M. Lillis, as Director Defendants, and Thomas A. Cullen, R. Stanton Dodge and K. Jason Kiser, as officers of DISH Network. Jacksonville PFPF asserted five claims in its second amended complaint, each of which alleged breaches of the duty of loyalty.  Three of the claims were asserted solely against Mr. Ergen; one claim was made against all of the remaining Director Defendants, other than Mr. Ergen and Mr. Clayton; and the final claim was made against Messrs. Cullen, Dodge and Kiser.

DISH Network’s Board of Directors has established a Special Litigation Committee to review the factual allegations and legal claims in these actions.  On October 24, 2014, the Special Litigation Committee filed a report in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada regarding its investigation of the claims and allegations asserted in Jacksonville PFPF’s second amended complaint.  The Special Litigation Committee filed a motion to dismiss the action based, among other things, on its business judgment that it is in the best interests of DISH Network not to pursue the claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF.  The Director Defendants and Messrs. Cullen, Dodge and Kiser have also filed various motions to dismiss the action.  In an order entered on September 18, 2015, the Court granted the Special Litigation Committee’s motion to defer to the Special Litigation Committee’s October 24, 2014 report, including its finding that dismissal of the action is in the best interest of DISH Network.  The Court also held that, in light of granting the motion to defer, the pending motions to dismiss filed by the individual defendants were denied without prejudice as moot.  On October 12, 2015, Jacksonville PFPF filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court of Nevada.  DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Qurio Holdings, Inc.

On September 26, 2014, Qurio Holdings, Inc. (“Qurio”) filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,102,863 (the “863 patent”) entitled “Highspeed WAN To Wireless LAN Gateway” and United States Patent No. 7,787,904 (the “904 patent”) entitled “Personal Area Network Having Media Player And Mobile Device Controlling The Same.”  On the same day, Qurio filed similar complaints against Comcast and DirecTV.  On November 13, 2014, Qurio filed a first amended complaint, which added a claim alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,879,567 (the “567 patent”) entitled “High-Speed WAN To Wireless LAN Gateway.”  Qurio is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  On February 9, 2015, the Court granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  During October 2015, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 863, 904 and 567 patents.  On November 3, 2015, the case was stayed pending resolution of these proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  On April 4, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on each of our petitions, as well as on a third-party petition challenging the validity of the 904 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 cause 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.

Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C.

On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C. (“TDL”) filed suit against DISH Network and EchoStar, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952 (the “952 patent”), which relates to certain favorite channel features.  TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  The case was stayed in July 2009 pending two reexamination petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which concluded in August 2015 and resulted in 42 out of the 53 claims of the 952 patent being invalidated.  As a result, the case resumed in August 2015.  A trial date has not been set.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause 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.

TQ Beta LLC

On June 30, 2014, TQ Beta LLC (“TQ Beta”) filed a complaint against us; our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C.; DISH Network; EchoStar; and EchoStar’s subsidiaries EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, and Sling Media Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The Complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 7,203,456 (the “456 patent”), which is entitled “Method and Apparatus for Time and Space Domain Shifting of Broadcast Signals.”  TQ Beta alleges that our Hopper set-top boxes, ViP 722 and ViP 722k DVR devices, as well as our DISH Anywhere™ service and DISH Anywhere mobile application, infringe the 456 patent.  TQ Beta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.  During August 2015, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 456 patent,and in February 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions.  On February 25, 2016, the case was stayed pending resolution of these proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the Court vacated all pending court dates and deadlines.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

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.”  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.  On the same day, in the same court, TQ Delta filed actions 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.  Trial has been set for November 13, 2017.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, 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.

Two-Way Media Ltd.

On February 17, 2016, Two-Way Media Ltd. (“TWM”) filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against us; DISH Network; our subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Network Service L.L.C., Sling TV Holding L.L.C., Sling TV L.L.C., and Sling TV Purchasing L.L.C.; and EchoStar Corporation, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. and Sling Media, Inc.  The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,778,187, 5,983,005, 6,434,622 and 7,266,686, each entitled “Multicasting Method and Apparatus,” and United States Patent No. 9,124,607, entitled “Methods and Systems for Playing Media.”  TWM claims infringement by our Sling TV domestic and international services, Slingboxes and DISH DVRs incorporating Slingbox technology, and the DISH Anywhere application and website.  TWM is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

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.

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.

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Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

9.Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

Our senior notes are fully, unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries other than minor subsidiaries, and the stand-alone entity DISH DBS has no independent assets or operations.  Therefore, supplemental 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.

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

10.Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with DISH Network

On February 12, 2015, we paid a dividend of $8.250 billion to DOC for, among other things, general corporate purposes, which included certain funding obligations related to DISH Network’s non-controlling debt and equity investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities, and to fund other DISH Network cash needs.

Advertising Sales.  We provide advertising services to DISH Network’s broadband business.  During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we received revenue associated with these services of $2million and $4 million, respectively, in “Subscriber-related revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations.  We provide certain administrative support such as legal, information systems, marketing, human resources, accounting and finance services to DISH Network’sbroadband, wireless and other operations.  During each of the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the costs associated with these services were $4 million.In addition, we provide call center, installation and other services to DISH Network for its broadband business.

Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

Following the Spin-off, DISH Network and EchoStar have operated as separate publicly-traded companies, and, except for the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction and Sling TV Holding described below, 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 Chief Executive Officer, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

EchoStar is our primary supplier of set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations and a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity.  Generally, the amounts we pay EchoStar for products and services are based on pricing equal to EchoStar’s cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which will vary depending on the nature of the products and services provided.

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.  We also may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future.  The following is asummary 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $25 million and $23million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Trade accounts payable”

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $323 million and $263million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts payable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Equipment sales and other revenue”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we received less than $1 million and $13 million, respectively, for equipment sales, services and other revenue from 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.

Remanufactured Receiver and Services Agreement.  We entered into a remanufactured receiver and services agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories from us at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased.  In November 2015, we and EchoStar extended this agreement until December 31, 2016.  EchoStar may terminate the remanufactured receiver and services agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us.  We may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire us.

Satellite Capacity Leased to EchoStar.  Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain capacity on certain satellites owned by us.  The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

· EchoStar XV.  During May 2013, we began leasing satellite capacity to EchoStar on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite for testing at EchoStar’s Brazilian authorization at the 45 degree orbital location.  Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease.  Both parties have the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice.  This lease terminated in November 2015 and EchoStar relocated this satellite from the 45 degree orbital location back to the 61.5 degree orbital location where it currently serves as an in-orbit spare.

Real Estate Lease Agreements.  Since the Spin-off, 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 leased 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.

“Subscriber-related expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $3 million and $3 million, respectively, for subscriber-related expenses from EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

SlingService Services Agreement.  Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services related to placeshifting,which is used for, among other things, the DISH Anywhere mobile application. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services.  This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  This agreement renewed on February 23, 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 23, 2017.  This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar.

DISH Remote Access Services Agreement.  Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive, among other things, certain remote DVR management services.  The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services.  This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  This agreement renewed on February 23, 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 23, 2017.  This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. 

“Satellite and transmission expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $164 million and $175million, respectively, for satellite and transmission expenses from EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Satellite and transmission expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

Broadcast Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement (the “2012 Broadcast Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides broadcast services to us, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016.  The fees for services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either:  (a) EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.  We have the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar.  If we terminate the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate.

Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming.  During May 2010, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain broadcast services to us in connection with our carriage of certain sports related programming.  The term of this agreement is for ten years.  If we terminate this agreement for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate.  The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.  Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we lease certain capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by EchoStar.  The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease.  See “Pay-TV Satellites” in Note 6 for further information.  The term of each lease is set forth below:

· EchoStar I, VII, X, XI and XIV.  On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar I, VII, 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.  The satellite capacity agreement for EchoStar I expired on November 30, 2015. 

· EchoStar VIII.  During May 2013, we began leasing capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare.  Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease.  Both parties have the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice.  This lease terminated in November 2015.

· 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.

· EchoStar XII.  The lease for EchoStar XII generally terminates upon the earlier of:  (i)the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite (unless we determine to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii)the date the satellite fails; (iii)the date the transponders on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service and the exercise of certain renewal options.  We generally have the option to renew the lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the satellite’s life.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

· EchoStar XVI.  During December2009, 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 during November 2012 to replace EchoStar XV at the 61.5 degree orbital location and is currently in service.  Effective December21, 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.  Prior to expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew for an additional six-year period.  Prior to expiration of the initial term, EchoStar also has the right, upon certain conditions, to renew for an additional six-year period.  If either we or EchoStar exercise our respective six-year renewal options, then we have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

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 currently receive service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.  DISH Network has also guaranteed certain obligations of EchoStar under the Telesat Transponder Agreement.  See discussion under “Guarantees” in Note 8.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service.  Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite.  Upon in‑orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq5 Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement.  During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we receive service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders.  QuetzSat-1 was launched on September29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location while we and EchoStar explored alternative uses for the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  In the interim, EchoStar provided us with alternate capacity at the 77 degree orbital location.  During the first quarter 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease five DBS transponders back to EchoStar.  During January2013, 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 QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the initial service term will expire in November2021.  Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite.  Upon an in‑orbit failure or end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that any options to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3.  During May2012, EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (“Ciel”) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Spectrum Rights”).  During June2013, we and EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) pursuant to which we may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights.

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, during May 2012, EchoStar also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Service Agreement”).  During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on the SES-3 satellite (the “DISH 103 Service Agreement”).  Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar through the service term.  Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of: (i)the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii)the date the transponder(s)on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date.  Upon in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.  There can be no assurance that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

TT&C Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for certain satellites for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the “2012 TT&C Agreement”).  The fees for services provided under the 2012 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 are able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice.

DISHOnline.com Services Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2010, we entered into a two-year agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services associated with an online video portal.  The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services.  We have the option to renew this agreement for successiveone year terms and the agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar.  InNovember 2015, we exercised our right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending on December 31, 2016.

Sling TV Holding.  On May 2, 2014, DISH Network contributed its equity interest in Sling TV Holding to us.  Effective July 1, 2012, DISH Network and EchoStar formed Sling TV Holding, which was owned two-thirds by DISH Network and one-third by EchoStar and was consolidated into DISH Network’s financial statements beginning July 1, 2012.  Sling TV Holding was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies.  At that time, DISH Network, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding entered into the following agreements with respect to Sling TV Holding:  (i)a contribution agreement pursuant to which DISH Network and EchoStar contributed certain assets in exchange for its respective ownership interests in Sling TV Holding; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement (the “Operating Agreement”), which provides for the governance of Sling TV Holding; and (iii) a commercial agreement (the “Commercial Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding has:  (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from DISH Network and EchoStar, respectively.  Since this was a formation of an entity under common control and a step-up in basis was not allowed, each party’s contributions were recorded at historical book value for accounting purposes.

Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar and Sling TV Holding entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holdingdistributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV Holdingto a ten percent non-voting interest.  We now have a ninety percent equity interest and a 100% voting interest in Sling TV Holding.  In addition, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holdingamended and restated the Operating Agreement, primarily to reflect the changes implemented by the Exchange Agreement.  Finally, we, EchoStar and Sling TV Holdingamended and restated the Commercial Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding:  (1)continues to have certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; (2)continues to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and EchoStar; and (3)has a license from EchoStar to use certain of the assets distributed to EchoStar as part of the Exchange Agreement. Sling TV Holding operates, through its subsidiary Sling TV L.L.C., the Sling TV services.

Since the Exchange Agreement is among entities under common control, we recorded the difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred to EchoStar and our historical cost basis in EchoStar’s one-third noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding as a $6 million, net of deferred taxes, capital distribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In addition, we recorded the initial fair value of EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest as a  $14 million, net of deferred taxes, deemed distribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest is redeemable contingent on a certain performance goal being achieved by Sling TV Holding.  In addition, subject to certain conditions, the interest is redeemable at fair value within sixty days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement.  This interest is considered temporary equity and is recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the mezzanine section of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding was initially accounted for at fair value.  The performance goal has been determined to be probable of achievement.  Accordingly, the value of EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding is adjusted each reporting period for any change in redemption value above the initial fair value (adjusted for the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar subsequent to August 1, 2014), with the offset recorded in “Additional paid-in capital,” net of deferred taxes, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Subsequent to the Exchange Agreement, the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the offset recorded in “Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

“General and administrative expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $22 million and $20 million, respectively, for general and administrative expenses from EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “General and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

Product Support Agreement.  In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from EchoStar (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related accessories that EchoStar has previously sold and in the future may sell to us.  The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided.  The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such receivers and related accessories, unless terminated earlier.  We may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice.  In the event of an early termination of this agreement, we are entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to EchoStar for the services.

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 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:

· Inverness Lease Agreement.  The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.  This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice.  In February 2016, we provided notice to EchoStar to terminate this lease effective in August 2016.

· Meridian Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

· Santa Fe Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

· EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement.  The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016.

· Gilbert Lease Agreement.  Effective August 1, 2014, we began leasing certain space from EchoStar at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending on July 31, 2016.  We also have renewal options for three additional one-year terms.

· Cheyenne Lease Agreement.The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.

Application Development Agreement.  During the fourth quarter 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the “Application Development Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides us with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for set-top boxes for a period ending on February 1, 2017.  The Application Development Agreement renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or EchoStar at any time upon at least 90 days notice.  The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.

XiP Encryption Agreement.  During the third quarter 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with EchoStar for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the “XiP Encryption Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes.  The initial term of the XiP Encryption Agreement was for a period until December 31, 2014.  Under the XiP Encryption Agreement, we had the option, but not the obligation, to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term.  On May 5, 2014, we provided EchoStar notice to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2015.  On November 4, 2015, we and EchoStar extended the term of the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2016.  We and EchoStar each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 30 days notice and 180 days notice, respectively.  The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month.

Sling Trademark License Agreement.  On December 31, 2014, Sling TV L.L.C. entered into an agreement with Sling Media, Inc., a subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which we have the right for a fixed fee to use certain trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property related to the “Sling” trademark for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

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.  The Professional Services Agreement renewed on January 1, 2016 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2017 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).

Other Agreements - EchoStar

Receiver Agreement.  EchoStar is currently our primary supplier of set-top box receivers.  Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a receiver agreement (the “2012 Receiver Agreement”) pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment.  On November 4, 2015, we and EchoStar amended the 2012 Receiver Agreement to extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2016.  The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows us to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories and other equipment from EchoStar either: (i) at a cost (decreasing as EchoStar reduces costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on EchoStar’s mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased.  Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, EchoStar’s margins will be increased if they are able to reduce the costs of their digital set-top boxes and their margins will be reduced if these costs increase.  EchoStar provides us with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement.  Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters.  We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar.  EchoStar is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire us.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we purchased set-top boxes and other equipment from EchoStar of $247million and $223 million, respectively.  Included in these amounts are purchases of certain broadband equipment from EchoStar under the 2012 Receiver Agreement.  These amounts are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” or “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.

Tax Sharing Agreement.  In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into a 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.

TiVo.  On April 29, 2011, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”).  The settlement resolved all pending litigation between DISH Network and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH digital video recorders, or DVRs.  Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by DISH Network or EchoStar were dissolved.  DISH Network and EchoStar are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500 million, including an initial payment of $300 million and the remaining $200 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar from DISH Network, DISH Network made the initial payment to TiVo in May2011, except for the contribution from EchoStar totaling approximately$10 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to EchoStar’s sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer.  Future payments will be allocated between DISH Network and EchoStar based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with DISH Network being responsible for 95% of each annual payment.

Patent Cross-License Agreements.  During December2011, 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 January1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10  million.  Each Cross License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January1, 2022.  If both options are exercised, the aggregate additional payments to such third party would total less than$3million.  However, DISH Network and EchoStar may elect to extend their respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other.  Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenues of DISH Network and EchoStar, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed to allocate their respective payments to such third party based on their respective percentage of combined total revenue.

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar.  On February 20, 2014, we entered into the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar pursuant to which, among other things: (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites, including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for the Tracking Stock; and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites.  The Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is further described below:

· Transaction Agreement.  On February 20, 2014, DOLLC, DNLLC and EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C., all indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into the Transaction Agreement with EchoStar, HSSC and Alpha Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which, on March 1, 2014, we, among other things, transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites in exchange for the Tracking Stock.  The Tracking Stock generally tracks the Hughes Retail Group.  The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to us represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group.  Since the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is among entities under common control, we recorded the Tracking Stock at EchoStar’s and HSSC’s historical cost basis for these instruments of $229 million and $87 million, respectively.  The difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the Transferred Satellites of $356 million (including debt obligations, net of deferred taxes), plus the $11 million in cash, resulted in a $51 million capital transaction recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock. As such, the Tracking Stock is accounted for under the cost method of accounting.The Transaction Agreement includes, among other things, customary mutual provisions for representations, warranties and indemnification.

· Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. On February 20, 2014, we entered into satellite capacity agreements with certain subsidiaries of EchoStar pursuant to which, beginning March 1, 2014, we, among other things, lease all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites.  The satellite capacity agreement for EchoStar I expired on November 30, 2015.  See further information under “Satellite and transmission expenses –Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.”

· Investor Rights Agreement.  On February 20, 2014, EchoStar, HSSC, DOLLC and DNLLC (DOLLC and DNLLC, collectively referred to as the “DISH Investors”) also entered into the Investor Rights Agreement with respect to the Tracking Stock.  The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for the DISH Investors; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of DISH Network and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock.  The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate as to the DISH Investors at such time as the DISH Investors no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.

PMC.  During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (“PMC”) filed suit against DISH Network; EchoStar and Motorola Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277 and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing.  On May 7, 2015, DISH Network, EchoStar and PMC entered into a settlement and release agreement that provided, among other things, for a license by PMC to DISH Network and EchoStar for certain patents and patent applications and the dismissal of all of PMC’s claims in the action against DISH Network and EchoStar with prejudice.  On June 4, 2015, the Court dismissed all of PMC’s claims in the action against DISH Network and EchoStar with prejudice.  In June 2015, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar would contribute a one-time payment of $5 million towards the settlement under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off and the 2012 Receiver Agreement.

gTLD Bidding Agreement.  In April 2015, we and EchoStar entered into a gTLD Bidding Agreement whereby, among other things: (i) we obtained rights from EchoStar to participate in a generic top level domain (“gTLD”) auction, assuming all rights and obligations from EchoStar related to EchoStar’s application with ICANN for a particular gTLD; (ii) we agreed to reimburse EchoStar for its ICANN application fee and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the application and the auction; and (iii) we and EchoStar agreed to split equally the net proceeds obtained by us as the losing bidder in the auction, less such fee reimbursement and out-of-pocket expenses.  During the third quarter 2015, we paid EchoStar approximately $1 million related to this agreement.

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

NagraStar is a joint venture between EchoStar and Nagra USA, Inc. that is our provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming.  These expenses are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	19,102	$	22,498
	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	19,867	$	19,362
Commitments to NagraStar	$	1,402	$	1,532

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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, 2015.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

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.  See below for further information.  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, the cost method is used.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Sling TV.  On May 2, 2014, DISH Network contributed its equity interest in Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (“Sling TV Holding,” formerly known as DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) to us.  As a result, all operating activities of Sling TV Holding are included in our financial results beginning May 2, 2014.  Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) and Sling TV Holding entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV Holding to a ten percent non-voting interest.  EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest is redeemable contingent on a certain performance goal being achieved by Sling TV Holding.  In addition, subject to certain conditions, the interest is redeemable at fair value within sixty days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement.  This interest is considered temporary equity and is recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the mezzanine section of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding was initially accounted for at fair value.  The performance goal has been determined to be probable of achievement.  Accordingly, the value of EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV Holding is adjusted each reporting period for any change in redemption value above the initial fair value (adjusted for the operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar subsequent to August 1, 2014), with the offset recorded in “Additional paid-in capital,” net of deferred taxes on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The operating results of Sling TV Holding attributable to EchoStar are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets effective August 1, 2014, with the offset recorded in “Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 10 for further information on Sling TV Holding and the Exchange Agreement.

Use of Estimates

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 doubtful accounts, 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, fair value of multi-element arrangements, capital leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, 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

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, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) and current liabilities (excluding the “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations”) is equal to or approximates 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 estimated based on 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 7 for the fair value of our long-term debt.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This converged standard on revenue recognition was issued jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board to create common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2014-09 provides a framework for revenue recognition that replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption.  We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.  We have not yet selected an adoption method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.  The new standard could impact revenue and cost recognition for a significant number of our contracts, as well as our business processes and information technology systems.  As a result, our evaluation of the effect of the new standard will likely extend over several future periods.  On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral on the effective date for implementation of this standard, which changed the effective date for us to January 1, 2018.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”),Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This amendment requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee).  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Leases.  On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases, which relates to the accounting of leasing transactions.  This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months.  In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Compensation – Stock Compensation.  On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation – Stock Compensation:  Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments.  This standard addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including:  (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

Schedule of supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	229,548	$	230,081
Cash received for interest		346		4,217
Cash paid for income taxes		4,276		577
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		173,933		140,595
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		988		—

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, among other reasons, to 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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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

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

Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities

	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities	$	26	$	141,335
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		82,307		82,280
Total marketable investment securities		82,333		223,615
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		67		94
Other investment securities:
Investment in EchoStar preferred tracking stock - cost method		228,795		228,795
Investment in HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method		87,409		87,409
Other investment securities - cost method		8,167		11,046
Total other investment securities		324,371		327,250
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	406,771	$	550,959

(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.

Schedule of components of available-for-sale investments

	As of March 31, 2016								As of December 31, 2015
	Marketable								Marketable
	Investment		Unrealized						Investment		Unrealized
	Securities		Gains		Losses		Net		Securities		Gains		Losses		Net
	(In thousands)
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	82,144	$	45	$	(6)	$	39	$	82,124	$	2	$	(135)	$	(133)
Corporate securities		—		—		—		—		90,838		3		(174)		(171)
Other		163		—		—		—		17,382		—		(2)		(2)
Equity securities		26		12		—		12		33,271		20,034		—		20,034
Total	$	82,333	$	57	$	(6)	$	51	$	223,615	$	20,039	$	(311)	$	19,728

Schedule of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	As of
	March 31, 2016								December 31, 2015
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	307,406	$	25,814	$	281,592	$	—
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	82,144	$	77,375	$	4,769		—	$	82,124	$	77,328	$	4,796	$	—
Corporate securities		—		—		—		—		90,838		—		90,838		—
Other		163		—		163		—		17,382		—		17,382		—
Equity securities		26		26		—		—		33,271		33,271		—		—
Total	$	82,333	$	77,401	$	4,932	$	—	$	223,615	$	110,599	$	113,016	$	—

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Inventory (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Inventory

Schedule of inventory

	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	371,372	$	304,812
Work-in-process and service repairs		74,351		74,768
Raw materials		9,482		10,673
Total inventory	$	455,205	$	390,253

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Property and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Property and Equipment

Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense

	For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	180,651	$	191,753
Satellites		15,261		15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		16,342		16,881
Total depreciation and amortization	$	212,254	$	223,895

Schedule of pay-TV satellite fleet

			Estimated
			Useful Life
			(Years)/
		Degree	Lease
	Launch	Orbital	Termination
Satellites	Date	Location	Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	15
Under Construction:
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	110	15
Leased from EchoStar (1):
EchoStar VII (2)	February 2002	119	June 2017
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (2)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (2)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XII (2)	July 2003	61.5	September 2017
EchoStar XIV (2)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (3)	November 2012	61.5	January 2017
Nimiq 5	September 2009	72.7	September 2019
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 2019

(1) See Note 10 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

(2) We generally have the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the useful life of the respective satellite.

(3) We have the option to renew this lease for an additional six-year period.  If we exercise our six-year renewal option, we have the option to renew this lease for an additional five years.

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Long-Term Debt

Schedule of carrying and fair values of the entity's debt facilities

	As of
	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (1)	$	—	$	—	$	1,500,000	$	1,506,750
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017		900,000		916,200		900,000		922,770
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018		1,200,000		1,205,964		1,200,000		1,207,560
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019		1,400,000		1,547,000		1,400,000		1,525,440
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020		1,100,000		1,119,338		1,100,000		1,100,000
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021		2,000,000		2,080,000		2,000,000		2,021,020
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		1,905,000		2,000,000		1,889,780
5 % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,321,305		1,500,000		1,297,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		1,835,000		2,000,000		1,765,000
Other notes payable		13,684		13,684		13,686		13,686
Subtotal		12,113,684	$	11,943,491		13,613,686	$	13,249,506
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(39,317)				(41,563)
Capital lease obligations (2)		159,976				166,492
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	$	12,234,343			$	13,738,615

(1) On February 1, 2016, we redeemed the principal balance of our 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016.

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

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Related Party Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Related Party Transactions

Schedule of transactions with NagraStar

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	19,102	$	22,498
	As of
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	19,867	$	19,362
Commitments to NagraStar	$	1,402	$	1,532

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Organization and Business Activities (Details) item in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016 item
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	13,874

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Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 229,548	$ 230,081
Cash received for interest	346	4,217
Cash paid for income taxes	4,276	577
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	173,933	$ 140,595
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 988

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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Current marketable investment securities	$ 26	$ 141,335
Restricted marketable investment securities(1)	82,307	82,280
Total marketable investment securities	82,333	223,615
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	67	94
Other investment securities - cost method	324,371	327,250
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 406,771	550,959
Maximum maturities of commercial paper	365 days
Maximum maturities of corporate securities	18 months
EchoStar
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Other investment securities - cost method	$ 228,795	228,795
HSSC
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Other investment securities - cost method	87,409	87,409
Other investment securities Member
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Other investment securities - cost method	$ 8,167	$ 11,046

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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities - Investment in Tracking Stock (Details) - Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction $ in Millions	Feb. 20, 2014 USD ($) item	Feb. 20, 2014 USD ($) shares
Other investment securities:
Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group		80.00%
EchoStar and HSSC
Other investment securities:
Number of owned satellites transferred and leased back | item	5
Liabilities Transferred	$ 59	$ 59
Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued	$ 11	11
Capital transaction		356
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital		51
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes		$ 51
Tracking stock prohibited transfer period	1 year
EchoStar
Other investment securities:
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party | shares		6,290,499
Historical cost of tracking stock		$ 229
HSSC
Other investment securities:
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party | shares		81.128
Historical cost of tracking stock		$ 87

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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities - Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Marketable Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 51	$ 19,728
Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,000	12,000
Components of available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	26	141,335
Total marketable investment securities	82,333	223,615
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	57	20,039
Unrealized Losses	(6)	(311)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	51	19,728
Contractual maturities of restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities
Debt securities with contractual maturities within one year	60,000
Debt securities with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years	22,000
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	39	(133)
Components of available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	82,144	82,124
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	45	2
Unrealized Losses	(6)	(135)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	39	(133)
Corporate securities
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(171)
Components of available-for-sale investments
Debt securities		90,838
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains		3
Unrealized Losses		(174)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net		(171)
Other (including restricted)
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(2)
Components of available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	163	17,382
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Losses		(2)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net		(2)
Equity Securities
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12	20,034
Components of available-for-sale investments
Equity securities	26	33,271
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	12	20,034
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	$ 12	$ 20,034

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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 26	$ 141,335
Total marketable investment securities	82,333	223,615
Transfer of investments from Level 1 to Level 2	0
Transfer of investments from Level 2 to Level 1	0
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	82,144	82,124
Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities		90,838
Other (including restricted)
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	163	17,382
Equity Securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity securities	26	33,271
Fair value measurements on recurring basis
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)		307,406
Total marketable investment securities	82,333	223,615
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	82,144	82,124
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities		90,838
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Other (including restricted)
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	163	17,382
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Equity Securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity securities	26	33,271
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 1
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)		25,814
Total marketable investment securities	77,401	110,599
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	77,375	77,328
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 1 | Equity Securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity securities	26	33,271
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)		281,592
Total marketable investment securities	4,932	113,016
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2 | U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	4,769	4,796
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2 | Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities		90,838
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2 | Other (including restricted)
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 163	$ 17,382

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Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory
Finished goods	$ 371,372	$ 304,812
Work-in-process and service repairs	74,351	74,768
Raw materials	9,482	10,673
Total Inventory	$ 455,205	$ 390,253

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Property and Equipment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 212,254	$ 223,895
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	180,651	191,753
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	15,261	15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 16,342	$ 16,881
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator | item	12
Owned Satellites | item	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease | item	9
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease | item	2

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Property and Equipment - Pay TV Satellites (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Property and Equipment
Depreciation and amortization	$ 212,254	$ 223,895
FCC authorizations	$ 635,794		$ 635,794
EchoStar XV
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XVIII
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XVI
Property and Equipment
Option to renew the lease for an additional period	6 years
Another option to renew the lease if renewal option exercised	5 years

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Long-Term Debt - Long term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 12,113,684	$ 13,613,686
Fair Value	11,943,491	13,249,506
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discount, net	(39,317)	(41,563)
Capital lease obligations (3)	159,976	166,492
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	12,234,343	13,738,615
Principal balance of debt redeemed	$ 1,500,000
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,500,000
Fair Value		$ 1,506,750
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.125%	7.125%
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 900,000	$ 900,000
Fair Value	$ 916,200	$ 922,770
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.625%	4.625%
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 1,200,000	$ 1,200,000
Fair Value	$ 1,205,964	$ 1,207,560
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.25%	4.25%
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,400,000
Fair Value	$ 1,547,000	$ 1,525,440
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.875%	7.875%
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000
Fair Value	$ 1,119,338	$ 1,100,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 2,080,000	$ 2,021,020
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.75%	6.75%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 1,905,000	$ 1,889,780
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
5% Senior Notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,500,000
Fair Value	$ 1,321,305	$ 1,297,500
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 1,835,000	$ 1,765,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
Other notes payable
Long-term debt
Carrying Value	$ 13,684	$ 13,686
Fair Value	$ 13,684	$ 13,686

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		84 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2013 USD ($)	May. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2009 item	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Spectrum Investments
Dividend paid to DOC	$ 8,250,000					$ 8,250,000
Dish Network
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses							$ 5,000,000
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | American III
Spectrum Investments
Non-controlling investments					$ 10,000,000
Satellite transponder guarantees
Spectrum Investments
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted					$ 232,000
Hopper litigation | Maximum
Spectrum Investments
Number of days to store HD primetime programs recordings			8 days
Technology Development Licensing
Spectrum Investments
Number of reexamination petitions pending before patent and trademark office | item				2
Do Not Call Litigation
Spectrum Investments
Period of injunctive relief sought from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services					5 years
Do Not Call Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C.
Spectrum Investments
Claim amount		$ 270,000
Lightsquared Harbinger Capital Partners LLC
Spectrum Investments
Business days allowed to terminate existing agreements					3 days

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Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative part 2 (Details) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended
	Jul. 25, 2014 item	Dec. 23, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) item
DISH Network L.L.C. | Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Claim amount		$ 270
Claim amount from state plaintiff			$ 23,500
DISH Network L.L.C. | Do Not Call Litigation | Maximum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount from federal plaintiff			$ 900
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions
Loss contingencies
Number of shareholders who filed lawsuits | item			5
Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF | item	5
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions | Mr. Ergen
Loss contingencies
Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF | item	3
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions | Director Defendants
Loss contingencies
Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF | item	1
CALIFORNIA | Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Claim amount from state plaintiff			$ 100
OHIO | Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Claim amount from state plaintiff			10
Illinois And North Carolina [Member] | Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Claim Amount Minimum That Would Not Raise Constitutional Concerns			$ 1,000

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Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2015	Feb. 12, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividend paid to DOC		$ 8,250,000		$ 8,250,000
Advertising sales			$ 3,660,665	3,590,704
Trade accounts receivable			766,460		$ 822,505
Trade accounts payable			524,276		433,349
Equipment sales and other revenue			11,489	30,358
Broadband, Wireless and Other Segments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses associated with services			4,000	4,000
Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividend paid to DOC	$ 8,250,000
Advertising sales			2,000	4,000
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable			25,000		23,000
Trade accounts payable			323,000		$ 263,000
Equipment sales and other revenue			$ 1,000	$ 13,000

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 1 (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 23, 2010	May. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber-related expenses			$ 2,151,427	$ 2,105,096
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber-related expenses			$ 3,000	$ 3,000
EchoStar | Remanufactured Receiver Agreement | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party			60 days
EchoStar | El Paso Lease Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of consecutive three year renewal options | item					4
Agreement Renewal Option Term					3 years
EchoStar | EchoStar XV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notice period for termination of agreement		30 days
EchoStar | DISH Remote Access Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term	5 years
Automatic renewal period			1 year
Additional term of renewal option			1 year
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity			120 days
EchoStar | Sling Service Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term	5 years
Automatic renewal period			1 year
Additional term of renewal option			1 year
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity			120 days

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 2 (Details) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 21, 2012	Jan. 02, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013	May. 31, 2012	May. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 item	Dec. 31, 2009 item	Dec. 31, 2008 item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses | $							$ 173,221	$ 184,680
EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term	6 years
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses | $							$ 164,000	$ 175,000
EchoStar | Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term						10 years
EchoStar | EchoStar VIII
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notice period for termination of agreement				30 days
EchoStar | EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term from commencement of service date	4 years
Agreement Renewal Option Term	6 years
Additional term of renewal option	5 years
EchoStar | Telesat Transponder Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term with third party										15 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services										32
EchoStar | DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term										10 years
Number of DBS transponders currently used										32
EchoStar | QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term with third party											10 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services											32
Number of DBS transponders currently used											24
Number of transponders subleased									5
EchoStar | 103 degree orbital location member
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term					10 years
Agreement term from commencement of service date			10 years
EchoStar | TT&C Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity		60 days
EchoStar | 2012 Broadcast Agreement [Member] | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity		60 days

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 3 (Details) $ in Thousands						3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Nov. 12, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014 USD ($)	May. 06, 2014	Jul. 02, 2012	Jan. 02, 2010	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2009	Aug. 01, 2014 USD ($) item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses						$ 192,067	$ 191,674
XiP Encryption Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Minimum notice period for termination of agreement								30 days
DISH Digital Holding LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage						90.00%
Voting interest (as a percent)						100.00%
Additional paid in capital recorded due to difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred											$ 6,000
Deemed Distribution Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Net Of Deferred Tax		$ 14,000
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses						$ 22,000	$ 20,000
Ownership percentage				33.00%
Non-voting interest redeemable period from fifth anniversary of the exchange agreement						60 days
EchoStar | Product Support Agreement | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity						60 days
EchoStar | Inverness Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination of agreement						6 months
EchoStar | Gilbert Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term		1 year
Number of consecutive renewal options | item											3
EchoStar | DISH Online.com Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term of renewal option exercised	1 year
Agreement term					2 years
Agreement Renewal Option Term					1 year
EchoStar | DISH Online.com Services Agreement | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity					120 days
EchoStar | Application Development Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Minimum notice period for termination of agreement									90 days
Automatic renewal period									1 year
EchoStar | XiP Encryption Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination of agreement						180 days
Additional term of renewal option						1 year
Term of renewal option exercised			1 year
Notice period required to extend the agreement term						180 days
Agreement Renewal Option Term								1 year
EchoStar | DISH Digital Holding LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		10.00%
Dish Network [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				67.00%
Dish Network | EchoStar | Professional Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Minimum notice period for termination of agreement										60 days
Minimum notice period for termination of a specific service										30 days
Agreement term										1 year
Automatic renewal period						1 year

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 4 (Details) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011 USD ($) installment	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other				$ 11,987		$ 30,495
Dish Network | TiVo v. Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Settlement amount		$ 500,000
Initial settlement amount paid		300,000
Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017		$ 200,000
Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by the company		95.00%
Litigation settlement number of annual installments | installment		6
Contribution from related party		$ 10,000
Receiver Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Additional term of renewal option				1 year
gTLD Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount paid by related party transaction					$ 1,000		$ 1,000
EchoStar | Receiver Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Minimum notice period for termination of agreement	60 days
Purchased set-top boxes and other equipment from EchoStar				$ 247,000		$ 223,000
EchoStar | Patent Cross-License Agreements | Dish Network | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to third party by related party			$ 10,000
Payments to third party by related party under extension option								$ 3,000

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2014	Feb. 20, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group		80.00%
EchoStar | Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions Historical Cost of Tracking Stock		$ 229,000
NagraStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from NagraStar				$ 19,102	$ 22,498
Amounts payable to NagraStar				19,867	19,362
Commitments to NagraStar				$ 1,402	$ 1,532
EchoStar and HSSC | Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Liabilities Transferred	$ 59,000	59,000
Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued	11,000	11,000
Capital transaction		356,000
Cash in Exchange of Shares Issued	$ 11,000	11,000
Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Strategic Investments		51,000
Tracking stock prohibited transfer period	1 year
HSSC | Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions Historical Cost of Tracking Stock		$ 87,000
PMC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Contribution from related party			$ 5,000
DISH Investors | EchoStar and HSSC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Tracking stock prohibited transfer period		1 year