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, 2019.

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S‑T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒	Smaller reporting company ☐
	Emerging growth company ☐

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

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

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

As of May 14, 2019, 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)	1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited)	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and, 2018 (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited)	4
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	5
Item 2.	Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations	43
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	*
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	57
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	57
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	57
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	57
	Signatures	58

*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

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

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

Competition and Economic Risks

· As the pay-TV industry has matured and bundled offers combining video, broadband and/or wireless services have become more prevalent and competitive, we face intense and increasing competition from providers of video, broadband and/or wireless services, which may require us to further increase subscriber acquisition and retention spending or accept lower subscriber activations and higher subscriber churn.

· Changing consumer behavior and competition from digital media companies that provide or facilitate the delivery of video content via the Internet may reduce our subscriber activations and may cause our subscribers to purchase fewer services from us or to cancel our services altogether, resulting in less revenue to us.

· 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/or 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.

· If government regulations relating to the Internet change, we may need to alter the manner in which we conduct our Sling TV business, and/or incur greater operating expenses to comply with those regulations.

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

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

Operational and Service Delivery Risks

· If our operational performance and customer satisfaction were to deteriorate, our subscriber activations and our subscriber churn rate may be negatively impacted, which could in turn adversely affect our revenue.

i

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

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

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

· 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 or those of third parties that we use in our operations, including, without limitation, those caused by cyber-attacks or other malicious activities, could disrupt or harm our business.

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

· We rely 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 DISH TV services that represent a meaningful percentage of our total gross new DISH TV subscriber activations.

· We have limited satellite capacity and failures or reduced capacity could adversely affect our DISH TV services.

· 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.

ii

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

· 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.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

· The rulings in the Telemarketing litigation requiring us to pay up to an aggregate amount of $341 million and imposing certain injunctive relief against us, if upheld, would have a material adverse effect on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities balances and our business operations.

· Our business may be materially affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Reform Act”).  Negative or unexpected tax consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

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

· Our 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.

iii

· 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.

· Our DISH TV services depend 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 (“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.

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,
	2019		2018
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	370,683	$	129,498
Marketable investment securities		186,063		149,740
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,967 and $16,956, respectively		566,532		623,602
Inventory		309,219		290,697
Other current assets		290,436		234,054
Total current assets		1,722,933		1,427,591
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities		68,063		67,597
Property and equipment, net		1,326,035		1,377,949
FCC authorizations		637,610		637,346
Other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Operating lease assets		708,122		—
Other noncurrent assets, net		167,418		286,753
Total noncurrent assets		3,009,654		2,477,953
Total assets	$	4,732,587	$	3,905,544
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$	254,522	$	217,268
Deferred revenue and other		636,876		644,920
Accrued programming		1,472,854		1,474,207
Accrued interest		187,778		222,996
Other accrued expenses		973,140		756,534
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations		1,314,588		1,338,527
Total current liabilities		4,839,758		4,654,452
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion		10,630,144		10,632,960
Deferred tax liabilities		438,272		461,452
Operating lease liabilities		477,711		—
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities		200,062		198,840
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion		11,746,189		11,293,252
Total liabilities		16,585,947		15,947,704
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding		—		—
Additional paid-in capital		1,163,372		1,152,369
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(215)		(376)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)		(13,016,680)		(13,194,440)
Total DISH DBS stockholder's equity (deficit)		(11,853,523)		(12,042,447)
Noncontrolling interests		163		287
Total stockholder’s equity (deficit)		(11,853,360)		(12,042,160)
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity (deficit)	$	4,732,587	$	3,905,544

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,
	2019		2018
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue	$	3,097,936	$	3,347,597
Equipment sales and other revenue		40,064		35,625
Total revenue		3,138,000		3,383,222
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6):
Subscriber-related expenses		1,976,436		2,139,793
Satellite and transmission expenses		154,897		168,785
Cost of sales - equipment and other		40,341		30,309
Subscriber acquisition costs:
Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies		6,517		15,930
Other subscriber acquisition costs		80,475		77,072
Subscriber acquisition advertising		106,907		103,009
Total subscriber acquisition costs		193,899		196,011
General and administrative expenses		186,577		161,684
Depreciation and amortization (Note 6)		155,115		178,519
Total costs and expenses		2,707,265		2,875,101
Operating income (loss)		430,735		508,121
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		2,935		2,392
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(195,645)		(207,095)
Other, net		1,433		(34,797)
Total other income (expense)		(191,277)		(239,500)
Income (loss) before income taxes		239,458		268,621
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(61,822)		(64,813)
Net income (loss)		177,636		203,808
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(124)		(384)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	177,760	$	204,192
Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	$	177,636	$	203,808
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		47		400
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		152		25
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net		(38)		(39)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		161		386
Comprehensive income (loss)		177,797		204,194
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(124)		(384)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	177,921	$	204,578

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

2

DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

					Accumulated
			Additional		Other		Accumulated
	Common		Paid-In		Comprehensive		Earnings		Noncontrolling
	Stock		Capital		Income (Loss)		(Deficit)		Interests		Total
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	—	$	1,116,848	$	935	$	(14,168,047)	$	3,601	$	(13,046,663)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		—		9,041		—		—		—		9,041
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net		—		—		25		—		—		25
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		—		—		(39)		—		—		(39)
Foreign currency translation		—		—		400		—		—		400
ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment		—		—		—		2,320		—		2,320
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—		—		—		—		(384)		(384)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS		—		—		—		204,192		—		204,192
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	—	$	1,125,889	$	1,321	$	(13,961,535)	$	3,217	$	(12,831,108)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	—	$	1,152,369	$	(376)	$	(13,194,440)	$	287	$	(12,042,160)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		—		11,003		—		—		—		11,003
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net		—		—		152		—		—		152
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		—		—		(38)		—		—		(38)
Foreign currency translation		—		—		47		—		—		47
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—		—		—		—		(124)		(124)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS		—		—		—		177,760		—		177,760
Balance, March 31, 2019	$	—	$	1,163,372	$	(215)	$	(13,016,680)	$	163	$	(11,853,360)

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

3

DISH DBS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	177,636	$	203,808
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		155,115		178,519
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		(2,331)		36,727
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		11,003		9,041
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		(23,218)		(17,710)
Other, net		(8,546)		(32,404)
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net		86,390		1,548
Net cash flows from operating activities		396,049		379,529
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net		(33,401)		59,465
Purchases of property and equipment		(93,803)		(66,715)
Other, net		9,425		3,207
Net cash flows from investing activities		(117,779)		(4,043)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Redemption and repurchases of senior notes		(22,365)		(56,473)
Repayment of long-term debt and finance lease obligations		(6,232)		(9,630)
Other, net		(400)		(159)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(28,997)		(66,262)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents		249,273		309,224
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (Note 4)		130,076		365,066
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 4)	$	379,349	$	674,290

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

4

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.Organization and Business Activities

Principal Business

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

Pay-TV

We offer pay-TV services under the DISH® brand and the Sling® brand (collectively “Pay-TV” services).  The DISH branded pay-TV service consists of, among other things, FCC licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, broadcast operations, customer service facilities, a leased fiber optic network, Smart Home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations (“DISH TV”).  We also design, develop and distribute receiver systems and provide digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and other services to third-party pay-TV providers.  See Note 2 and Note 13 for further information.  The Sling branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, multichannel, live-linear streaming OTT Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“Sling TV”).  As of March 31, 2019, we had 12.063 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States, including 9.639 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.424 million Sling TV subscribers.

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information.  Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements prepared under GAAP.  In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Our results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.  For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.  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, these equity securities are classified as either marketable investment securities or other investments and recorded at fair value with changes recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

5

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period.  Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for 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, relative standalone selling prices of performance obligations, leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives.  Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above.  Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.  Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

Marketable Investment Securities

Historically, we classified all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except for investments which were accounted for as trading securities, and adjusted the carrying amount of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and reported the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our trading securities were carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) during the first quarter 2018, all equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale.  We adjust the carrying amount of our debt securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Declines in the fair value of a marketable debt security which are determined to be “other-than-temporary” are recognized on  our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment.

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.

6

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 finance lease obligations”) was equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates.  See Note 4 for the fair value of our marketable investment securities.

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

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue is primarily derived from Pay-TV programming services that we provide to our subscribers.  We also generate revenue from equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including DVRs and fees from subscribers with multiple receivers; advertising services; fees earned from our Smart Home service operations; warranty services; and sales of digital receivers and related equipment to third-party pay-TV providers.  See Note 11for further information, including revenue disaggregated by major source.

Our residential video subscribers contract for individual services or combinations of services, as discussed above, the majority of which are generally distinct and are accounted for as separate performance obligations.  We consider our installations for first time DISH TV subscribers to be a service.  However, since we provide a significant integration service combining the installation with programming services, we have concluded that the installation is not distinct from programming and thus the installation and programming services are accounted for as a single performance obligation.  We generally satisfy these performance obligations and recognize revenue as the services are provided, for example as the programming is broadcast to subscribers, as this best represents the transfer of control of the services to the subscriber. 

In cases where a subscriber is charged certain nonrefundable upfront fees, those fees are generally considered to be material rights to the subscriber related to the subscriber’s option to renew without having to pay an additional fee upon renewal.  These fees are deferred and recognized over the estimated period of time during which the fee remains material to the customer, which we estimate to be less than one year.  Revenues arising from our Smart Home service operations that are separate from the initial installation, such as mounting a TV on a subscriber’s wall, are generally recognized when these services are performed. 

For our residential video subscribers, we have concluded that the contract term under Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), is one month and as a result the revenue recognized for these subscribers for a given month is equal to the amount billed in that month, except for certain nonrefundable upfront fees that are accounted for as material rights, as discussed above.

Revenues from our advertising services are typically recognized as the advertisements are broadcast.  Sales of equipment to subscribers or other third parties are recognized when control is transferred under the contract.Revenue from our commercial video subscribers typically follows the residential model described above, with the exception that the contract term for most of our commercial subscribers exceeds one month and can be multiple years in length.  However, commercial subscribers typically do not receive time-limited discounts or free service periods and accordingly, while they may have multiple performance obligations, revenue is equal to the amount billed in a given month. 

7

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition generally differs from the timing of invoicing to customers.  When revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, we record a receivable.  When revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing, we record deferred revenue.  Our residential video subscribers are typically billed monthly, and the contract balances for those customers arise from the timing of the monthly billing cycle.  We do not adjust the amount of consideration for financing impacts as we apply a practical expedient when we anticipate that the period between transfer of goods and services and eventual payment for those goods and services will be less than one year.  See Note 12 for further information, including balance and activity detail about our allowance for doubtful accounts and deferred revenue related to contracts with subscribers.

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

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a subscriber if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year.  We have determined that certain sales incentive programs, including those with our independent third-party retailers, meet the requirements to be capitalized, and payments made under these programs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the estimated subscriber life.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $37 million and $41 million, respectively, under these programs.  The amortization expense related to these programs was $14  million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had a total of $192 million and $169 million capitalized on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These amounts are capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Other subscriber acquisition costs” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Leases

We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles used for installation and Smart Home Services, and other equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 12 years, some of which include renewal options, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease and classify that lease as either an operating or finance lease at inception. Operating leases are included in “Operating lease assets,” “Other accrued expenses” and “Operating lease liabilities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Finance leases are included in “Property and equipment, net,” “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” and “Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 7 for further information on our lease expenses.

Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the present value of our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.  Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.  When our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.  The operating lease ROU asset also includes the impact of prepaid or deferred lease payments.  The length of our lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.  Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

8

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

We lease certain assets from EchoStar, including, among other things, satellites, office space and data centers.  See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.  We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.  Our variable lease payments are immaterial and our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

For equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers we made an accounting policy election to combine the equipment with our programming services as a single performance obligation in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance as the programming services are the predominant component.

Impact of Adoption of ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (“ASU 2016-02”) and has modified the standard thereafter.  We adopted ASU 2016-02, as modified, on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method.  Under the modified retrospective method, we applied the new guidance to all leases that commenced before and were existing as of January 1, 2019. 

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had no impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 impacted our March 31, 2019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, including the reclassification of our deferred rent liabilities to an operating lease asset, as follows:

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	DISH DBS (as would have been reported under previous standards)		Impact of adopting ASU 2016-02		DISH DBS (as currently reported)
	(In thousands)
As of March 31, 2019
Operating lease assets	$	—	$	708,122	$	708,122
Total assets	$	4,024,465	$	708,122	$	4,732,587
Other accrued expenses	$	739,482	$	233,658	$	973,140
Operating lease liabilities	$	—	$	477,711	$	477,711
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	$	203,309	$	(3,247)	$	200,062
Total liabilities	$	15,877,825	$	708,122	$	16,585,947
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)	$	(11,853,360)	$	—	$	(11,853,360)
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)	$	4,024,465	$	708,122	$	4,732,587

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Research and development costs totaled $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

9

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

New Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.  On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the way entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net earnings.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Fair Value Measurement.  On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by adding, modifying or removing certain disclosures.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  Certain disclosures in ASU 2018-13 are required to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

3.Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$	226,535	$	231,152
Cash received for interest		2,935		2,392
Cash paid for income taxes		39		1,126
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		78,143		78,417
Capitalized interest		264		277
Reclassification of a receivable from noncurrent to current		138,210		—

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.

10

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

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

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

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities:
Trading/equity (Note 2)	$	2,894	$	2,370
Other		183,169		147,370
Total current marketable investment securities		186,063		149,740
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		59,397		67,019
Total marketable investment securities		245,460		216,759
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		8,666		578
Other investment securities:
Other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Total other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	356,532	$	325,645

(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 debt securities are classified as available-for-sale.  Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 during the first quarter 2018, all equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 2 for further information.

Current Marketable Investment Securities - Trading/Equity 

We have  a marketable security investment which was received for no cash consideration.

Current Marketable Investment Securities – Other

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

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

11

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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/or equity securities that are included in noncurrent “Other investment securities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and our equity securities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting or recorded at fair value.  Certain of our equity method investments are detailed below.

NagraStar L.L.C.  As a result of the completion of the share exchange on February 28, 2017, we own a 50% interest in NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming. 

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

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

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had accumulated net unrealized gains of less than $1 million and accumulated net unrealized losses of less than $1 million, respectively.  These amounts, net of related tax effect, were accumulated net unrealized gains of less than $1 million and accumulated net unrealized losses of less than $1 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, 2019								As of December 31, 2018
	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	$	59,155	$	71	$	(4)	$	67	$	66,823	$	40	$	(19)	$	21
Commercial paper		86,353		—		(5)		(5)		45,938		—		—		—
Corporate securities		95,542		10		(2)		8		100,662		11		(113)		(102)
Other		1,516		—		—		—		966		—		—		—
Total	$	242,566	$	81	$	(11)	$	70	$	214,389	$	51	$	(132)	$	(81)

12

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

As of March 31, 2019, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $238 million with contractual maturities within one year and $5 million 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, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	343,783	$	58,435	$	285,348	$	—	$	114,464	$	12,493	$	101,971	$	—
Debt securities (including restricted):
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$	59,155	$	59,155	$	—	$	—	$	66,823	$	66,823	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper		86,353		—		86,353		—		45,938		—		45,938		—
Corporate securities		95,542		—		95,542		—		100,662		—		100,662		—
Other		1,516		—		1,516		—		966		—		966		—
Equity securities		2,894		2,894		—		—		2,370		2,370		—		—
Total	$	245,460	$	62,049	$	183,411	$	—	$	216,759	$	69,193	$	147,566	$	—

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we had no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.

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

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Other, net:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1)	$	2,770	$	(36,548)
Costs related to early redemption of debt		(439)		(179)
Equity in earnings of affiliates		(944)		1,446
Other		46		484
Total	$	1,433	$	(34,797)

(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded unrealized gains of $2 million related to equity securities held as of March 31, 2019.

13

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

5.Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following:

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	242,331	$	215,150
Work-in-process and service repairs		49,939		56,871
Raw materials		16,949		18,676
Total inventory	$	309,219	$	290,697

6.Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Depreciable		As of
	Life	March 31,		December 31,
	(In Years)	2019		2018
		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	2-5	$	1,908,048	$	1,980,808
EchoStar XV	15		277,658		277,658
Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements (1)	10-15		223,423		499,819
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	2-10		1,849,292		1,820,883
Buildings and improvements	4-40		283,881		289,244
Land	-		13,186		13,186
Construction in progress	-		46,751		47,077
Total property and equipment			4,602,239		4,928,675
Accumulated depreciation			(3,276,204)		(3,550,726)
Property and equipment, net		$	1,326,035	$	1,377,949

(1) The Ciel II satellite was previously classified as a finance lease, however, as a result of an amendment, which was effective during the first quarter 2019, Ciel II is now accounted for as an operating lease.

Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	108,136	$	107,281
Satellites		10,655		15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		36,324		55,977
Total depreciation and amortization	$	155,115	$	178,519

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.

14

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Pay-TV Satellites.  We currently utilize 11 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 seven satellites that we lease from EchoStar and one satellite that we lease from DISH Network, which are accounted for as operating leases.  We also lease two satellites from third parties, Ciel II, which is now accounted for as an operating lease, and Anik F3, which is accounted for as a financing lease and is depreciated over its economic life.    

As of March 31, 2019, our pay-TV satellite fleet consisted of the following:

		Degree	Estimated Useful Life
	Launch	Orbital	(Years) / Lease
Satellites	Date	Location	Termination Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	15
Leased from DISH Network (1):
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	61.5	Month to month
Leased from EchoStar (2):
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (3)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (3)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XIV (3)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (4)	November 2012	61.5	January 2023
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 (5)	December 2008	129	January 2020

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

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

(3) 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.

(4) We have the option to renew this lease for an additional five-year period.

(5) During the fourth quarter 2018, we amended this lease.

7.Leases

We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles used for installation and Smart Home Services and other equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 12 years, some of which include renewal options, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.

Our Anik F3 satellite is accounted for as a financing lease.  The vast majority of our remaining leases are accounted for as operating leases, including the remainder of our satellite fleet.

15

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

The components of lease expense were as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Operating lease cost	$	80,286
Short-term lease cost (1)		19,285
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets		6,108
Interest on lease liabilities		1,181
Total finance lease cost		7,289
Total lease costs	$	106,860

(1) Leases that have terms of 12 month or less, including EchoStar XVIII.  See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with DISH Network.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	81,012
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$	1,195
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	6,055
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	47,321
Finance leases	$	—
Right-of-use assets and liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019 upon adoption of ASC 842	$	730,180

16

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

	As of
	March 31,
	2019
	(In thousands)
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	708,122
Other current liabilities	$	233,658
Operating lease liabilities		477,711
Total operating lease liabilities	$	711,369
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment, gross	$	224,454
Accumulated depreciation		(178,848)
Property and equipment, net	$	45,606
Other current liabilities	$	18,349
Other long-term liabilities		42,403
Total finance lease liabilities	$	60,752
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases		3.7 years
Finance leases		3.1 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases		9.3%
Finance leases		7.5%

Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:

	Maturities of Lease Liabilities
	Operating		Finance
For the Years Ending December 31,	Leases		Leases		Total
	(In thousands)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	224,955	$	16,740	$	241,695
2020		230,522		22,024		252,546
2021		190,024		22,026		212,050
2022		123,538		7,364		130,902
2023		23,770		—		23,770
Thereafter		50,790		—		50,790
Total lease payments		843,599		68,154		911,753
Less: Imputed interest		(132,230)		(7,402)		(139,632)
Total		711,369		60,752		772,121
Less: Current portion		(233,658)		(18,349)		(252,007)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	$	477,711	$	42,403	$	520,114

17

DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

8.Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Fair Value of our Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt facilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

	As of
	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 (1)	$	1,295,007	$	1,317,501	$	1,317,372	$	1,343,298
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020		1,100,000		1,110,670		1,100,000		1,089,957
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021		2,000,000		2,064,620		2,000,000		1,974,940
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		1,941,280		2,000,000		1,833,140
5 % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,359,270		1,500,000		1,247,445
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		1,693,000		2,000,000		1,611,960
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026		2,000,000		1,748,960		2,000,000		1,653,720
Other notes payable		10,346		10,346		10,346		10,346
Subtotal		11,905,353	$	11,245,647		11,927,718	$	10,764,806
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(21,373)				(23,215)
Finance lease obligations (2)		60,752				66,984
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)	$	11,944,732			$	11,971,487

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased $83 million and $22  million, respectively, of our 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 in open market trades.  The remaining balance of $1.295 billion matures on September 1, 2019.

(2) Disclosure regarding fair value of finance 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).

9.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Wireless

Since 2008, DISH Network has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets and made over $10 billion in non-controlling investments in certain entities, for a total of over $21 billion, as described further below.

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DISH Network Spectrum

DISH Network has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.  These wireless spectrum licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements, as well as certain renewal requirements.  In March 2017, DISH Network notified the FCC that it plans to deploy a next-generation 5G-capable network, focused on supporting narrowband Internet of Things (“IoT”), which is the first phase of its network deployment (“First Phase”).  DISH Network expects to complete the First Phase by March 2020, with subsequent phases to be completed thereafter.  As of March 31, 2019, DISH Network had entered into vendor contracts with multiple parties for, among other things, base stations, chipsets, modules, tower leases, the core network, radio frequency (“RF”) design, and deployment services for the First Phase.  Among other things, initial RF design in connection with the First Phase is now complete, DISH Network has secured certain tower sites, and they are in the process of identifying and securing additional tower sites.  The core network has been installed and commissioned.  DISH Network installed the first base stations on sites in 2018, and it plans to continue deployment until complete.  DISH Network currently expects expenditures for its wireless projects to be between $500 million and $1.0 billion through 2020.  DISH Network expects the second phase of its network deployment (“Second Phase”) to follow once the 3GPP Release 16 is standardized and as it plans for its other spectrum holdings develop, DISH Network plans to upgrade and expand its network to full 5G to support new use cases.  DISH Network currently expects expenditures for the Second Phase to be approximately $10 billion.  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.  In addition, as DISH Network considers its options for the commercialization of its wireless spectrum, it will incur significant additional expenses and will have to make significant investments related to, among other things, research and development, wireless testing and wireless network infrastructure.  DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize its wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers. 

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 13 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. 

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

During 2015, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. (“American II”) and American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. (“American III”), DISH Network initially made over $10 billion in certain non-controlling investments in Northstar Spectrum, LLC (“Northstar Spectrum”), the parent company of Northstar Wireless, LLC (“Northstar Wireless,” and collectively with Northstar Spectrum, the “Northstar Entities”), and in SNR Wireless HoldCo, LLC (“SNR HoldCo”), the parent company of SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC (“SNR Wireless,” and collectively with SNR HoldCo, the “SNR Entities”), respectively.  On October 27, 2015, the FCC granted certain AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses (the “AWS-3 Licenses”) to Northstar Wireless (the “Northstar Licenses”) and to SNR Wireless (the “SNR Licenses”), respectively.  The Northstar Entities and/or the SNR Entities may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may be obtained from third party sources or from DISH Network, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate these AWS-3 Licenses, comply with regulations applicable to such AWS-3 Licenses, and make any potential payments related to the re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC.  Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, regulatory compliance, and potential re-auction payments, any such loans, equity contributions or partnerships could vary significantly.  For further information regarding the potential re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC, see Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

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 or equity contributions 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 and Contingencies – Commitments” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 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, 2019, the remaining obligation of the DISH Network guarantee was $37 million.    

As of March 31, 2019, we have not recorded a liability on the balance sheet for this guarantee.

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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.  On February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries completed the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) that was previously entered into on January 31, 2017 (the “Share Exchange”),pursuant to which certain assets that were transferred to EchoStar in the Spin-off were transferred back to us.  The Share Exchange Agreement contains additional indemnification provisions between us and EchoStar for certain liabilities and legal proceedings.

Litigation

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

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

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Blue Spike, LLC

On July 6, 2018, Blue Spike, LLC (“Blue Spike”) filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.  The complaint alleges infringement of Reissued United States Patent RE44,222E1 (the “222 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; Reissued United States Patent RE44,307 (the “307 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; and United States Patent Nos. 7,287,275B2 (the “275 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; 8,473,746 (the “746 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; 8,224,705 (the “705 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; 7,475,246 (the “246 patent”), entitled “Secure personal content server”; 8,739,295B2 (the “295 patent”), entitled “Secure personal content server”; 9,021,602 (the “602 patent”), entitled “Data Protection and Device”; 9,104,842 (the “842 patent”), entitled “Data Protection and Device”; 9,934,408 (the “408 patent”), entitled “Secure personal content server”; 7,159,116B2 (the “116 patent”), entitled “Systems, methods and devices for trusted transactions”; and 8,538,011B2 (the “011 patent”), entitled “Systems, methods and devices for trusted transactions.”  On September 5, 2018, pursuant to a joint motion of the parties, the Court ordered the case transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  In a First Amended Complaint filed on October 12, 2018, Blue Spike dropped its claims for infringement of the 222 patent, the 307 patent, the 275 patent, the 705 patent, and the 746 patent.  On November 11, 2018, Blue Spike dismissed its complaint.

On January 28, 2019, Blue Spike, along with Blue Spike International, Ltd. and Wistaria Trading Ltd., filed a new action against us and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  The complaint alleges infringement of the 246 patent, the 295 patent, the 408 patent, the 116 patent, the 011 patent, the 602 patent and the 842 patent, all of which were asserted in the prior action.  On March 29, 2019, the plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint, which dropped their claims arising from the 116 patent and the 011 patent.

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

ClearPlay, Inc.

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

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In those third-party challenges, the United States Patent and Trademark Office found that all claims of the 282 patent are unpatentable, and that certain claims of the 784 patent and 318 patent are unpatentable.  ClearPlay appealed as to the 784 patent and the 318 patent, and on August 23, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the findings of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  On October 31, 2016, the stay was lifted.  No trial date has been set.

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.

Contemporary Display LLC

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

In a First Amended Complaint filed on August 6, 2018, Contemporary added our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant.  In a Second Amended Complaint filed on October 9, 2018, Contemporary named only our wholly- owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant and dropped certain indirect infringement allegations.

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.

Customedia Technologies, L.L.C.

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

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

Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, on December 20, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. dismissed its petitions challenging the 029 patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and on January 9, 2018, the parties dismissed their claims, counterclaims and defenses as to that patent in the litigation.  On March 5, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office conducted a trial on the remaining petitions.  On June 11, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions challenging the 090 patent and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.  On July 25, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions challenging the 437 patent and the 494 patent and it invalidated all of the asserted claims. Customedia has filed notices of appeal from all of the final written decisions adverse to it, and DISH Network L.L.C. cross-appealed to the extent that its petitions were not successful.  On February 6, 2019, the Court of Appeals granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to dismiss its cross-appeals related to the 090 patent and, on February 26, 2019, granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to dismiss its cross-appeals related to the 437 patent.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Multimedia Content Management LLC

On July 25, 2018, Multimedia Content Management LLC (“Multimedia”) filed a complaint against DISH Network in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.  Multimedia alleges that DISH Network infringes United States Patent No. 8,799,468 (the “468 patent”), entitled “System for Regulating Access to and Distributing Content in a Network,” and United States Patent No. 9,465,925 (the “925 patent”), entitled “System for Regulating Access to and Distributing Content in a Network,” in connection with impulse pay per view content offerings on certain set-top boxes.  Multimedia is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.    On April 23, 2019, we filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted claims of each of the asserted patents.

DISH Network intends 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.

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Realtime Data LLC and Realtime Adaptive Streaming LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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On July 3, 2018, Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media L.L.C., DISH Network L.L.C., and DISH Technologies L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of each of the asserted patents.    On January 31, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions challenging all asserted claims of each of the asserted patents.  On February 26, 2019, the district court agreed to stay the Colorado Action pending resolution of the petitions.

Realtime Adaptive Streaming 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 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.

Telemarketing 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 (the “FTC Action”), alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”), as well as analogous state statutes and state consumer protection laws.  The plaintiffs alleged 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. was entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to one claim in the action.  In addition, the Court found that the plaintiffs were entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to ten claims in the action, which included, 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 were 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 have enjoined DISH Network L.L.C. from placing outbound telemarketing calls unless and until:  (i) DISH Network L.L.C. hired a third-party consulting organization to perform a review of its call center operations; (ii) such third-party consulting organization submitted a telemarketing compliance plan to the Court and the federal plaintiff; (iii) the Court held a hearing on the adequacy of the plan; (iv) if the Court approved the plan, DISH Network L.L.C. implemented the plan and verified to the Court that it had implemented the plan; and (v) the Court issued an order permitting DISH Network L.L.C. to resume placing outbound telemarketing calls. 

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The plaintiffs’ modified request for injunctive relief, if granted, would have also enjoined 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 was seeking $900 million in alleged civil penalties; the California state plaintiff indicated that it was 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 was 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 were seeking; but the state plaintiffs took 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 United States Constitution, excessive fines may not be imposed.

On October 3, 2016, the plaintiffs further modified their request for injunctive relief and were seeking, among other things, to 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 some or all existing independent third-party retailers.  The second phase of the bench trial, which commenced on October 25, 2016 and concluded on November 2, 2016, covered the plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief, as well as certain evidence related to the state plaintiffs’ claims.

On June 5, 2017, the Court issued Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and entered Judgment ordering DISH Network L.L.C. to pay an aggregate amount of $280 million to the federal and state plaintiffs.  The Court also issued a Permanent Injunction (the “Injunction”) against DISH Network L.L.C. that imposes certain ongoing compliance requirements on DISH Network L.L.C., which include, among other things: (i) the retention of a telemarketing-compliance expert to prepare a plan to ensure that DISH Network L.L.C. and certain independent third-party retailers will continue to comply with telemarketing laws and the Injunction; (ii) certain telemarketing records retention and production requirements; and (iii) certain compliance reporting and monitoring requirements.  In addition to the compliance requirements under the Injunction, within ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Injunction, DISH Network L.L.C. is required to demonstrate that it and certain independent third-party retailers are in compliance with the Safe Harbor Provisions of the TSR and TCPA and have made no prerecorded telemarketing calls during the five (5) years prior to the effective date of the Injunction (collectively, the “Demonstration Requirements”).  If DISH Network L.L.C. fails to prove that it meets the Demonstration Requirements, it will be barred from conducting any outbound telemarketing for two (2) years.  If DISH Network L.L.C. fails to prove that a particular independent third-party retailer meets the Demonstration Requirements, DISH Network L.L.C. will be barred from accepting orders from that independent third-party retailer for two (2) years.  On July 3, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed two motions with the Court:  (1) to alter or amend the Judgment or in the alternative to amend the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; and (2) to clarify, alter and amend the Injunction.  On August 10, 2017, the Court:  (a) denied the motion to alter or amend the Judgment or in the alternative to amend the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; and (b) allowed, in part, the motion to clarify, alter and amend the Injunction, and entered an Amended Permanent Injunction (the “Amended Injunction”).  Among other things, the Amended Injunction provided DISH Network L.L.C. a thirty (30) day extension to meet the Demonstration Requirements, expanded the exclusion of certain independent third-party retailers from the Demonstration Requirements, and clarified that, with regard to independent third-party retailers, the Amended Injunction only applied to their telemarketing of DISH TV goods and services.  On October 10, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which heard oral argument on September 17, 2018.    

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(Unaudited)

During the second quarter 2017, we recorded $255 million of “Litigation expense” related to the FTC Action on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We recorded $25 million of “Litigation expense” related to the FTC Action during periods prior to 2017.  Our total accrual at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 related to the FTC Action was $280 million and is included in “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Any eventual payments made with respect to the FTC Action may not be deductible for tax purposes, which had a negative impact on our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017.  The tax deductibility of any eventual payments made with respect to the FTC Action may change, based upon, among other things, further developments in the FTC Action, including final adjudication of the FTC Action.

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 FTC Action 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 (the “Krakauer Action”).  Following a five-day trial, on January 19, 2017, a jury in that case found that the independent third-party retailer was acting as DISH Network L.L.C.’s agent when it made the 51,119 calls at issue in that case, and that class members are eligible to recover $400 in damages for each call made in violation of the TCPA.  On March 7, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed motions with the Court for judgment as a matter of law and, in the alternative, for a new trial, which the Court denied on May 16, 2017.  On May 22, 2017, the Court ruled that the violations were willful and knowing, and trebled the damages award to $1,200 for each call made in violation of TCPA.  On April 5, 2018, the Court entered a $61 million judgment in favor of the class.  On May 4, 2018, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which heard oral argument on May 9, 2019.  During the second quarter 2017, we recorded $41 million of “Litigation expense” related to the Krakauer Action on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We recorded $20 million of “Litigation expense” related to the Krakauer Action during the fourth quarter 2016.  Our total accrual related to the Krakauer Action at March 31, 2019  and December 31, 2018 was $61 million and is included in “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We intend to vigorously defend these cases.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits.

Telemarketing Shareholder Derivative Litigation

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

On November 13, 2017, City of Sterling Heights Police and Fire Retirement System (“Sterling Heights”), a purported shareholder of DISH Network, filed a putative shareholder derivative action in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada.  Sterling Heights makes substantially the same allegations as Plumbers Union 519, and alleges causes of action against the Director Defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment.  Sterling Heights is seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

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(Unaudited)

Pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, on January 4, 2018, the District Court agreed to consolidate the Sterling Heights action with the Plumbers Local 519 action, and on January 12, 2018, the plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint that largely duplicates the original Plumbers Local 519 complaint.  DISH Network’s Board of Directors has established a Special Litigation Committee to review the factual allegations and legal claims in this action.  On May 15, 2018, the District Court granted the Special Litigation Committee’s motion to stay the case pending its investigation.  The Special Litigation Committee’s report was filed on November 27, 2018 and recommended that the Company not pursue the claims asserted by the derivative plaintiffs.  On December 20, 2018, the Special Litigation Committee filed a motion for summary judgment seeking deferral to its determination that the claims should be dismissed, which, following a discovery period and further briefing, will be heard on November 4, 2019.

DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits 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.”  On September 9, 2015, TQ Delta filed a first amended complaint that added allegations of infringement of United States Patent No. 9,094,268 (the “268 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Transmission System With Low Power Sleep Mode and Rapid-On Capability.”  On May 16, 2016, TQ Delta filed a second amended complaint that added EchoStar Corporation and its then wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. as defendants.  TQ Delta alleges that our satellite TV service, Internet service, set-top boxes, gateways, routers, modems, adapters and networks that operate in accordance with one or more Multimedia over Coax Alliance Standards infringe the asserted patents.  TQ Delta has filed actions in the same court alleging infringement of the same patents against Comcast Corp., Cox Communications, Inc., DirecTV, Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc.  TQ Delta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

On July 14, 2016, TQ Delta stipulated to dismiss with prejudice all claims related to the 369 patent and the 956 patent.  On July 20, 2016, we filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims of the 404 patent and the 268 patent that have been asserted against us.  Third parties have filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims that have been asserted against us in the action.  On November 4, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the third-party petitions related to the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent.  On December 20, 2016, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court stayed the case until the resolution of all petitions to the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims at issue.  On January 19, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 430 and 158 patents.

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(Unaudited)

On February 9, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 404 patent, and on February 13, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 268 patent.  On February 27, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 243 and 412 patents.  On October 26, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on the petitions challenging the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims of those patents.  On February 7, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on the petitions challenging the 404 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims of that patent on the basis of our petition.  On February 10, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision on our petition challenging the 268 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.  On March 12, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision on a third-party petition challenging the 268 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.  All asserted claims have now been invalidated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  TQ Delta has filed notices of appeal from the nine final written decisions adverse to it, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral argument in all appeals except as to the 268 patent on May 6-8, 2019.  On May 9, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit summarily affirmed the invalidity findings as to the 412 patent and the 430 patent.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Turner Network Sales

On October 6, 2017, Turner Network Sales, Inc. (“Turner”) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The operative First Amended Complaint alleges that DISH Network L.L.C. improperly calculated and withheld licensing fees owing to Turner in connection with its carriage of CNN and other networks.  Turner claims damages of $183 million.  On December 14, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed its operative first amended counterclaims against Turner.  In the counterclaims, DISH Network L.L.C. seeks a declaratory judgment that it properly calculated the licensing fees owed to Turner for carriage of CNN, and also alleges claims for unrelated breaches of the parties’ affiliation agreement.

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

Uniloc

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

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(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.

Vermont National Telephone Company

On September  23, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia unsealed a qui tam complaint that was filed by Vermont National Telephone Company (“Vermont National”) against DISH Network; DISH Network’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, American AWS-3 Wireless I L.L.C., American II, American III, and DISH Wireless Holding L.L.C.; Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman) and Cantey M. Ergen (a member of DISH Network’s board of directors); Northstar Wireless; Northstar Spectrum; Northstar Manager, LLC; SNR Wireless; SNR HoldCo; SNR Wireless Management, LLC; and certain other parties.  The complaint was unsealed after the United States Department of Justice notified the Court that it had declined to intervene in the action.  The complaint is a civil action that was filed under seal on May 13, 2015 by Vermont National, which participated in the AWS-3 Auction through its wholly-owned subsidiary, VTel Wireless.  The complaint alleges violations of the federal civil False Claims Act (the “FCA”) based on, among other things, allegations that Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless falsely claimed bidding credits of 25% in the AWS-3 Auction when they were allegedly under the de facto control of DISH Network and, therefore, were not entitled to the bidding credits as designated entities under applicable FCC rules. 

Vermont National seeks to recover on behalf of the United States government approximately $10 billion, which reflects the $3.3 billion in bidding credits that Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless claimed in the AWS-3 Auction, trebled under the FCA.  Vermont National also seeks civil penalties of not less than $5,500 and not more than $11,000 for each violation of the FCA. 

On March 2, 2017, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia entered a stay of the litigation until such time as the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (the “D.C. Circuit”) issued its opinion in SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC, et al. v. F.C.C. The D.C. Circuit issued its opinion on August 29, 2017 and remanded the matter to the FCC for further proceedings.  See Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 for further information.    Thereafter, the Court maintained the stay until it was lifted on October 26, 2018.  On February 11, 2019, the Court granted Vermont National’s unopposed motion for leave to file an amended complaint.  On March 28, 2019, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss Vermont National’s amended complaint.

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

Waste Disposal Inquiry

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

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(Unaudited)

Other

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

10.Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

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.

11.Disaggregation of Revenue

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

The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Revenue:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
United States	$	3,127,109	$	3,373,751
Canada and Mexico		10,891		9,471
Total revenue	$	3,138,000	$	3,383,222

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Category:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Pay-TV video and related revenue	$	3,097,936	$	3,347,597
Equipment sales and other revenue		40,064		35,625
Total	$	3,138,000	$	3,383,222

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(Unaudited)

12.Contract Balances

Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
	(In thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2019	$	16,956	$	18,496	$	(16,485)	$	18,967

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

	Contract
	Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	624,626
Recognition of unearned revenue		(1,596,576)
Deferral of revenue		1,589,358
Balance as of March 31, 2019	$	617,408

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

13.Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with DISH Network

Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations.  We provide certain administrative, call center, installation, marketing and other services to DISH Network’s broadband, wireless and other operations.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the costs associated with these services was $12 million and $11 million, respectively.    

EchoStar XVIII Satellite.  The EchoStar XVIII satellite was launched on June 18, 2016 and became operational as an in-orbit spare at the 61.5 degree orbital location during the third quarter 2016, at which time we began leasing it from an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network.  During each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $17 million of expense related to this satellite.  This amount is recorded in “Satellite and transmission expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

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

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(Unaudited)

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

“Trade accounts receivable”

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $3 million and $4 million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Trade accounts payable”

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $12 million and $6 million, 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, 2019 and 2018, we received $2 million and $4 million, respectively, for services provided to EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these revenues are discussed below.

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

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

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

· Cheyenne Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 530 EchoStar Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming for a period ending in February 2019.  In August 2018, EchoStar exercised its option to renew this lease for a one-year period ending in February 2020.  EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for twelve one-year periods.

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(Unaudited)

· Gilbert Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 801 N. DISH Dr., Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending in March 2019.  In August 2018, EchoStar exercised its option to renew this lease for a one-year period ending in February 2020.    EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for twelve one-year periods.

· American Fork Occupancy License Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we acquired the lease for certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive, American Fork, Utah, and we sublease certain space at this location to EchoStar for a period ending in August 2017.  In June 2017, EchoStar exercised its five-year renewal option for a period ending in August 2022.

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

“Satellite and transmission expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred expenses of $71 million and $84 million, respectively, for satellite capacity leased from EchoStar and telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by EchoStar.  EchoStar is a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity.  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.

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.  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 VII, X, XI and XIV.  On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar 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 VII expired on June 30, 2018.

· 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.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

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

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 9.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in 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.  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.  In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013.

Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the 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.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3.  In 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”).  In 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.  Both the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement and DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement were terminated on March 31, 2018. 

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, in 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”).  In 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.  Both the 103 Service Agreement and DISH 103 Service Agreement were terminated on March 31, 2018.

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 (the “TT&C Agreement”).  In February 2018, we amended the TT&C Agreement to, among other things, extend the term for one-year with four automatic one-year renewal periods.  The fees for services provided under the TT&C Agreement are calculated at either:  (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided.  We and EchoStar are able to terminate the TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 12 months’ notice.

“General and administrative expenses”

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $5 million for general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by 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.

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:

· Meridian Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2018.  In December 2018, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2019.

· Santa Fe Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2018.  In December 2018, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2019.

· Cheyenne Lease Agreement.    The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, EchoStar transferred ownership of a portion of this property to us, and, effective March 1, 2017, we and EchoStar amended this lease agreement to (i) terminate the lease of certain space at the portion of the property that was transferred to us and (ii) provide for the continued lease to us of certain space at the portion of the property that EchoStar retained.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

· 100 Inverness Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we lease certain space from EchoStar at 100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in December 2020.  This agreement may be terminated by either party upon 180 days’ prior notice. 

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

Additionally, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed that DISH Network shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services.  The Professional Services Agreement renewed on January 1, 2018 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2019 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.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar amended the Professional Services Agreement to, among other things, provide certain transition services to each other related to the Share Exchange Agreement.  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

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

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

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

Patent Cross-License Agreements.  In December 2011, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby:  (i) EchoStar and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) DISH Network and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”).  Each Cross License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10 million.  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.  In December 2016, DISH Network and EchoStar independently exercised their respective options to extend each Cross-License Agreement. The aggregate additional payments to such third-party was less than $3 million.  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.

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

Invidi.  In November 2010 and April 2011, EchoStar made investments in Invidi in exchange for shares of Invidi’s Series D Preferred Stock.  In November 2016, we, DIRECTV, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of AT&T Inc., and Cavendish Square Holding B.V., an affiliate of WPP plc, entered into a series of agreements to acquire Invidi.  As a result of the transaction, EchoStar sold its ownership interest in Invidi on the same terms offered to the other shareholders of Invidi.  The transaction closed in January 2017.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement.   In March 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”) and HNS entered into a Master Services Agreement (“MSA”) pursuant to which DNLLC, among other things: (i) has the right, but not the obligation, to market, promote and solicit orders for the Hughes broadband satellite service and related equipment; and (ii) installs Hughes service equipment with respect to activations generated by DNLLC.  Under the MSA, HNS will make certain payments to DNLLC for each Hughes service activation generated, and installation performed, by DNLLC.  Payments from HNS for services provided are recorded in “Subscriber-related revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The MSA has an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  After the first anniversary of the MSA, either party has the ability to terminate the MSA, in whole or in part, for any reason upon at least 90 days’ notice to the other party.  Upon expiration or termination of the MSA, HNS will continue to provide the Hughes service to subscribers and make certain payments to DNLLC pursuant to the terms and conditions of the MSA.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of $5 million and $10 million under the MSA, respectively. 

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

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

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

As a result of the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, we own a 50% interest in NagraStar, a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming.  Certain payments related to NagraStar are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  In addition, certain other payments are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” or “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.  We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our investment in NagraStar is accounted for using the equity method.

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	14,359	$	16,843
	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	15,149	$	9,871
Commitments to NagraStar	$	3,110	$	3,888

Related Party Transactions with Dish Mexico

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

The table below summarizes our transactions with Dish Mexico:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Sales:
Digital receivers and related components	$	—	$	280
Uplink services	$	1,404	$	1,034
	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Amounts Receivable:
Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico	$	1,053	$	1,370

14.Subsequent Events

On May 14, 2019, we and DISH Orbital II L.L.C (“DOLLC II”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, entered into an agreement to sell our interests in the LMDS and MVDDS licenses in exchange for the EchoStar XVIII satellite, including its related in-orbit incentive obligations of approximately $18 million (the “Satellite and Spectrum Transaction”).

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DISH DBS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

(Unaudited)

As the Satellite and Spectrum Transaction is among entities under common control, we will record the EchoStar XVIII Satellite at DOLLC II’s historical cost basis of $318 million.  The difference between the historical cost basis of EchoStar XVIII and our net carrying value of the LMDS and MVDDS licenses of $26 million, will result in a $293 million capital transaction that will be recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets during the second quarter of 2019. 

42

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, 2018 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 our Pay-TV services as providing our subscribers with a better “price-to-value” relationship than those available from other subscription television service providers.  In connection with the growth in OTT industry, we promote our Sling TV services primarily to consumers who do not subscribe to traditional satellite and cable pay-TV services.

As the pay-TV industry is mature, our DISH TV strategy has included an emphasis on acquiring and retaining higher quality subscribers,  including subscribers in markets underserved by pay-TV services,  even if it means that we will acquire and retain fewer overall subscribers.  We evaluate the quality of subscribers based upon a number of factors, including, among others, profitability.  Our DISH TV subscriber base has been declining due to, among other things, this strategy.  There can be no assurance that our DISH TV subscriber base will not continue to decline and that the pace of such decline will not accelerate.

Our revenue and profit are primarily derived from Pay-TV programming services that we provide to our subscribers.  We also generate revenue from equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including DVRs and fees from subscribers with multiple receivers; advertising services; fees earned from our Smart Home service operations; warranty services; and sales of digital receivers and related equipment to third-party pay-TV providers.  Our subscriber-related revenue has been declining due to, among other things, the continuing decline in our DISH TV subscriber base.  We expect this trend to continue.  Our most significant expenses are subscriber-related expenses, which are primarily related to programming.

Financial Highlights

2019 First Quarter Consolidated Results of Operations and Key Operating Metrics

· Revenue of $3.138 billion

· Net income attributable to DISH DBS of $178 million

· Loss of approximately 259,000 net Pay-TV subscribers

· Loss of approximately 266,000 net DISH TV subscribers

· Addition of approximately 7,000 net Sling TV subscribers

· Pay-TV ARPU of $85.03

· Gross new DISH TV subscriber activations of approximately 243,000

· DISH TV churn rate of 1.74%

· DISH TV SAC of $828

Consolidated Financial Condition as of March 31, 2019

· Cash, cash equivalents and current marketable investment securities of $557 million

· Total assets of $4.733 billion

· Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations of $11.945 billion

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

Our subsidiaries operate one business segment.

Pay-TV

We are the nation’s fourth largest pay-TV provider and 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, broadcast operations, customer service facilities, a leased fiber optic network, Smart Home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations (“DISH TV”).  The Sling branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, multichannel, live-linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”), Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“Sling TV”).As of March 31, 2019, we had 12.063 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States, including 9.639 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.424 million Sling TV subscribers. 

Competition has intensified in recent years as the pay-TV industry has matured.  To differentiate our DISH TV services from our competitors, we offer the Hopper whole-home DVR 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, tablets, phones and computers.  The Hopper 3, among other things, features 16 tuners, delivers an enhanced 4K Ultra HD experience, and supports up to seven TVs simultaneously.

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 multiple streaming-capable devices including streaming media devices, TVs, tablets, computers, game consoles and phones.  We offer Sling International, Sling Latino and Sling domestic video programming services.  Our domestic Sling TV services have a single-stream service branded Sling Orange and a multi-stream service branded Sling Blue, which includes, among other things, the ability to stream on up to three devices simultaneously.  We face competition from providers of digital media, including, among others, Netflix, Hulu, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Disney, Verizon, DirecTV, Sony, YouTube, Fubo, Philo and Pluto that offer online services distributing movies, television shows and other video programming as well as programmers, such as HBO, CBS, Univision, STARZ and SHOWTIME, that began selling content directly to consumers over the Internet.  Some of these companies have larger customer bases, stronger brand recognition and greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do.  In addition, traditional providers of video entertainment, including broadcasters, cable channels and MVPDs, are increasing their Internet-based video offerings.  Some of these services charge nominal or no fees for access to their content, which could adversely affect demand for our Pay-TV services.  Moreover, new technologies have been, and will likely continue to be, developed that further increase the number of competitors we face with respect to video services, including competition from piracy-based video offerings.  This competition, among other things, has caused the rate of growth in subscribers to our Sling TV services to decrease.  In June 2018, we launched additional Sling TV services which include offering consumers a la carte channel subscriptions, access to pay-per-view events and movies, and access to free content.  There can be no assurance that these additional services will positively affect our results of operations or our net Sling TV subscribers.

As a result of the completion of the Share Exchange with EchoStar, we also design, develop and distribute receiver systems and provide digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and other services to third-party pay-TV providers.

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

Recent Developments

Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances among cable television providers, telecommunications companies, programming providers and others may result in, among other things, greater scale and financial leverage and increase the availability of offerings from providers capable of bundling video, broadband and/or wireless services in competition with our services and may exacerbate the risks described in our public filings.  In October 2016, AT&T announced its acquisition of Time Warner, which was completed in June 2018.  In December 2017, Walt Disney Company announced its acquisition of certain assets of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., which was completed in March 2019.  These transactions may affect us adversely by, among other things, making it more difficult for us to obtain access to certain programming networks on nondiscriminatory and fair terms, or at all.  For example, in connection with AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner, Turner sent all of its distributors written, irrevocable offers to submit disputes over the price and other terms of Turner programming to binding arbitration and to guarantee continued access to that programming while any arbitration is pending.  However, in October 2018, AT&T removed its HBO and Cinemax channels, which are not part of Turner, from our DISH TV and Sling TV programming lineup, as we and AT&T have been unable to negotiate the terms and conditions of a new programming carriage contract.

Also, in April 2018, T-Mobile US, Inc. (“T‑Mobile”) announced its acquisition of Sprint Corporation (“Sprint”).  DISH Network filed a petition to deny the transaction with the FCC.  DISH Network cannot predict the practical effect on it of the impact of T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint (if approved), including without limitation, the impact of any conditions on DISH Network (if any conditions are imposed).  However, it is possible that the outcomes resulting from this acquisition (if approved, with or without conditions) could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition or otherwise disrupt our business.

Trends

Competition

Competition has intensified in recent years as the pay-TV industry has matured.  With respect to our DISH 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.  We incur significant costs to retain our existing DISH TV subscribers, mostly as a result of upgrading their equipment to next generation receivers, primarily including our Hopper receivers, and by providing retention credits.  Our DISH TV subscriber retention costs may vary significantly from period to period.

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

Our Pay-TV services also face increased competition from programmers and other companies who distribute video directly to consumers over the Internet.  Our Sling TV services face increased competition from content providers and other companies, as well as traditional satellite television providers, cable companies and large telecommunications companies, that are increasing their Internet-based video offerings.  Competition from video content distributed over the Internet includes services with live linear television programming, single programmer offerings and offerings of large libraries of on-demand content, including in many cases original content.  Furthermore, our DISH TV services face increased competition as 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 DISH TV services (“cord cutting”), downgrade to smaller, less expensive programming packages (“cord shaving”) or elect to purchase through these online content providers a certain portion of the services that they would have historically purchased from us, such as pay per view movies, resulting in less revenue to us.

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We implement new marketing promotions from time to time that are intended to increase our Pay-TV subscriber activations.  For our DISH TV services, we have launched various marketing promotions offering certain DISH TV programming packages without a price increase for a commitment period.  We also launched our Flex Pack skinny bundle with a core package of programming consisting of more than 50 channels and the choice of one of nine themed add-on channel packs, which include, among others, local broadcast networks and kids and general entertainment programming.  Subscribers can also add or remove additional channel packs to best suit their entertainment needs.  During 2017, we launched “Tuned In To You”  and during 2019 we launched the “Tuned In To You 2.0” campaign which further amplifies our commitment to customer satisfaction.While we plan to implement these and other new marketing efforts for our DISH TV services, there can be no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in increasing our gross new DISH TV subscriber activations.  Additionally, in response to our efforts, we may face increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing and retention efforts, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers.  For our Sling TV services, we offer a personalized TV experience with a customized channel line-up and two of the lowest priced multichannel live-linear online streaming services in the industry, our Sling Orange service and our Sling Blue service.  During 2018, we launched our “We are Slingers” campaign.  While we plan to implement this and other new marketing efforts for our Sling TV services, there can be no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in increasing our net Sling TV subscriber activations. 

Our DISH TV subscriber base has been declining due to, among other things, the factors described above.  There can be no assurance that our DISH TV subscriber base will not continue to decline and that the pace of such decline will not accelerate.  As our DISH 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 due to contractual price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms and certain programming costs are rising at a much faster rate than wages or inflation.  In particular, the rates we are charged for retransmitting local broadcast channels have been increasing substantially and may exceed our ability to increase our prices to our customers.  Going forward, our margins may face pressure if we are unable to renew our long-term programming contracts on acceptable pricing and other economic terms or if we are unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our customers.

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

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Furthermore, our net Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and DISH TV churn rate may be negatively impacted if we are unable to renew our long-term programming carriage contracts before they expire.  In the past, our net Pay-TV subscriber additions, gross new DISH TV subscriber activations, and DISH TV churn rate have been negatively impacted as a result of programming interruptions and threatened programming interruptions in connection with the scheduled expiration of programming carriage contracts with content providers.  In June 2018 and November 2018, Univision Communications Inc. (“Univision”) removed certain of its channels from our DISH TV and Sling TV programming lineup.   On March 26, 2019, we and Univision signed a new programming carriage contract which restored certain of these Univision channels to our DISH TV programming lineup.In October 2018, AT&T removed its HBO and Cinemax channels from our DISH TV and Sling TV programming lineup, as we and AT&T have been unable to negotiate the terms and conditions of a new programming carriage contract.  AT&T offers its programming, including its HBO and Cinemax channels, directly to consumers over the Internet and provides HBO for free to subscribers of its streaming service AT&T’s “Watch TV.”  We experienced a higher DISH TV churn rate, higher net Pay-TV subscriber losses and lower gross new DISH TV subscriber activations during the third and fourth quarter 2018 and continuing into the first quarter 2019, when Univision and AT&T removed certain of their channels from our DISH TV and Sling TV programming lineup.  There can be no assurance that the removal of the AT&T channels will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition or otherwise disrupt our business.

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

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.  For our DISH TV services, in order 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 may be necessary to keep our system secure.  To combat other forms of fraud, among other things, we monitor our independent third-party distributors’ and independent third-party retailers’ adherence to our business rules.  Furthermore, for our Sling TV services, we encrypt programming content and use digital rights management software to, among other things, prevent unauthorized access to our programming content.

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 Smart 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.

Changes in our Technology

We have been deploying DBS receivers for our DISH TV services 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 retention costs.  All new DBS receivers have MPEG-4 compression with 8PSK modulation technology.

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

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased $83 million and $22 million, respectively, of our 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 in open market trades.  The remaining balance of $1.295 billion matures on September 1, 2019.  We expect to fund the remaining obligation from cash and marketable investment securities balances at that time and/or advances from our parent, DISH Network.  But, depending on market conditions, we may refinance the remaining obligation, in whole or in part.

Wireless

Since 2008, DISH Network has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets and made over $10 billion in non-controlling investments in certain entities, for a total of over $21 billion, as described further below.

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DISH Network Spectrum.  DISH Network has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.  These wireless spectrum licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements,  as well as certain renewal requirements.  In March 2017, DISH Network notified the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) that it plans to deploy a next-generation 5G-capable network, focused on supporting narrowband Internet of Things (“IoT”), which is the first phase of its network deployment (“First Phase”).  DISH Network expects to complete the First Phase by March 2020, with subsequent phases to be completed thereafter.  As of March 31, 2019,  DISH Network had entered into vendor contracts with multiple parties for, among other things, base stations, chipsets, modules, tower leases, the core network, radio frequency (“RF”) design, and deployment services for the First Phase.   Among other things, initial RF design in connection with the First Phase is now complete, DISH Network has secured certain tower sites, and they are in the process of identifying and securing additional tower sites.  The core network has been installed and commissioned.  DISH Network installed the first base stations on sites in 2018, and it plans to continue deployment until complete.  DISH Network currently expects expenditures for its wireless projects to be between $500 million and $1.0 billion through 2020.  DISH Network expects the second phase of its network deployment (“Second Phase”) to follow once the 3GPP Release 16 is standardized and as it plans for its other spectrum holdings develop, DISH Network plans to upgrade and expand its network to full 5G to support new use cases.  DISH Network currently expects expenditures for the Second Phase to be approximately $10 billion.    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.  In addition, as DISH Network considers its options for the commercialization of its wireless spectrum, it will incur significant additional expenses and will have to make significant investments related to, among other things, research and development, wireless testing and wireless network infrastructure.  DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize its wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers. 

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 13 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.  During 2015, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. (“American II”) and American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. (“American III”), DISH Network initially made over $10 billion in certain non-controlling investments in Northstar Spectrum, LLC (“Northstar Spectrum”), the parent company of Northstar Wireless, LLC (“Northstar Wireless,” and collectively with Northstar Spectrum, the “Northstar Entities”), and in SNR Wireless HoldCo, LLC (“SNR HoldCo”), the parent company of SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC (“SNR Wireless,” and collectively with SNR HoldCo, the “SNR Entities”), respectively. 

On October 27, 2015, the FCC granted certain AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses (the “AWS-3 Licenses”) to Northstar Wireless (the “Northstar Licenses”) and to SNR Wireless (the “SNR Licenses”), respectively.  The Northstar Entities and/or the SNR Entities may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may be obtained from third party sources or from DISH Network, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate these AWS-3 Licenses, comply with regulations applicable to such AWS-3 Licenses, and make any potential payments related to the re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC.  Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, regulatory compliance, and potential re-auction payments, any such loans, equity contributions or partnerships could vary significantly.  For further information regarding the potential re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC, see Note 10  “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

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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 or equity contributions 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 and Contingencies – Commitments” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 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 and restrictions related to our senior notes.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.  On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the way entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net earnings.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Fair Value Measurement.  On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by adding, modifying or removing certain disclosures.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  Certain disclosures in ASU 2018-13 are required to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS

Subscriber-related revenue.  “Subscriber-related revenue” consists principally of revenue from basic, local, premium movie, pay-per-view, Latino and international subscriptions; equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including DVRs and fees from subscribers with multiple receivers; advertising services; fees earned from our Smart Home service operations; warranty services; and other subscriber revenue.  Certain of the amounts included in “Subscriber-related revenue” are not recurring on a monthly basis.

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Equipment sales and other revenue.  “Equipment sales and other revenue” principally includes the non-subsidized sales of DBS accessories to independent third-party retailers and other independent third-party distributors of our equipment, sales of digital receivers and related components to third-party pay-TV providers and revenue from 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 subscriber retention, Smart Home service and call center operations, billing costs, refurbishment and repair costs related to DBS receiver systems 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 telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by EchoStar.  “Satellite and transmission expenses” also includes the cost of digital broadcast operations, executory costs associated with finance 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 and other.  “Cost of sales - equipment and other” primarily includes the cost of non-subsidized sales of DBS accessories to independent third-party retailers and other independent third-party distributors of our equipment, costs associated with sales of digital receivers and related components to third-party pay-TV providers and costs related to 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 third-party retailers and other independent third-party 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 and our direct sales efforts and commissions.  Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, we capitalize payments made under certain sales incentive programs, including those with our independent third-party retailers and other independent third-party distributors, which were previously expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs.”  These amounts are now initially capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Other subscriber acquisition costs” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 2 in the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

DISH TV SAC.  Subscriber acquisition cost measures are commonly used by those evaluating traditional companies in the pay-TV industry.  We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating the “average subscriber acquisition costs per new DISH TV subscriber activation,” or DISH TV SAC, and we believe presentations of pay-TV SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses.  Our DISH TV SAC is calculated as “Subscriber acquisition costs,” excluding “Subscriber acquisition costs” associated with our Sling TV services,plus capitalized payments made under certain sales incentive programs, excluding amortization related to these payments, plus the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new DISH TV subscribers, divided by gross new DISH TV subscriber activations.  We include all the costs of acquiring DISH 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 DISH TV subscribers in our calculation, including DISH TV subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs.

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

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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 finance 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, unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value of certain marketable investment securities and equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).  EBITDA is defined as “Net income (loss) 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,						Variance
Statements of Operations Data	2019			2018			Amount			%
	(In thousands)
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue	$	3,097,936		$	3,347,597		$	(249,661)		(7.5)
Equipment sales and other revenue		40,064			35,625			4,439		12.5
Total revenue		3,138,000			3,383,222			(245,222)		(7.2)
Costs and Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses		1,976,436			2,139,793			(163,357)		(7.6)
% of Subscriber-related revenue		63.8	%		63.9	%
Satellite and transmission expenses		154,897			168,785			(13,888)		(8.2)
% of Subscriber-related revenue		5.0	%		5.0	%
Cost of sales - equipment and other		40,341			30,309			10,032		33.1
Subscriber acquisition costs		193,899			196,011			(2,112)		(1.1)
General and administrative expenses		186,577			161,684			24,893		15.4
% of Total revenue		5.9	%		4.8	%
Depreciation and amortization		155,115			178,519			(23,404)		(13.1)
Total costs and expenses		2,707,265			2,875,101			(167,836)		(5.8)
Operating income (loss)		430,735			508,121			(77,386)		(15.2)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		2,935			2,392			543		22.7
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(195,645)			(207,095)			11,450		5.5
Other, net		1,433			(34,797)			36,230		*
Total other income (expense)		(191,277)			(239,500)			48,223		20.1
Income (loss) before income taxes		239,458			268,621			(29,163)		(10.9)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(61,822)			(64,813)			2,991		4.6
Effective tax rate		25.8	%		24.1	%
Net income (loss)		177,636			203,808			(26,172)		(12.8)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(124)			(384)			260		67.7
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	177,760		$	204,192		$	(26,432)		(12.9)
Other Data:
Pay-TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions)		12.063			13.148			(1.085)		(8.3)
DISH TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions)		9.639			10.845			(1.206)		(11.1)
Sling TV subscribers, as of period end (in millions)		2.424			2.303			0.121		5.3
Pay-TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		(0.259)			(0.094)			(0.165)		*
DISH TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		(0.266)			(0.185)			(0.081)		(43.8)
Sling TV subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)		0.007			0.091			(0.084)		(92.3)
Pay-TV ARPU	$	85.03		$	84.50		$	0.53		0.6
DISH TV subscriber additions, gross (in millions)		0.243			0.297			(0.054)		(18.2)
DISH TV churn rate		1.74	%		1.47	%		0.27	%	18.4
DISH TV SAC	$	828		$	707		$	121		17.1
EBITDA	$	587,407		$	652,227		$	(64,820)		(9.9)

*  Percentage is not meaningful.

53

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

Pay-TV subscribers.  We lost approximately 259,000 net Pay-TV subscribers during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the loss of approximately 94,000 net Pay-TV subscribers during the same period in 2018.  The increase in net Pay-TV subscriber losses during the three months ended March 31, 2019 resulted from fewer net Sling TV subscriber additions and higher net DISH TV subscriber losses.  Our net Pay-TV subscriber losses during the three months ended March 31, 2019 were negatively impacted by Univision and AT&T’s removal of certain of their channels from our DISH TV and Sling TV programming lineup.  As a result, we experienced higher net Pay-TV subscriber losses beginning in the second half of 2018 and continuing into the first quarter 2019.  On March 26, 2019, we and Univision signed a new programming carriage contract which restored certain Univision channels to our DISH TV programming lineup.    We lost approximately 266,000 net DISH TV subscribers during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the loss of approximately 185,000 net DISH TV subscribers during the same period in 2018.  This increase in net DISH TV subscriber losses resulted from lower gross new DISH TV subscriber activations.We added approximately 7,000 net Sling TV subscribers during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the addition of approximately 91,000 net Sling TV subscribers during the same period in 2018.  This decrease in net Sling TV subscriber additions is primarily related to increased competition, including competition from other OTT service providers, and the impact from Univision and AT&T’s removal of certain of their channels from ourprogramming lineup, discussed above.  

Our DISH TV churn rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 1.74% compared to 1.47% for the same period in 2018.  Our DISH TV churn rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was negatively impacted by Univision and AT&T’s removal of certain of their channels from our programming lineup, discussed above, partially offset by the positive impact from our emphasis on acquiring and retaining higher quality subscribers.  Our DISH TV churn rate continues to be adversely impacted by external factors, such as, among other things, increased competitive pressures, including aggressive marketing, bundled discount offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers, as well as cord cutting.  Our DISH TV churn rate is also impacted by internal factors, such as, among other things, our ability to consistently provide outstanding customer service, price increases, programming interruptions in connection with the scheduled expiration of certain programming carriage contracts, our ability to control piracy and other forms of fraud and the level of our retention efforts. 

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we activated approximately 243,000 gross new DISH TV subscribers compared to approximately 297,000 gross new DISH TV subscribers during the same period in 2018, a decrease of 18.2%.  This decrease in our gross new DISH TV subscriber activations was primarily impacted by stricter customer acquisition policies for our DISH TV subscribers, including an emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers;  increased competitive pressures, including aggressive short term introductory pricing and bundled offers combining broadband, video and/or wireless services and other discounted promotional offers; and Univision and AT&T’s removal of certain of their channels from our programming lineup, discussed above.

During September 2017, Hurricane Maria caused extraordinary damage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, resulting in a widespread loss of power and infrastructure.  Given the devastation and loss of power, substantially all customers in those areas were unable to receive our service as of September 30, 2017.  In an effort to ensure customers would not be charged for services they were unable to receive, we proactively paused service for those customers.  Accordingly, we removed approximately 145,000 subscribers, representing all of our subscribers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, from our ending Pay-TV subscriber count as of September 30, 2017.  During the fourth quarter 2017, 75,000 of these customers reactivated.  During the first quarter 2018, 24,000 of these customers reactivated.  We incurred certain costs in connection with the re-activation of these returning subscribers, and accordingly, these returning customers were recorded as gross new DISH TV subscriber activations with the corresponding costs recorded in “Subscriber acquisition costs” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and/or in “Purchases of property and equipment” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

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

54

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

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

Subscriber-related revenue.  “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $3.098 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $250 million or 7.5% compared to the same period in 2018.  The decrease in “Subscriber-related revenue” from the same period in 2018 was primarily related to a lower average Pay-TV subscriber base, partially offset by an increase in Pay-TV ARPU discussed below.  We expect these trends in “Subscriber-related revenue” to continue.

Pay-TV ARPU.  Pay-TV ARPU was $85.03 during the three months ended March 31, 2019 versus $84.50 during the same period in 2018.  The $0.53 or 0.6% increase in Pay-TV ARPU was primarily attributable to the DISH TV programming package price increases in the first quarter 2019 and 2018 and an increase in revenue per subscriber related to our Sling TV services.  The increases were partially offset by an increase in Sling TV subscribers as a percentage of our total Pay-TV subscriber base, a decrease in revenue related to premium channels and a shift in DISH TV programming package mix to lower priced programming packages.  Sling TV subscribers on average purchase lower priced programming services than DISH TV subscribers, and therefore, the increase in Sling TV subscribers had a negative impact on Pay-TV ARPU.  We expect this trend to continue.

Subscriber-related expenses.  “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $1.976 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $163 million or 7.6% compared to the same period in 2018.  The decrease in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to a lower average Pay-TV subscriber base, partially offset by higher programming costs per subscriber.  Programming costs per subscriber during the three months ended March 31, 2019 increased due to rate increases in certain of our programming contracts, including the renewal of certain contracts at higher rates, particularly for local broadcast channels.  This increase was partially offset by the reduction in programming costs per subscriber related to AT&T and Univision’s removal of certain of their channels from our programming lineup.  “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 63.8% and 63.9% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 will continue to face further upward pressure from price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms.  In addition, our programming expenses will increase to the extent we are successful in growing our Pay-TV subscriber base.

Subscriber acquisition costs.  “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled $194 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $2 million or 1.1% compared to the same period in 2018.  This change was primarily attributable to fewer gross new DISH TV subscriber activations partially offset by the increase in DISH TV SAC, discussed below.

DISH TV SAC.  DISH TV SAC was $828 during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $707 during the same period in 2018, an increase of $121 or 17.1%.  This change was primarily attributable to an increase in hardware costs and advertising costs per activation.  The increase in hardware costs resulted from our emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers who activate with higher priced receivers, such as the Hopper 3, and a lower percentage of remanufactured receivers being activated on new subscriber accounts. In addition, the first quarter 2018 was positively impacted by the reactivation of certain subscribers in Puerto Rico related to Hurricane Maria.  The expenses we incurred for these reactivations were lower on a per subscriber basis than those incurred for the remaining gross new DISH TV subscriber activations during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

55

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

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new DISH TV subscribers totaled $34 million and $21 million, respectively.    This increase in capital expenditures resulted from our emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers who activate with higher priced receivers, such as the Hopper 3, and a lower percentage of remanufactured receivers being activated on new subscriber accounts.

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

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

Other, net.  “Other, net” income was $1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to expense of $35 million for the same period in 2018.  This change primarily resulted from a decrease in net unrealized losses on our marketable investment securities.  See Note 4 in the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.    EBITDA was $587 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $65 million or 9.9% compared to the same period in 2018.  The decrease in EBITDA was primarily attributable to the changes in operating income discussed above, excluding the change in “Depreciation and amortization.”  EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was negatively impacted by “Other, net” expense of $35 million.  The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
EBITDA	$	587,407	$	652,227
Interest, net		(192,710)		(204,703)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net		(61,822)		(64,813)
Depreciation and amortization		(155,115)		(178,519)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$	177,760	$	204,192

EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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.

Income tax (provision) benefit, net.  Our income tax provision was $62 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019,  a decrease of $3 million compared to the same period in 2018.  The decrease in the provision was primarily related to a decrease in the “Income (loss) before income taxes,” partially offset by an increase in our effective tax rate.

56

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

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 include 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 Principal Financial Officer.
32.1*	Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
32.2*	Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
101*	The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DISH DBS for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, filed on May 15,  2019, 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 Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit), (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes to these financial statements.

*  Filed herewith.

57

SIGNATURES

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

DISH DBS CORPORATION
By:	/s/ W. Erik Carlson
	W. Erik Carlson
	President and Chief Executive Officer
	(Duly Authorized Officer)
By:	/s/ Paul W. Orban
	Paul W. Orban
	Senior Vice President, Chief AccountingOfficer and Principal Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Date:  May 15, 2019

58

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Section 302 Certification

I, W. Erik Carlson, certify that:

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

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

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

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:  May  15, 2019

/s/  W. Erik Carlson

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

Section 302 Certification

I, Paul W. Orban, certify that:

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

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

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

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:  May  15, 2019

/s/ Paul W. Orban

Principal 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, 2019 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:	May  15, 2019
Name:	/s/ W. Erik Carlson
Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

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

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

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL 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, 2019 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:	May  15, 2019
Name:	/s/ Paul W. Orban
Title:	Principal 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, 2019	May 14, 2019
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, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 370,683	$ 129,498
Marketable investment securities	186,063	149,740
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,967 and $16,956, respectively	566,532	623,602
Inventory	309,219	290,697
Other current assets	290,436	234,054
Total current assets	1,722,933	1,427,591
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities	68,063	67,597
Property and equipment, net	1,326,035	1,377,949
FCC authorizations	637,610	637,346
Other investment securities	102,406	108,308
Operating lease assets	708,122
Other noncurrent assets, net	167,418	286,753
Total noncurrent assets	3,009,654	2,477,953
Total assets	4,732,587	3,905,544
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	254,522	217,268
Deferred revenue and other	636,876	644,920
Accrued programming	1,472,854	1,474,207
Accrued interest	187,778	222,996
Other accrued expenses	973,140	756,534
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	1,314,588	1,338,527
Total current liabilities	4,839,758	4,654,452
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion	10,630,144	10,632,960
Deferred tax liabilities	438,272	461,452
Operating lease liabilities	477,711
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	200,062	198,840
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion	11,746,189	11,293,252
Total liabilities	16,585,947	15,947,704
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholder's Equity (Deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital	1,163,372	1,152,369
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(215)	(376)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(13,016,680)	(13,194,440)
Total DISH DBS stockholder's equity (deficit)	(11,853,523)	(12,042,447)
Noncontrolling interests	163	287
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)	(11,853,360)	(12,042,160)
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)	$ 4,732,587	$ 3,905,544

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable	$ 18,967	$ 16,956
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

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 3,138,000	$ 3,383,222
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6):
Subscriber-related expenses	1,976,436	2,139,793
Satellite and transmission expenses	154,897	168,785
Cost of sales - equipment and other	40,341	30,309
Subscriber acquisition costs:
Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies	6,517	15,930
Other subscriber acquisition costs	80,475	77,072
Subscriber acquisition advertising	106,907	103,009
Total subscriber acquisition costs	193,899	196,011
General and administrative expenses	186,577	161,684
Depreciation and amortization (Note 6)	155,115	178,519
Total costs and expenses	2,707,265	2,875,101
Operating income (loss)	430,735	508,121
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	2,935	2,392
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(195,645)	(207,095)
Other, net	1,433	(34,797)
Total other income (expense)	(191,277)	(239,500)
Income (loss) before income taxes	239,458	268,621
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(61,822)	(64,813)
Net income (loss)	177,636	203,808
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(124)	(384)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	177,760	204,192
Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	177,636	203,808
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	47	400
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	152	25
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net	(38)	(39)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	161	386
Comprehensive income (loss)	177,797	204,194
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(124)	(384)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	177,921	204,578
Subscriber-related
Revenue:
Total revenue	3,097,936	3,347,597
Equipment sales and other
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 40,064	$ 35,625

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,116,848	$ 935	$ (14,168,047)	$ 3,601	$ (13,046,663)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	9,041				9,041
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net		25			25
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		(39)			(39)
Foreign currency translation		400			400
ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment			2,320		2,320
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests				(384)	(384)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS			204,192		204,192
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	1,125,889	1,321	(13,961,535)	3,217	(12,831,108)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,152,369	(376)	(13,194,440)	287	(12,042,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	11,003				11,003
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net		152			152
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		(38)			(38)
Foreign currency translation		47			47
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests				(124)	(124)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS			177,760		177,760
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 1,163,372	$ (215)	$ (13,016,680)	$ 163	$ (11,853,360)

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 177,636	$ 203,808
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	155,115	178,519
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments	(2,331)	36,727
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	11,003	9,041
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(23,218)	(17,710)
Other, net	(8,546)	(32,404)
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net	86,390	1,548
Net cash flows from operating activities	396,049	379,529
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net	(33,401)	59,465
Purchases of property and equipment	(93,803)	(66,715)
Other, net	9,425	3,207
Net cash flows from investing activities	(117,779)	(4,043)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Redemption and repurchases of senior notes	(22,365)	(56,473)
Repayment of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	(6,232)	(9,630)
Other, net	(400)	(159)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(28,997)	(66,262)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents	249,273	309,224
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (Note 4)	130,076	365,066
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 4)	$ 379,349	$ 674,290

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Organization and Business Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

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.  Our subsidiaries operate one business segment.

Pay-TV

We offer pay-TV services under the DISH® brand and the Sling® brand (collectively “Pay-TV” services).  The DISH branded pay-TV service consists of, among other things, FCC licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, broadcast operations, customer service facilities, a leased fiber optic network, Smart Home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations (“DISH TV”).  We also design, develop and distribute receiver systems and provide digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and other services to third-party pay-TV providers.  See Note 2 and Note 13 for further information.  The Sling branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, multichannel, live-linear streaming OTT Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“Sling TV”).  As of March 31, 2019, we had 12.063 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States, including 9.639 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.424 million Sling TV subscribers.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

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, 2018.  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, these equity securities are classified as either marketable investment securities or other investments and recorded at fair value with changes recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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, relative standalone selling prices of performance obligations, leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives.  Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above.  Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.  Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

Marketable Investment Securities

Historically, we classified all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except for investments which were accounted for as trading securities, and adjusted the carrying amount of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and reported the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our trading securities were carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) during the first quarter 2018, all equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale.  We adjust the carrying amount of our debt securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Declines in the fair value of a marketable debt security which are determined to be “other-than-temporary” are recognized on  our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment.

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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 finance lease obligations”) was equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates.  See Note 4 for the fair value of our marketable investment securities.

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

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue is primarily derived from Pay-TV programming services that we provide to our subscribers.  We also generate revenue from equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including DVRs and fees from subscribers with multiple receivers; advertising services; fees earned from our Smart Home service operations; warranty services; and sales of digital receivers and related equipment to third-party pay-TV providers.  See Note 11for further information, including revenue disaggregated by major source.

Our residential video subscribers contract for individual services or combinations of services, as discussed above, the majority of which are generally distinct and are accounted for as separate performance obligations.  We consider our installations for first time DISH TV subscribers to be a service.  However, since we provide a significant integration service combining the installation with programming services, we have concluded that the installation is not distinct from programming and thus the installation and programming services are accounted for as a single performance obligation.  We generally satisfy these performance obligations and recognize revenue as the services are provided, for example as the programming is broadcast to subscribers, as this best represents the transfer of control of the services to the subscriber. 

In cases where a subscriber is charged certain nonrefundable upfront fees, those fees are generally considered to be material rights to the subscriber related to the subscriber’s option to renew without having to pay an additional fee upon renewal.  These fees are deferred and recognized over the estimated period of time during which the fee remains material to the customer, which we estimate to be less than one year.  Revenues arising from our Smart Home service operations that are separate from the initial installation, such as mounting a TV on a subscriber’s wall, are generally recognized when these services are performed. 

For our residential video subscribers, we have concluded that the contract term under Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), is one month and as a result the revenue recognized for these subscribers for a given month is equal to the amount billed in that month, except for certain nonrefundable upfront fees that are accounted for as material rights, as discussed above.

Revenues from our advertising services are typically recognized as the advertisements are broadcast.  Sales of equipment to subscribers or other third parties are recognized when control is transferred under the contract.Revenue from our commercial video subscribers typically follows the residential model described above, with the exception that the contract term for most of our commercial subscribers exceeds one month and can be multiple years in length.  However, commercial subscribers typically do not receive time-limited discounts or free service periods and accordingly, while they may have multiple performance obligations, revenue is equal to the amount billed in a given month. 

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition generally differs from the timing of invoicing to customers.  When revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, we record a receivable.  When revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing, we record deferred revenue.  Our residential video subscribers are typically billed monthly, and the contract balances for those customers arise from the timing of the monthly billing cycle.  We do not adjust the amount of consideration for financing impacts as we apply a practical expedient when we anticipate that the period between transfer of goods and services and eventual payment for those goods and services will be less than one year.  See Note 12 for further information, including balance and activity detail about our allowance for doubtful accounts and deferred revenue related to contracts with subscribers.

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

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a subscriber if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year.  We have determined that certain sales incentive programs, including those with our independent third-party retailers, meet the requirements to be capitalized, and payments made under these programs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the estimated subscriber life.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $37 million and $41 million, respectively, under these programs.  The amortization expense related to these programs was $14  million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had a total of $192 million and $169 million capitalized on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These amounts are capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Other subscriber acquisition costs” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Leases

We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles used for installation and Smart Home Services, and other equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 12 years, some of which include renewal options, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease and classify that lease as either an operating or finance lease at inception. Operating leases are included in “Operating lease assets,” “Other accrued expenses” and “Operating lease liabilities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Finance leases are included in “Property and equipment, net,” “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” and “Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 7 for further information on our lease expenses.

Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the present value of our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.  Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.  When our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.  The operating lease ROU asset also includes the impact of prepaid or deferred lease payments.  The length of our lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.  Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

We lease certain assets from EchoStar, including, among other things, satellites, office space and data centers.  See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.  We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.  Our variable lease payments are immaterial and our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

For equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers we made an accounting policy election to combine the equipment with our programming services as a single performance obligation in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance as the programming services are the predominant component.

Impact of Adoption of ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (“ASU 2016-02”) and has modified the standard thereafter.  We adopted ASU 2016-02, as modified, on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method.  Under the modified retrospective method, we applied the new guidance to all leases that commenced before and were existing as of January 1, 2019. 

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had no impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 impacted our March 31, 2019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, including the reclassification of our deferred rent liabilities to an operating lease asset, as follows:

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	DISH DBS (as would have been reported under previous standards)		Impact of adopting ASU 2016-02		DISH DBS (as currently reported)
	(In thousands)
As of March 31, 2019
Operating lease assets	$	—	$	708,122	$	708,122
Total assets	$	4,024,465	$	708,122	$	4,732,587
Other accrued expenses	$	739,482	$	233,658	$	973,140
Operating lease liabilities	$	—	$	477,711	$	477,711
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	$	203,309	$	(3,247)	$	200,062
Total liabilities	$	15,877,825	$	708,122	$	16,585,947
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)	$	(11,853,360)	$	—	$	(11,853,360)
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)	$	4,024,465	$	708,122	$	4,732,587

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Research and development costs totaled $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.  On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the way entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net earnings.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Fair Value Measurement.  On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by adding, modifying or removing certain disclosures.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  Certain disclosures in ASU 2018-13 are required to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

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Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

3.Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$	226,535	$	231,152
Cash received for interest		2,935		2,392
Cash paid for income taxes		39		1,126
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		78,143		78,417
Capitalized interest		264		277
Reclassification of a receivable from noncurrent to current		138,210		—

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, 2019

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,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities:
Trading/equity (Note 2)	$	2,894	$	2,370
Other		183,169		147,370
Total current marketable investment securities		186,063		149,740
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		59,397		67,019
Total marketable investment securities		245,460		216,759
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		8,666		578
Other investment securities:
Other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Total other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	356,532	$	325,645

(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 debt securities are classified as available-for-sale.  Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 during the first quarter 2018, all equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 2 for further information.

Current Marketable Investment Securities - Trading/Equity

We have  a marketable security investment which was received for no cash consideration.

Current Marketable Investment Securities – Other

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

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

Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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/or equity securities that are included in noncurrent “Other investment securities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and our equity securities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting or recorded at fair value.  Certain of our equity method investments are detailed below.

NagraStar L.L.C.  As a result of the completion of the share exchange on February 28, 2017, we own a 50% interest in NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming. 

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

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

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had accumulated net unrealized gains of less than $1 million and accumulated net unrealized losses of less than $1 million, respectively.  These amounts, net of related tax effect, were accumulated net unrealized gains of less than $1 million and accumulated net unrealized losses of less than $1 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, 2019								As of December 31, 2018
	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	$	59,155	$	71	$	(4)	$	67	$	66,823	$	40	$	(19)	$	21
Commercial paper		86,353		—		(5)		(5)		45,938		—		—		—
Corporate securities		95,542		10		(2)		8		100,662		11		(113)		(102)
Other		1,516		—		—		—		966		—		—		—
Total	$	242,566	$	81	$	(11)	$	70	$	214,389	$	51	$	(132)	$	(81)

As of March 31, 2019, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $238 million with contractual maturities within one year and $5 million 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, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	343,783	$	58,435	$	285,348	$	—	$	114,464	$	12,493	$	101,971	$	—
Debt securities (including restricted):
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$	59,155	$	59,155	$	—	$	—	$	66,823	$	66,823	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper		86,353		—		86,353		—		45,938		—		45,938		—
Corporate securities		95,542		—		95,542		—		100,662		—		100,662		—
Other		1,516		—		1,516		—		966		—		966		—
Equity securities		2,894		2,894		—		—		2,370		2,370		—		—
Total	$	245,460	$	62,049	$	183,411	$	—	$	216,759	$	69,193	$	147,566	$	—

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we had no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.

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

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Other, net:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1)	$	2,770	$	(36,548)
Costs related to early redemption of debt		(439)		(179)
Equity in earnings of affiliates		(944)		1,446
Other		46		484
Total	$	1,433	$	(34,797)

(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded unrealized gains of $2 million related to equity securities held as of March 31, 2019.

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Inventory

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Inventory

Inventory

5.Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following:

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	242,331	$	215,150
Work-in-process and service repairs		49,939		56,871
Raw materials		16,949		18,676
Total inventory	$	309,219	$	290,697

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Property and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

6.Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Depreciable		As of
	Life	March 31,		December 31,
	(In Years)	2019		2018
		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	2-5	$	1,908,048	$	1,980,808
EchoStar XV	15		277,658		277,658
Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements (1)	10-15		223,423		499,819
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	2-10		1,849,292		1,820,883
Buildings and improvements	4-40		283,881		289,244
Land	-		13,186		13,186
Construction in progress	-		46,751		47,077
Total property and equipment			4,602,239		4,928,675
Accumulated depreciation			(3,276,204)		(3,550,726)
Property and equipment, net		$	1,326,035	$	1,377,949

(1) The Ciel II satellite was previously classified as a finance lease, however, as a result of an amendment, which was effective during the first quarter 2019, Ciel II is now accounted for as an operating lease.

Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	108,136	$	107,281
Satellites		10,655		15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		36,324		55,977
Total depreciation and amortization	$	155,115	$	178,519

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

Pay-TV Satellites.  We currently utilize 11 satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator, one of which we own and depreciate over its estimated useful life.  We currently utilize certain capacity on seven satellites that we lease from EchoStar and one satellite that we lease from DISH Network, which are accounted for as operating leases.  We also lease two satellites from third parties, Ciel II, which is now accounted for as an operating lease, and Anik F3, which is accounted for as a financing lease and is depreciated over its economic life. 

As of March 31, 2019, our pay-TV satellite fleet consisted of the following:

		Degree	Estimated Useful Life
	Launch	Orbital	(Years) / Lease
Satellites	Date	Location	Termination Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	15
Leased from DISH Network (1):
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	61.5	Month to month
Leased from EchoStar (2):
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (3)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (3)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XIV (3)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (4)	November 2012	61.5	January 2023
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 (5)	December 2008	129	January 2020

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

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

(3) 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.

(4) We have the option to renew this lease for an additional five-year period.

(5) During the fourth quarter 2018, we amended this lease.

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Leases

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Leases

Leases

7.Leases

We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles used for installation and Smart Home Services and other equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 12 years, some of which include renewal options, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.

Our Anik F3 satellite is accounted for as a financing lease.  The vast majority of our remaining leases are accounted for as operating leases, including the remainder of our satellite fleet.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Operating lease cost	$	80,286
Short-term lease cost (1)		19,285
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets		6,108
Interest on lease liabilities		1,181
Total finance lease cost		7,289
Total lease costs	$	106,860

(1) Leases that have terms of 12 month or less, including EchoStar XVIII.  See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with DISH Network.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	81,012
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$	1,195
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	6,055
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	47,321
Finance leases	$	—
Right-of-use assets and liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019 upon adoption of ASC 842	$	730,180

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

	As of
	March 31,
	2019
	(In thousands)
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	708,122
Other current liabilities	$	233,658
Operating lease liabilities		477,711
Total operating lease liabilities	$	711,369
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment, gross	$	224,454
Accumulated depreciation		(178,848)
Property and equipment, net	$	45,606
Other current liabilities	$	18,349
Other long-term liabilities		42,403
Total finance lease liabilities	$	60,752
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases		3.7 years
Finance leases		3.1 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases		9.3%
Finance leases		7.5%

Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:

	Maturities of Lease Liabilities
	Operating		Finance
For the Years Ending December 31,	Leases		Leases		Total
	(In thousands)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	224,955	$	16,740	$	241,695
2020		230,522		22,024		252,546
2021		190,024		22,026		212,050
2022		123,538		7,364		130,902
2023		23,770		—		23,770
Thereafter		50,790		—		50,790
Total lease payments		843,599		68,154		911,753
Less: Imputed interest		(132,230)		(7,402)		(139,632)
Total		711,369		60,752		772,121
Less: Current portion		(233,658)		(18,349)		(252,007)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	$	477,711	$	42,403	$	520,114

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Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

8.Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Fair Value of our Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt facilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

	As of
	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 (1)	$	1,295,007	$	1,317,501	$	1,317,372	$	1,343,298
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020		1,100,000		1,110,670		1,100,000		1,089,957
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021		2,000,000		2,064,620		2,000,000		1,974,940
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		1,941,280		2,000,000		1,833,140
5  % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,359,270		1,500,000		1,247,445
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		1,693,000		2,000,000		1,611,960
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026		2,000,000		1,748,960		2,000,000		1,653,720
Other notes payable		10,346		10,346		10,346		10,346
Subtotal		11,905,353	$	11,245,647		11,927,718	$	10,764,806
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(21,373)				(23,215)
Finance lease obligations (2)		60,752				66,984
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)	$	11,944,732			$	11,971,487

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased $83 million and $22  million, respectively, of our 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 in open market trades.  The remaining balance of $1.295 billion matures on September 1, 2019.

(2) Disclosure regarding fair value of finance 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, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

9.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Wireless

Since 2008, DISH Network has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets and made over $10 billion in non-controlling investments in certain entities, for a total of over $21 billion, as described further below.

DISH Network Spectrum

DISH Network has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.  These wireless spectrum licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements, as well as certain renewal requirements.  In March 2017, DISH Network notified the FCC that it plans to deploy a next-generation 5G-capable network, focused on supporting narrowband Internet of Things (“IoT”), which is the first phase of its network deployment (“First Phase”).  DISH Network expects to complete the First Phase by March 2020, with subsequent phases to be completed thereafter.  As of March 31, 2019, DISH Network had entered into vendor contracts with multiple parties for, among other things, base stations, chipsets, modules, tower leases, the core network, radio frequency (“RF”) design, and deployment services for the First Phase.  Among other things, initial RF design in connection with the First Phase is now complete, DISH Network has secured certain tower sites, and they are in the process of identifying and securing additional tower sites.  The core network has been installed and commissioned.  DISH Network installed the first base stations on sites in 2018, and it plans to continue deployment until complete.  DISH Network currently expects expenditures for its wireless projects to be between $500 million and $1.0 billion through 2020.  DISH Network expects the second phase of its network deployment (“Second Phase”) to follow once the 3GPP Release 16 is standardized and as it plans for its other spectrum holdings develop, DISH Network plans to upgrade and expand its network to full 5G to support new use cases.  DISH Network currently expects expenditures for the Second Phase to be approximately $10 billion.  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.  In addition, as DISH Network considers its options for the commercialization of its wireless spectrum, it will incur significant additional expenses and will have to make significant investments related to, among other things, research and development, wireless testing and wireless network infrastructure.  DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize its wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers. 

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 13 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

During 2015, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. (“American II”) and American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. (“American III”), DISH Network initially made over $10 billion in certain non-controlling investments in Northstar Spectrum, LLC (“Northstar Spectrum”), the parent company of Northstar Wireless, LLC (“Northstar Wireless,” and collectively with Northstar Spectrum, the “Northstar Entities”), and in SNR Wireless HoldCo, LLC (“SNR HoldCo”), the parent company of SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC (“SNR Wireless,” and collectively with SNR HoldCo, the “SNR Entities”), respectively.  On October 27, 2015, the FCC granted certain AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses (the “AWS-3 Licenses”) to Northstar Wireless (the “Northstar Licenses”) and to SNR Wireless (the “SNR Licenses”), respectively.  The Northstar Entities and/or the SNR Entities may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may be obtained from third party sources or from DISH Network, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate these AWS-3 Licenses, comply with regulations applicable to such AWS-3 Licenses, and make any potential payments related to the re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC.  Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, regulatory compliance, and potential re-auction payments, any such loans, equity contributions or partnerships could vary significantly.  For further information regarding the potential re-auction of AWS-3 licenses retained by the FCC, see Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

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 or equity contributions 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 and Contingencies – Commitments” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 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, 2019, the remaining obligation of the DISH Network guarantee was $37 million.    

As of March 31, 2019, we have 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.  On February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries completed the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) that was previously entered into on January 31, 2017 (the “Share Exchange”),pursuant to which certain assets that were transferred to EchoStar in the Spin-off were transferred back to us.  The Share Exchange Agreement contains additional indemnification provisions between us and EchoStar for certain liabilities and legal proceedings.

Litigation

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

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

Blue Spike, LLC

On July 6, 2018, Blue Spike, LLC (“Blue Spike”) filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.  The complaint alleges infringement of Reissued United States Patent RE44,222E1 (the “222 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; Reissued United States Patent RE44,307 (the “307 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; and United States Patent Nos. 7,287,275B2 (the “275 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; 8,473,746 (the “746 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; 8,224,705 (the “705 patent”), entitled “Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth”; 7,475,246 (the “246 patent”), entitled “Secure personal content server”; 8,739,295B2 (the “295 patent”), entitled “Secure personal content server”; 9,021,602 (the “602 patent”), entitled “Data Protection and Device”; 9,104,842 (the “842 patent”), entitled “Data Protection and Device”; 9,934,408 (the “408 patent”), entitled “Secure personal content server”; 7,159,116B2 (the “116 patent”), entitled “Systems, methods and devices for trusted transactions”; and 8,538,011B2 (the “011 patent”), entitled “Systems, methods and devices for trusted transactions.”  On September 5, 2018, pursuant to a joint motion of the parties, the Court ordered the case transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  In a First Amended Complaint filed on October 12, 2018, Blue Spike dropped its claims for infringement of the 222 patent, the 307 patent, the 275 patent, the 705 patent, and the 746 patent.  On November 11, 2018, Blue Spike dismissed its complaint.

On January 28, 2019, Blue Spike, along with Blue Spike International, Ltd. and Wistaria Trading Ltd., filed a new action against us and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  The complaint alleges infringement of the 246 patent, the 295 patent, the 408 patent, the 116 patent, the 011 patent, the 602 patent and the 842 patent, all of which were asserted in the prior action.  On March 29, 2019, the plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint, which dropped their claims arising from the 116 patent and the 011 patent.

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

ClearPlay, Inc.

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

In those third-party challenges, the United States Patent and Trademark Office found that all claims of the 282 patent are unpatentable, and that certain claims of the 784 patent and 318 patent are unpatentable.  ClearPlay appealed as to the 784 patent and the 318 patent, and on August 23, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the findings of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  On October 31, 2016, the stay was lifted.  No trial date has been set.

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.

Contemporary Display LLC

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

In a First Amended Complaint filed on August 6, 2018, Contemporary added our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant.  In a Second Amended Complaint filed on October 9, 2018, Contemporary named only our wholly- owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant and dropped certain indirect infringement allegations.

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.

Customedia Technologies, L.L.C.

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

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

Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, on December 20, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. dismissed its petitions challenging the 029 patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and on January 9, 2018, the parties dismissed their claims, counterclaims and defenses as to that patent in the litigation.  On March 5, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office conducted a trial on the remaining petitions.  On June 11, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions challenging the 090 patent and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.  On July 25, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions challenging the 437 patent and the 494 patent and it invalidated all of the asserted claims. Customedia has filed notices of appeal from all of the final written decisions adverse to it, and DISH Network L.L.C. cross-appealed to the extent that its petitions were not successful.  On February 6, 2019, the Court of Appeals granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to dismiss its cross-appeals related to the 090 patent and, on February 26, 2019, granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to dismiss its cross-appeals related to the 437 patent.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Multimedia Content Management LLC

On July 25, 2018, Multimedia Content Management LLC (“Multimedia”) filed a complaint against DISH Network in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.  Multimedia alleges that DISH Network infringes United States Patent No. 8,799,468 (the “468 patent”), entitled “System for Regulating Access to and Distributing Content in a Network,” and United States Patent No. 9,465,925 (the “925 patent”), entitled “System for Regulating Access to and Distributing Content in a Network,” in connection with impulse pay per view content offerings on certain set-top boxes.  Multimedia is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.    On April 23, 2019, we filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted claims of each of the asserted patents.

DISH Network intends to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Realtime Data LLC and Realtime Adaptive Streaming LLC

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

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

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

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

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

On July 3, 2018, Sling TV L.L.C., Sling Media L.L.C., DISH Network L.L.C., and DISH Technologies L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of each of the asserted patents.    On January 31, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petitions challenging all asserted claims of each of the asserted patents.  On February 26, 2019, the district court agreed to stay the Colorado Action pending resolution of the petitions.

Realtime Adaptive Streaming 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 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.

Telemarketing 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 (the “FTC Action”), alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”), as well as analogous state statutes and state consumer protection laws.  The plaintiffs alleged 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. was entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to one claim in the action.  In addition, the Court found that the plaintiffs were entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to ten claims in the action, which included, 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 were 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 have enjoined DISH Network L.L.C. from placing outbound telemarketing calls unless and until:  (i) DISH Network L.L.C. hired a third-party consulting organization to perform a review of its call center operations; (ii) such third-party consulting organization submitted a telemarketing compliance plan to the Court and the federal plaintiff; (iii) the Court held a hearing on the adequacy of the plan; (iv) if the Court approved the plan, DISH Network L.L.C. implemented the plan and verified to the Court that it had implemented the plan; and (v) the Court issued an order permitting DISH Network L.L.C. to resume placing outbound telemarketing calls. 

The plaintiffs’ modified request for injunctive relief, if granted, would have also enjoined 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 was seeking $900 million in alleged civil penalties; the California state plaintiff indicated that it was 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 was 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 were seeking; but the state plaintiffs took 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 United States Constitution, excessive fines may not be imposed.

On October 3, 2016, the plaintiffs further modified their request for injunctive relief and were seeking, among other things, to 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 some or all existing independent third-party retailers.  The second phase of the bench trial, which commenced on October 25, 2016 and concluded on November 2, 2016, covered the plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief, as well as certain evidence related to the state plaintiffs’ claims.

On June 5, 2017, the Court issued Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and entered Judgment ordering DISH Network L.L.C. to pay an aggregate amount of $280 million to the federal and state plaintiffs.  The Court also issued a Permanent Injunction (the “Injunction”) against DISH Network L.L.C. that imposes certain ongoing compliance requirements on DISH Network L.L.C., which include, among other things: (i) the retention of a telemarketing-compliance expert to prepare a plan to ensure that DISH Network L.L.C. and certain independent third-party retailers will continue to comply with telemarketing laws and the Injunction; (ii) certain telemarketing records retention and production requirements; and (iii) certain compliance reporting and monitoring requirements.  In addition to the compliance requirements under the Injunction, within ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Injunction, DISH Network L.L.C. is required to demonstrate that it and certain independent third-party retailers are in compliance with the Safe Harbor Provisions of the TSR and TCPA and have made no prerecorded telemarketing calls during the five (5) years prior to the effective date of the Injunction (collectively, the “Demonstration Requirements”).  If DISH Network L.L.C. fails to prove that it meets the Demonstration Requirements, it will be barred from conducting any outbound telemarketing for two (2) years.  If DISH Network L.L.C. fails to prove that a particular independent third-party retailer meets the Demonstration Requirements, DISH Network L.L.C. will be barred from accepting orders from that independent third-party retailer for two (2) years.  On July 3, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed two motions with the Court:  (1) to alter or amend the Judgment or in the alternative to amend the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; and (2) to clarify, alter and amend the Injunction.  On August 10, 2017, the Court:  (a) denied the motion to alter or amend the Judgment or in the alternative to amend the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; and (b) allowed, in part, the motion to clarify, alter and amend the Injunction, and entered an Amended Permanent Injunction (the “Amended Injunction”).  Among other things, the Amended Injunction provided DISH Network L.L.C. a thirty (30) day extension to meet the Demonstration Requirements, expanded the exclusion of certain independent third-party retailers from the Demonstration Requirements, and clarified that, with regard to independent third-party retailers, the Amended Injunction only applied to their telemarketing of DISH TV goods and services.  On October 10, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which heard oral argument on September 17, 2018.    

During the second quarter 2017, we recorded $255 million of “Litigation expense” related to the FTC Action on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We recorded $25 million of “Litigation expense” related to the FTC Action during periods prior to 2017.  Our total accrual at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 related to the FTC Action was $280 million and is included in “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Any eventual payments made with respect to the FTC Action may not be deductible for tax purposes, which had a negative impact on our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017.  The tax deductibility of any eventual payments made with respect to the FTC Action may change, based upon, among other things, further developments in the FTC Action, including final adjudication of the FTC Action.

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 FTC Action 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 (the “Krakauer Action”).  Following a five-day trial, on January 19, 2017, a jury in that case found that the independent third-party retailer was acting as DISH Network L.L.C.’s agent when it made the 51,119 calls at issue in that case, and that class members are eligible to recover $400 in damages for each call made in violation of the TCPA.  On March 7, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed motions with the Court for judgment as a matter of law and, in the alternative, for a new trial, which the Court denied on May 16, 2017.  On May 22, 2017, the Court ruled that the violations were willful and knowing, and trebled the damages award to $1,200 for each call made in violation of TCPA.  On April 5, 2018, the Court entered a $61 million judgment in favor of the class.  On May 4, 2018, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which heard oral argument on May 9, 2019.  During the second quarter 2017, we recorded $41 million of “Litigation expense” related to the Krakauer Action on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  We recorded $20 million of “Litigation expense” related to the Krakauer Action during the fourth quarter 2016.  Our total accrual related to the Krakauer Action at March 31, 2019  and December 31, 2018 was $61 million and is included in “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We intend to vigorously defend these cases.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits.

Telemarketing Shareholder Derivative Litigation

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

On November 13, 2017, City of Sterling Heights Police and Fire Retirement System (“Sterling Heights”), a purported shareholder of DISH Network, filed a putative shareholder derivative action in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada.  Sterling Heights makes substantially the same allegations as Plumbers Union 519, and alleges causes of action against the Director Defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment.  Sterling Heights is seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

Pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, on January 4, 2018, the District Court agreed to consolidate the Sterling Heights action with the Plumbers Local 519 action, and on January 12, 2018, the plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint that largely duplicates the original Plumbers Local 519 complaint.  DISH Network’s Board of Directors has established a Special Litigation Committee to review the factual allegations and legal claims in this action.  On May 15, 2018, the District Court granted the Special Litigation Committee’s motion to stay the case pending its investigation.  The Special Litigation Committee’s report was filed on November 27, 2018 and recommended that the Company not pursue the claims asserted by the derivative plaintiffs.  On December 20, 2018, the Special Litigation Committee filed a motion for summary judgment seeking deferral to its determination that the claims should be dismissed, which, following a discovery period and further briefing, will be heard on November 4, 2019.

DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits 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.”  On September 9, 2015, TQ Delta filed a first amended complaint that added allegations of infringement of United States Patent No. 9,094,268 (the “268 patent”), which is entitled “Multicarrier Transmission System With Low Power Sleep Mode and Rapid-On Capability.”  On May 16, 2016, TQ Delta filed a second amended complaint that added EchoStar Corporation and its then wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. as defendants.  TQ Delta alleges that our satellite TV service, Internet service, set-top boxes, gateways, routers, modems, adapters and networks that operate in accordance with one or more Multimedia over Coax Alliance Standards infringe the asserted patents.  TQ Delta has filed actions in the same court alleging infringement of the same patents against Comcast Corp., Cox Communications, Inc., DirecTV, Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc.  TQ Delta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

On July 14, 2016, TQ Delta stipulated to dismiss with prejudice all claims related to the 369 patent and the 956 patent.  On July 20, 2016, we filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims of the 404 patent and the 268 patent that have been asserted against us.  Third parties have filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims that have been asserted against us in the action.  On November 4, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on the third-party petitions related to the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent.  On December 20, 2016, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court stayed the case until the resolution of all petitions to the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of all of the patent claims at issue.  On January 19, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 430 and 158 patents.

On February 9, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 404 patent, and on February 13, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on our petition related to the 268 patent.  On February 27, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our motions to join the instituted petitions on the 243 and 412 patents.  On October 26, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on the petitions challenging the 158 patent, the 243 patent, the 412 patent and the 430 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims of those patents.  On February 7, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions on the petitions challenging the 404 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims of that patent on the basis of our petition.  On February 10, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision on our petition challenging the 268 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.  On March 12, 2018, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a final written decision on a third-party petition challenging the 268 patent, and it invalidated all of the asserted claims.  All asserted claims have now been invalidated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  TQ Delta has filed notices of appeal from the nine final written decisions adverse to it, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral argument in all appeals except as to the 268 patent on May 6-8, 2019.  On May 9, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit summarily affirmed the invalidity findings as to the 412 patent and the 430 patent.

We intend to vigorously defend this case.  In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers.  We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Turner Network Sales

On October 6, 2017, Turner Network Sales, Inc. (“Turner”) filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The operative First Amended Complaint alleges that DISH Network L.L.C. improperly calculated and withheld licensing fees owing to Turner in connection with its carriage of CNN and other networks.  Turner claims damages of $183 million.  On December 14, 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. filed its operative first amended counterclaims against Turner.  In the counterclaims, DISH Network L.L.C. seeks a declaratory judgment that it properly calculated the licensing fees owed to Turner for carriage of CNN, and also alleges claims for unrelated breaches of the parties’ affiliation agreement.

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

Uniloc

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

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.

Vermont National Telephone Company

On September  23, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia unsealed a qui tam complaint that was filed by Vermont National Telephone Company (“Vermont National”) against DISH Network; DISH Network’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, American AWS-3 Wireless I L.L.C., American II, American III, and DISH Wireless Holding L.L.C.; Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman) and Cantey M. Ergen (a member of DISH Network’s board of directors); Northstar Wireless; Northstar Spectrum; Northstar Manager, LLC; SNR Wireless; SNR HoldCo; SNR Wireless Management, LLC; and certain other parties.  The complaint was unsealed after the United States Department of Justice notified the Court that it had declined to intervene in the action.  The complaint is a civil action that was filed under seal on May 13, 2015 by Vermont National, which participated in the AWS-3 Auction through its wholly-owned subsidiary, VTel Wireless.  The complaint alleges violations of the federal civil False Claims Act (the “FCA”) based on, among other things, allegations that Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless falsely claimed bidding credits of 25% in the AWS-3 Auction when they were allegedly under the de facto control of DISH Network and, therefore, were not entitled to the bidding credits as designated entities under applicable FCC rules. 

Vermont National seeks to recover on behalf of the United States government approximately $10 billion, which reflects the $3.3 billion in bidding credits that Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless claimed in the AWS-3 Auction, trebled under the FCA.  Vermont National also seeks civil penalties of not less than $5,500 and not more than $11,000 for each violation of the FCA. 

On March 2, 2017, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia entered a stay of the litigation until such time as the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (the “D.C. Circuit”) issued its opinion in SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC, et al. v. F.C.C. The D.C. Circuit issued its opinion on August 29, 2017 and remanded the matter to the FCC for further proceedings.  See Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes toDISH Network’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 for further information.    Thereafter, the Court maintained the stay until it was lifted on October 26, 2018.  On February 11, 2019, the Court granted Vermont National’s unopposed motion for leave to file an amended complaint.  On March 28, 2019, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss Vermont National’s amended complaint.

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

Waste Disposal Inquiry

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

Other

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

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Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

10.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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Disaggregation of Revenue

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Disaggregation of Revenue

Disaggregation of Revenue

11.Disaggregation of Revenue

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

The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Revenue:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
United States	$	3,127,109	$	3,373,751
Canada and Mexico		10,891		9,471
Total revenue	$	3,138,000	$	3,383,222

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Category:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Pay-TV video and related revenue	$	3,097,936	$	3,347,597
Equipment sales and other revenue		40,064		35,625
Total	$	3,138,000	$	3,383,222

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Contract Balances

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Contract Balances

Contract Balances

12.Contract Balances

Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
	(In thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2019	$	16,956	$	18,496	$	(16,485)	$	18,967

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

	Contract
	Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	624,626
Recognition of unearned revenue		(1,596,576)
Deferral of revenue		1,589,358
Balance as of March 31, 2019	$	617,408

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

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

13.Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with DISH Network

Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations.  We provide certain administrative, call center, installation, marketing and other services to DISH Network’s broadband, wireless and other operations.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the costs associated with these services was $12 million and $11 million, respectively.    

EchoStar XVIII Satellite.  The EchoStar XVIII satellite was launched on June 18, 2016 and became operational as an in-orbit spare at the 61.5 degree orbital location during the third quarter 2016, at which time we began leasing it from an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network.  During each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $17 million of expense related to this satellite.  This amount is recorded in “Satellite and transmission expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

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

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

“Trade accounts receivable”

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $3 million and $4 million, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

“Trade accounts payable”

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $12 million and $6 million, 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, 2019 and 2018, we received $2 million and $4 million, respectively, for services provided to EchoStar.  These amounts are recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The agreements pertaining to these revenues are discussed below.

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

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

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

· Cheyenne Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 530 EchoStar Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming for a period ending in February 2019.  In August 2018, EchoStar exercised its option to renew this lease for a one-year period ending in February 2020.  EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for twelve one-year periods.

· Gilbert Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leases certain space from us at 801 N. DISH Dr., Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending in March 2019.  In August 2018, EchoStar exercised its option to renew this lease for a one-year period ending in February 2020.    EchoStar has the option to renew this lease for twelve one-year periods.

· American Fork Occupancy License Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we acquired the lease for certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive, American Fork, Utah, and we sublease certain space at this location to EchoStar for a period ending in August 2017.  In June 2017, EchoStar exercised its five-year renewal option for a period ending in August 2022.

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

“Satellite and transmission expenses”

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred expenses of $71 million and $84 million, respectively, for satellite capacity leased from EchoStar and telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by EchoStar.  EchoStar is a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity.  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.

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.  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 VII, X, XI and XIV.  On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar 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 VII expired on June 30, 2018.

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

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 9.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in 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.  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.  In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013.

Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the 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.  In 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”).  In 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.  Both the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement and DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement were terminated on March 31, 2018. 

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, in 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”).  In 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.  Both the 103 Service Agreement and DISH 103 Service Agreement were terminated on March 31, 2018.

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 (the “TT&C Agreement”).  In February 2018, we amended the TT&C Agreement to, among other things, extend the term for one-year with four automatic one-year renewal periods.  The fees for services provided under the TT&C Agreement are calculated at either:  (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided.  We and EchoStar are able to terminate the TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 12 months’ notice.

“General and administrative expenses”

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $5 million for general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by 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.

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:

· Meridian Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2018.  In December 2018, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2019.

· Santa Fe Lease Agreement.  The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2018.  In December 2018, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2019.

· Cheyenne Lease Agreement.    The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, EchoStar transferred ownership of a portion of this property to us, and, effective March 1, 2017, we and EchoStar amended this lease agreement to (i) terminate the lease of certain space at the portion of the property that was transferred to us and (ii) provide for the continued lease to us of certain space at the portion of the property that EchoStar retained.

· 100 Inverness Lease Agreement.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we lease certain space from EchoStar at 100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in December 2020.  This agreement may be terminated by either party upon 180 days’ prior notice. 

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

Additionally, DISH Network and EchoStar agreed that DISH Network shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services.  The Professional Services Agreement renewed on January 1, 2018 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2019 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.  In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar amended the Professional Services Agreement to, among other things, provide certain transition services to each other related to the Share Exchange Agreement.  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

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

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

Patent Cross-License Agreements.  In December 2011, DISH Network and EchoStar entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby:  (i) EchoStar and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) DISH Network and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”).  Each Cross License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10 million.  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.  In December 2016, DISH Network and EchoStar independently exercised their respective options to extend each Cross-License Agreement. The aggregate additional payments to such third-party was less than $3 million.  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.

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

Invidi.  In November 2010 and April 2011, EchoStar made investments in Invidi in exchange for shares of Invidi’s Series D Preferred Stock.  In November 2016, we, DIRECTV, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of AT&T Inc., and Cavendish Square Holding B.V., an affiliate of WPP plc, entered into a series of agreements to acquire Invidi.  As a result of the transaction, EchoStar sold its ownership interest in Invidi on the same terms offered to the other shareholders of Invidi.  The transaction closed in January 2017.

Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement.   In March 2017, DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”) and HNS entered into a Master Services Agreement (“MSA”) pursuant to which DNLLC, among other things: (i) has the right, but not the obligation, to market, promote and solicit orders for the Hughes broadband satellite service and related equipment; and (ii) installs Hughes service equipment with respect to activations generated by DNLLC.  Under the MSA, HNS will make certain payments to DNLLC for each Hughes service activation generated, and installation performed, by DNLLC.  Payments from HNS for services provided are recorded in “Subscriber-related revenue” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The MSA has an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms.  After the first anniversary of the MSA, either party has the ability to terminate the MSA, in whole or in part, for any reason upon at least 90 days’ notice to the other party.  Upon expiration or termination of the MSA, HNS will continue to provide the Hughes service to subscribers and make certain payments to DNLLC pursuant to the terms and conditions of the MSA.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of $5 million and $10 million under the MSA, respectively. 

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

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

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

As a result of the completion of the Share Exchange on February 28, 2017, we own a 50% interest in NagraStar, a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming.  Certain payments related to NagraStar are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  In addition, certain other payments are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” or “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.  We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our investment in NagraStar is accounted for using the equity method.

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	14,359	$	16,843
	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	15,149	$	9,871
Commitments to NagraStar	$	3,110	$	3,888

Related Party Transactions with Dish Mexico

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

The table below summarizes our transactions with Dish Mexico:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Sales:
Digital receivers and related components	$	—	$	280
Uplink services	$	1,404	$	1,034
	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Amounts Receivable:
Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico	$	1,053	$	1,370

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Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

14.Subsequent Events

On May 14, 2019, we and DISH Orbital II L.L.C (“DOLLC II”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, entered into an agreement to sell our interests in the LMDS and MVDDS licenses in exchange for the EchoStar XVIII satellite, including its related in-orbit incentive obligations of approximately $18 million (the “Satellite and Spectrum Transaction”).

As the Satellite and Spectrum Transaction is among entities under common control, we will record the EchoStar XVIII Satellite at DOLLC II’s historical cost basis of $318 million.  The difference between the historical cost basis of EchoStar XVIII and our net carrying value of the LMDS and MVDDS licenses of $26 million, will result in a $293 million capital transaction that will be recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets during the second quarter of 2019. 

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

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, 2018.  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, these equity securities are classified as either marketable investment securities or other investments and recorded at fair value with changes recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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, relative standalone selling prices of performance obligations, leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives.  Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above.  Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.  Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

Marketable Investment Securities

Marketable Investment Securities

Historically, we classified all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except for investments which were accounted for as trading securities, and adjusted the carrying amount of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and reported the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our trading securities were carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) during the first quarter 2018, all equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale.  We adjust the carrying amount of our debt securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Declines in the fair value of a marketable debt security which are determined to be “other-than-temporary” are recognized on  our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment.

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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 finance lease obligations”) was equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates.  See Note 4 for the fair value of our marketable investment securities.

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

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue is primarily derived from Pay-TV programming services that we provide to our subscribers.  We also generate revenue from equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including DVRs and fees from subscribers with multiple receivers; advertising services; fees earned from our Smart Home service operations; warranty services; and sales of digital receivers and related equipment to third-party pay-TV providers.  See Note 11for further information, including revenue disaggregated by major source.

Our residential video subscribers contract for individual services or combinations of services, as discussed above, the majority of which are generally distinct and are accounted for as separate performance obligations.  We consider our installations for first time DISH TV subscribers to be a service.  However, since we provide a significant integration service combining the installation with programming services, we have concluded that the installation is not distinct from programming and thus the installation and programming services are accounted for as a single performance obligation.  We generally satisfy these performance obligations and recognize revenue as the services are provided, for example as the programming is broadcast to subscribers, as this best represents the transfer of control of the services to the subscriber. 

In cases where a subscriber is charged certain nonrefundable upfront fees, those fees are generally considered to be material rights to the subscriber related to the subscriber’s option to renew without having to pay an additional fee upon renewal.  These fees are deferred and recognized over the estimated period of time during which the fee remains material to the customer, which we estimate to be less than one year.  Revenues arising from our Smart Home service operations that are separate from the initial installation, such as mounting a TV on a subscriber’s wall, are generally recognized when these services are performed. 

For our residential video subscribers, we have concluded that the contract term under Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), is one month and as a result the revenue recognized for these subscribers for a given month is equal to the amount billed in that month, except for certain nonrefundable upfront fees that are accounted for as material rights, as discussed above.

Revenues from our advertising services are typically recognized as the advertisements are broadcast.  Sales of equipment to subscribers or other third parties are recognized when control is transferred under the contract.Revenue from our commercial video subscribers typically follows the residential model described above, with the exception that the contract term for most of our commercial subscribers exceeds one month and can be multiple years in length.  However, commercial subscribers typically do not receive time-limited discounts or free service periods and accordingly, while they may have multiple performance obligations, revenue is equal to the amount billed in a given month. 

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition generally differs from the timing of invoicing to customers.  When revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, we record a receivable.  When revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing, we record deferred revenue.  Our residential video subscribers are typically billed monthly, and the contract balances for those customers arise from the timing of the monthly billing cycle.  We do not adjust the amount of consideration for financing impacts as we apply a practical expedient when we anticipate that the period between transfer of goods and services and eventual payment for those goods and services will be less than one year.  See Note 12 for further information, including balance and activity detail about our allowance for doubtful accounts and deferred revenue related to contracts with subscribers.

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

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a subscriber if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year.  We have determined that certain sales incentive programs, including those with our independent third-party retailers, meet the requirements to be capitalized, and payments made under these programs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the estimated subscriber life.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $37 million and $41 million, respectively, under these programs.  The amortization expense related to these programs was $14  million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had a total of $192 million and $169 million capitalized on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These amounts are capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Other subscriber acquisition costs” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Leases

Leases

We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles used for installation and Smart Home Services, and other equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 12 years, some of which include renewal options, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease and classify that lease as either an operating or finance lease at inception. Operating leases are included in “Operating lease assets,” “Other accrued expenses” and “Operating lease liabilities” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Finance leases are included in “Property and equipment, net,” “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” and “Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  See Note 7 for further information on our lease expenses.

Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the present value of our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.  Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.  When our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.  The operating lease ROU asset also includes the impact of prepaid or deferred lease payments.  The length of our lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.  Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

We lease certain assets from EchoStar, including, among other things, satellites, office space and data centers.  See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.  We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.  Our variable lease payments are immaterial and our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

For equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers we made an accounting policy election to combine the equipment with our programming services as a single performance obligation in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance as the programming services are the predominant component.

Impact of Adoption of ASU 2016-02

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (“ASU 2016-02”) and has modified the standard thereafter.  We adopted ASU 2016-02, as modified, on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method.  Under the modified retrospective method, we applied the new guidance to all leases that commenced before and were existing as of January 1, 2019. 

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had no impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 impacted our March 31, 2019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, including the reclassification of our deferred rent liabilities to an operating lease asset, as follows:

Research and Development

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Research and development costs totaled $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.  On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the way entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net earnings.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Fair Value Measurement.  On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by adding, modifying or removing certain disclosures.  This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  Certain disclosures in ASU 2018-13 are required to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis.  We are evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of adoption of ASU 2016-02 impacted our condensed consolidated balance sheets

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	DISH DBS (as would have been reported under previous standards)		Impact of adopting ASU 2016-02		DISH DBS (as currently reported)
	(In thousands)
As of March 31, 2019
Operating lease assets	$	—	$	708,122	$	708,122
Total assets	$	4,024,465	$	708,122	$	4,732,587
Other accrued expenses	$	739,482	$	233,658	$	973,140
Operating lease liabilities	$	—	$	477,711	$	477,711
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	$	203,309	$	(3,247)	$	200,062
Total liabilities	$	15,877,825	$	708,122	$	16,585,947
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)	$	(11,853,360)	$	—	$	(11,853,360)
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)	$	4,024,465	$	708,122	$	4,732,587

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Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

Schedule of supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$	226,535	$	231,152
Cash received for interest		2,935		2,392
Cash paid for income taxes		39		1,126
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network		78,143		78,417
Capitalized interest		264		277
Reclassification of a receivable from noncurrent to current		138,210		—

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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

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,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities:
Trading/equity (Note 2)	$	2,894	$	2,370
Other		183,169		147,370
Total current marketable investment securities		186,063		149,740
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)		59,397		67,019
Total marketable investment securities		245,460		216,759
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)		8,666		578
Other investment securities:
Other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Total other investment securities		102,406		108,308
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	356,532	$	325,645

(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, 2019								As of December 31, 2018
	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	$	59,155	$	71	$	(4)	$	67	$	66,823	$	40	$	(19)	$	21
Commercial paper		86,353		—		(5)		(5)		45,938		—		—		—
Corporate securities		95,542		10		(2)		8		100,662		11		(113)		(102)
Other		1,516		—		—		—		966		—		—		—
Total	$	242,566	$	81	$	(11)	$	70	$	214,389	$	51	$	(132)	$	(81)

Schedule of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	As of
	March 31, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	343,783	$	58,435	$	285,348	$	—	$	114,464	$	12,493	$	101,971	$	—
Debt securities (including restricted):
U.S. Treasury and agency securities	$	59,155	$	59,155	$	—	$	—	$	66,823	$	66,823	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper		86,353		—		86,353		—		45,938		—		45,938		—
Corporate securities		95,542		—		95,542		—		100,662		—		100,662		—
Other		1,516		—		1,516		—		966		—		966		—
Equity securities		2,894		2,894		—		—		2,370		2,370		—		—
Total	$	245,460	$	62,049	$	183,411	$	—	$	216,759	$	69,193	$	147,566	$	—

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Other, net:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses) (1)	$	2,770	$	(36,548)
Costs related to early redemption of debt		(439)		(179)
Equity in earnings of affiliates		(944)		1,446
Other		46		484
Total	$	1,433	$	(34,797)

(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded unrealized gains of $2 million related to equity securities held as of March 31, 2019.

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Inventory (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Inventory

Schedule of inventory

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	242,331	$	215,150
Work-in-process and service repairs		49,939		56,871
Raw materials		16,949		18,676
Total inventory	$	309,219	$	290,697

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Property and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Property and Equipment

Schedule of property and equipment

	Depreciable		As of
	Life	March 31,		December 31,
	(In Years)	2019		2018
		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	2-5	$	1,908,048	$	1,980,808
EchoStar XV	15		277,658		277,658
Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements (1)	10-15		223,423		499,819
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	2-10		1,849,292		1,820,883
Buildings and improvements	4-40		283,881		289,244
Land	-		13,186		13,186
Construction in progress	-		46,751		47,077
Total property and equipment			4,602,239		4,928,675
Accumulated depreciation			(3,276,204)		(3,550,726)
Property and equipment, net		$	1,326,035	$	1,377,949

(1) The Ciel II satellite was previously classified as a finance lease, however, as a result of an amendment, which was effective during the first quarter 2019, Ciel II is now accounted for as an operating lease.

Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	108,136	$	107,281
Satellites		10,655		15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other		36,324		55,977
Total depreciation and amortization	$	155,115	$	178,519

Schedule of pay-TV satellite fleet

		Degree	Estimated Useful Life
	Launch	Orbital	(Years) / Lease
Satellites	Date	Location	Termination Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV	July 2010	61.5	15
Leased from DISH Network (1):
EchoStar XVIII	June 2016	61.5	Month to month
Leased from EchoStar (2):
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (3)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (3)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XIV (3)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (4)	November 2012	61.5	January 2023
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 (5)	December 2008	129	January 2020

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

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

(3) 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.

(4) We have the option to renew this lease for an additional five-year period.

(5) During the fourth quarter 2018, we amended this lease.

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Leases (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Leases

Summary of the components of lease expense

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Operating lease cost	$	80,286
Short-term lease cost (1)		19,285
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets		6,108
Interest on lease liabilities		1,181
Total finance lease cost		7,289
Total lease costs	$	106,860

(1) Leases that have terms of 12 month or less, including EchoStar XVIII.  See Note 13 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with DISH Network.

Summary of Supplemental cash flow information related to leases

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	81,012
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$	1,195
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	6,055
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	47,321
Finance leases	$	—
Right-of-use assets and liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019 upon adoption of ASC 842	$	730,180

Summary of supplemental balance sheet information related to leases

	As of
	March 31,
	2019
	(In thousands)
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	708,122
Other current liabilities	$	233,658
Operating lease liabilities		477,711
Total operating lease liabilities	$	711,369
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment, gross	$	224,454
Accumulated depreciation		(178,848)
Property and equipment, net	$	45,606
Other current liabilities	$	18,349
Other long-term liabilities		42,403
Total finance lease liabilities	$	60,752
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases		3.7 years
Finance leases		3.1 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases		9.3%
Finance leases		7.5%

Summary of maturities of operating lease liabilities

	Maturities of Lease Liabilities
	Operating		Finance
For the Years Ending December 31,	Leases		Leases		Total
	(In thousands)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	224,955	$	16,740	$	241,695
2020		230,522		22,024		252,546
2021		190,024		22,026		212,050
2022		123,538		7,364		130,902
2023		23,770		—		23,770
Thereafter		50,790		—		50,790
Total lease payments		843,599		68,154		911,753
Less: Imputed interest		(132,230)		(7,402)		(139,632)
Total		711,369		60,752		772,121
Less: Current portion		(233,658)		(18,349)		(252,007)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	$	477,711	$	42,403	$	520,114

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Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

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

	As of
	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 (1)	$	1,295,007	$	1,317,501	$	1,317,372	$	1,343,298
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020		1,100,000		1,110,670		1,100,000		1,089,957
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021		2,000,000		2,064,620		2,000,000		1,974,940
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022		2,000,000		1,941,280		2,000,000		1,833,140
5  % Senior Notes due 2023		1,500,000		1,359,270		1,500,000		1,247,445
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024		2,000,000		1,693,000		2,000,000		1,611,960
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026		2,000,000		1,748,960		2,000,000		1,653,720
Other notes payable		10,346		10,346		10,346		10,346
Subtotal		11,905,353	$	11,245,647		11,927,718	$	10,764,806
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net		(21,373)				(23,215)
Finance lease obligations (2)		60,752				66,984
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)	$	11,944,732			$	11,971,487

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased $83 million and $22  million, respectively, of our 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 in open market trades.  The remaining balance of $1.295 billion matures on September 1, 2019.

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

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Disaggregation of Revenue (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Disaggregation of Revenue

Schedule of disaggregation of revenue

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Revenue:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
United States	$	3,127,109	$	3,373,751
Canada and Mexico		10,891		9,471
Total revenue	$	3,138,000	$	3,383,222

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

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
Category:	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Pay-TV video and related revenue	$	3,097,936	$	3,347,597
Equipment sales and other revenue		40,064		35,625
Total	$	3,138,000	$	3,383,222

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Contract Balances (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Contract Balances

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
	(In thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2019	$	16,956	$	18,496	$	(16,485)	$	18,967

Schedule of Contract balances

	Contract
	Liabilities
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	624,626
Recognition of unearned revenue		(1,596,576)
Deferral of revenue		1,589,358
Balance as of March 31, 2019	$	617,408

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Related Party Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Schedule of related party transaction

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	14,359	$	16,843
	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	15,149	$	9,871
Commitments to NagraStar	$	3,110	$	3,888

Dish Mexico

Schedule of related party transaction

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Sales:
Digital receivers and related components	$	—	$	280
Uplink services	$	1,404	$	1,034
	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Amounts Receivable:
Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico	$	1,053	$	1,370

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Organization and Business Activities (Details) customer in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019 customer
DISH TV subscribers
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	9,639
Sling TV subscribers
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	2,424
Pay TV Subscribers
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	12,063

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Contract cost capitalized during the period	$ 37	$ 41
Amortization expense related to the programs	14	$ 3
Total costs capitalized	$ 192		$ 169

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Leases (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases
Renewal options, operating lease	true
Renewal options, finance lease	true
Options to terminate, operating lease	true
Options to terminate, finance lease	true
Minimum
Leases
Remaining lease terms, operating lease	1 year
Remaining lease terms, finance lease	1 year
Maximum
Leases
Remaining lease terms, operating lease	12 years
Remaining lease terms, finance lease	12 years
Termination period, operating lease	1 year
Termination period, finance lease	1 year

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impact of Adoption of ASU2016-02 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 708,122
Total assets	4,732,587	$ 3,905,544
Other accrued expenses	973,140	756,534
Operating lease liabilities	477,711
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	200,062	198,840
Total liabilities	16,585,947	15,947,704
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	(11,853,360)	(12,042,160)	$ (12,831,108)	$ (13,046,663)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	4,732,587	$ 3,905,544
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | DISH DBS (as would have been reported under previous standards) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total assets	4,024,465
Other accrued expenses	739,482
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	203,309
Total liabilities	15,877,825
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	(11,853,360)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	4,024,465
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Impact of adopting ASU 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	708,122
Total assets	708,122
Other accrued expenses	233,658
Operating lease liabilities	477,711
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	(3,247)
Total liabilities	708,122
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$ 708,122

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation and Research and Development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Research and Development
Research and development expense	$ 5	$ 6

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Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 226,535	$ 231,152
Cash received for interest	2,935	2,392
Cash paid for income taxes	39	1,126
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	78,143	78,417
Capitalized interest	264	$ 277
Reclassification of a receivable from noncurrent to current	$ 138,210

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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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Trading/equity (Note 2)	$ 2,894	$ 2,370
Total current marketable investment securities	186,063	149,740
Restricted marketable investment securities(1)	59,397	67,019
Total marketable investment securities	245,460	216,759
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	8,666	578
Other investment securities	102,406	108,308
Total other investment securities	102,406	108,308
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$ 356,532	325,645
Maximum maturities of commercial paper	365 days
Maximum maturities of corporate securities	18 months
NagraStar L.L.C
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Ownership interest in equity method investment			50.00%
Current marketable investment securities - other
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Total current marketable investment securities	$ 183,169	$ 147,370

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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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 70	$ (81)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,000	(1,000)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	81	51
Unrealized Losses	(11)	(132)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	70	(81)
Contractual maturities of restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities
Debt securities with contractual maturities within one year	238,000
Debt securities with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years	5,000
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	67	21
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	71	40
Unrealized Losses	(4)	(19)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	67	21
Commercial paper
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Losses	(5)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	(5)
Corporate securities
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	8	(102)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	10	11
Unrealized Losses	(2)	(113)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	$ 8	$ (102)

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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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 242,566	$ 214,389
Equity Securities	2,894	2,370
Total marketable investment securities	245,460	216,759
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	59,155	66,823
Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	86,353	45,938
Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	95,542	100,662
Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	1,516	966
Fair value measurements on recurring basis
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	343,783	114,464
Equity Securities	2,894	2,370
Total marketable investment securities	245,460	216,759
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	59,155	66,823
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	86,353	45,938
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	95,542	100,662
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	1,516	966
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 1
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	58,435	12,493
Equity Securities	2,894	2,370
Total marketable investment securities	62,049	69,193
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	59,155	66,823
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	285,348	101,971
Total marketable investment securities	183,411	147,566
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2 | Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	86,353	45,938
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2 | Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	95,542	100,662
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Level 2 | Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 1,516	$ 966

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Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities - Gains And Losses On Sales And Changes In Carrying Amounts Of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities
Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses)	$ 2,770	$ (36,548)
Costs related to early redemption of debt	(439)	(179)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(944)	1,446
Other	46	484
Total	1,433	$ (34,797)
Unrealized gains related to equity securities	$ 2,000

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Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory
Finished goods	$ 242,331	$ 215,150
Work-in-process and service repairs	49,939	56,871
Raw materials	16,949	18,676
Total Inventory	$ 309,219	$ 290,697

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Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 4,602,239	$ 4,928,675
Accumulated depreciation	(3,276,204)	(3,550,726)
Property and equipment, net	1,326,035	1,377,949
Equipment leased to customers
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 1,908,048	1,980,808
Equipment leased to customers | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	2 years
Equipment leased to customers | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	5 years
EchoStar XV
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 277,658	277,658
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
Satalites Acquired Under Finance Lease Agreements [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 223,423	499,819
Satalites Acquired Under Finance Lease Agreements [Member] | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	10 years
Satalites Acquired Under Finance Lease Agreements [Member] | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 1,849,292	1,820,883
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	2 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	10 years
Buildings and improvements
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 283,881	289,244
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	4 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	40 years
Land
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 13,186	13,186
Construction in progress
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 46,751	$ 47,077

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Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 155,115	$ 178,519
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	108,136	107,281
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	10,655	15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 36,324	$ 55,977
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	11
Owned Satellites	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	7
Number of satalites leased from third parties	2
Dish Network | Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1

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Property and Equipment - Pay TV Satellites (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
EchoStar XV
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XVI
Property and Equipment
Option to renew the lease for an additional period	5 years

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Leases (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases
Renewal options, operating lease	true
Renewal options, finance lease	true
Options to terminate, operating lease	true
Options to terminate, finance lease	true
Minimum
Leases
Remaining lease terms, operating lease	1 year
Remaining lease terms, finance lease	1 year
Maximum
Leases
Remaining lease terms, operating lease	12 years
Remaining lease terms, finance lease	12 years
Termination period, operating lease	1 year
Termination period, finance lease	1 year

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Leases - Components of lease expense (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases
Operating lease cost	$ 80,286
Short-term lease cost	19,285
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	6,108
Interest on lease liabilities	1,181
Total finance lease cost	7,289
Total lease costs	$ 106,860

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Leases - Supplemental cash flow information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 81,012
Operating cash flows from finance leases	1,195
Financing cash flows from finance leases	6,055
Operating leases	47,321
Right-of-use assets and liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019 upon adoption of ASC 842	$ 730,180

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Leases - Supplemental balance sheet information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 708,122
Other current liabilities	233,658
Operating lease liabilities	477,711
Total operating lease liabilities	711,369
Property and equipment, gross	4,602,239	$ 4,928,675
Accumulated depreciation	(3,276,204)	(3,550,726)
Property and equipment, net	1,326,035	1,377,949
Other current liabilities	18,349
Other long-term liabilities	42,403
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 60,752	$ 66,984
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: Operating leases	3 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: Finance leases	3 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases	9.30%
Weighted Average Discount Rate: Finance leases	7.50%
Property and equipment [Member]
Leases
Property and equipment, gross	$ 224,454
Accumulated depreciation	(178,848)
Property and equipment, net	$ 45,606

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Leases - Maturities of lease liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Maturities of lease liabilities: Operating lease
2019	$ 224,955
2020	230,522
2021	190,024
2022	123,538
2023	23,770
Thereafter	50,790
Total lease payments	843,599
Less: Imputed interest	(132,230)
Total operating lease liabilities	711,369
Other current liabilities	(233,658)
Operating lease liabilities	477,711
Maturities of lease liabilities: Finance lease
2019	16,740
2020	22,024
2021	22,026
2022	7,364
Total lease payments	68,154
Less: Imputed interest	(7,402)
Total finance lease liabilities	60,752	$ 66,984
Less: Current portion	(18,349)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	42,403
Future minimum payments for total lease liabilities
2019	241,695
2020	252,546
2021	212,050
2022	130,902
2023	23,770
Thereafter	50,790
Total lease payments	911,753
Less: Imputed interest	(139,632)
Total	772,121
Less: Current portion	(252,007)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	$ 520,114

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Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations - Long term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 11,905,353	$ 11,927,718
Fair Value	11,245,647	10,764,806
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net	(21,373)	(23,215)
Finance lease obligations (2)	60,752	66,984
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	11,944,732	11,971,487
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	1,295,007	1,317,372
Fair Value	$ 1,317,501	$ 1,343,298
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.875%	7.875%
Debt repurchased	$ 22,000	$ 83,000
Outstanding debt	1,295,000
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	1,100,000	1,100,000
Fair Value	$ 1,110,670	$ 1,089,957
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 2,064,620	$ 1,974,940
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.75%	6.75%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 1,941,280	$ 1,833,140
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
5% Senior Notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,500,000
Fair Value	$ 1,359,270	$ 1,247,445
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 1,693,000	$ 1,611,960
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Fair Value	$ 1,748,960	$ 1,653,720
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.75%	7.75%
Other notes payable
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount	$ 10,346	$ 10,346
Fair Value	$ 10,346	$ 10,346

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Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)						1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	135 Months Ended
	Jun. 05, 2017	May 22, 2017	Oct. 03, 2016	Sep. 23, 2016	Dec. 23, 2013	Feb. 11, 2016	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies
Term barred from conducting any outbound telemarketing	2 years
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets									$ 11,000,000,000
Other accrued expenses
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount		$ 1,200
Spectrum Investments
Commitments and Contingencies
Phase two expected expenditures							$ 10,000,000,000
Spectrum Investments | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Phase one expected expenditures							1,000,000,000
Spectrum Investments | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Phase one expected expenditures							500,000,000
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco
Commitments and Contingencies
Non-controlling investments							10,000,000,000		10,000,000,000
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | AWS 3 Auction | Vermont National Telephone Company
Commitments and Contingencies
Bidding credit credits				25.00%
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | AWS 3 Auction | Vermont National Telephone Company | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount				$ 11,000
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | AWS 3 Auction | Vermont National Telephone Company | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount				$ 5,500
Satellite transponder guarantees
Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted							37,000,000		37,000,000
Krakauer Action | Other accrued expenses
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency Accrual							$ 61,000,000		61,000,000	$ 61,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation
Commitments and Contingencies
Demonstration requirements period	5 years
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 280,000,000
Period of injunctive relief sought from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services			5 years				5 years
Telemarketing Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C.
Commitments and Contingencies
Federal Loss Contingency Damages Sought Value							$ 900,000,000
State Loss Contingency Damages Sought Value							23,500,000,000
Claim amount					$ 270,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation | Other accrued expenses
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency Accrual							280,000,000		$ 280,000,000	$ 280,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount from state plaintiff								$ 1,000,000,000
Claim amount from federal plaintiff						$ 900,000,000
CALIFORNIA | Telemarketing Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C.
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount							100,000,000
OHIO | Telemarketing Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C.
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount							$ 10,000,000

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Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative Part 2 (Details)								3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	135 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 06, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 05, 2017 USD ($)	May 22, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2016	Sep. 23, 2016 USD ($)	Feb. 12, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Loss contingencies
Total investment													$ 21,000,000,000
Dividend paid to DOC							$ 8,250,000,000
General and administrative expenses								$ 186,577,000	$ 161,684,000
Other accrued expenses
Loss contingencies
Claim amount				$ 1,200
Litigation expense										$ 41,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation
Loss contingencies
Period of injunctive relief sought from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services					5 years			5 years
Number of years for which the company will be barred from accepting orders from that independent third-party retailer if the company fails to prove that a particular independent third-party retailer meets the Demonstration Requirements			2 years
Litigation expense										$ 255,000,000		$ 25,000,000
Litigation accrual			$ 280,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation | Other accrued expenses
Loss contingencies
Litigation accrual								$ 280,000,000					280,000,000	$ 280,000,000
Krakauer Action
Loss contingencies
Litigation expense											$ 20,000,000
Krakauer Action | Other accrued expenses
Loss contingencies
Litigation accrual								$ 61,000,000					$ 61,000,000	$ 61,000,000
Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Number of telemarketing calls | item								51,119
Litigation per call damages								$ 400
Turner Network Sales
Loss contingencies
Claim amount		$ 183,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation
Loss contingencies
Judgment in favor of the court	$ 61,000,000
AWS 3 Auction | Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | Vermont National Telephone Company
Loss contingencies
Bidding Credit						$ 3,300,000,000
Loss Contingency Recovery Amount						10,000,000,000
AWS 3 Auction | Maximum | Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | Vermont National Telephone Company
Loss contingencies
Claim amount						11,000
AWS 3 Auction | Minimum | Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | Vermont National Telephone Company
Loss contingencies
Claim amount						$ 5,500

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Disaggregation of Revenue - Revenue by geographic location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 3,138,000	$ 3,383,222
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	3,127,109	3,373,751
Canada and Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 10,891	$ 9,471

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Disaggregation of Revenue - Revenue from external customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 3,138,000	$ 3,383,222
Pay-TV video and related revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	3,097,936	3,347,597
Equipment sales and other
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 40,064	$ 35,625

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Contract Balances (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 16,956
Charged to Cost and Expenses	18,496
Deductions	(16,485)
Balance at End of Period	18,967
Balance at Beginning of Period	624,626
Recognition of unearned revenue	(1,596,576)
Deferral of revenue	1,589,358
Balance at End of Period	$ 617,408
Remaining performance obligations	true

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Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2015	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 3,138,000	$ 3,383,222
Dividend paid to DOC	$ 8,250,000
Trade accounts receivable		566,532		$ 623,602
Trade accounts payable		254,522		217,268
Broadband, Wireless and Other Segments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses associated with services		12,000	11,000
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable		3,000		4,000
Trade accounts payable		12,000		$ 6,000
Equipment sales and other revenue		$ 2,000	$ 4,000

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 1 (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2017 item	Aug. 31, 2017 item	Jan. 31, 2012 item	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber acquisition costs | $				$ 1,976,436	$ 2,139,793
100 Inverness Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity	180 days
EchoStar | El Paso Lease Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of consecutive three year renewal options			4
Agreement Renewal Option Term			3 years
EchoStar | Professional Services Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term						1 year
Automatic renewal period						1 year
Minimum notice period for termination of agreement						60 days
EchoStar | 90 Inverness Lease Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of consecutive three year renewal options	4
Agreement Renewal Option Term	3 years
EchoStar | Cheyenne Lease Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of successive one year renewal options	12
Agreement Renewal Option Term	1 year
EchoStar | Gilbert Lease Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of successive one year renewal options	12
Agreement Renewal Option Term	1 year
EchoStar | Collocation And Antenna Space Agreements
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity	180 days
HNS | Collocation And Antenna Space Agreements | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of consecutive three year renewal options		4
Agreement Renewal Option Term		3 years

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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	Dec. 21, 2012	Jan. 02, 2012 item	Jul. 31, 2016	May 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2009 item	Dec. 31, 2008 item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses | $						$ 154,897	$ 168,785
EchoStar XVIII Satellite
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses | $						17,000	17,000
EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term		5 years
TT&C Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of renewal of agreement			1 year
Number of automatic renewal period			4
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses | $						$ 71,000	$ 84,000
EchoStar | EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term from commencement of service date		4 years
Agreement Renewal Option Term				1 year
Additional term of renewal option	5 years			1 year
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
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term					10 years
EchoStar | TT&C Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity			12 months

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2009
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses			$ 186,577	$ 161,684
Meridian Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Additional term of renewal option			1 year
Santa Fe Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Additional term of renewal option			1 year
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses			$ 5,000	$ 5,000
Dish Network | EchoStar | 90 Inverness Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term	3 years
Dish Network | EchoStar | Gilbert Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term	1 year
Dish Network | EchoStar | American Fork Occupancy License Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term		5 years
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

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Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of sales - equipment and other		$ 40,341	$ 30,309
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 - Part 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Aug. 19, 2016	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Rovi License Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term		10 years
Payments to Related Parties			$ 0
Hughes Broadband Sales Agency Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity	90 days
Agreement term	5 years
Automatic renewal period	1 year
Broadband equipment purchased from related party			$ 5,000	$ 10,000
NagraStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest on equity method investment			50.00%
Purchases from NagraStar			$ 14,359	16,843
Amounts payable to NagraStar			15,149		$ 9,871
Commitments to NagraStar			$ 3,110		3,888
Dish Mexico
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest on equity method investment			49.00%
Amounts receivable			$ 1,053		$ 1,370
Dish Mexico | Digital receivers and related components
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales				280
Dish Mexico | Uplink services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales			$ 1,404	$ 1,034

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Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent event $ in Millions		1 Months Ended
	May 14, 2019 USD ($)	May 14, 2019 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Satalite Transaction Cost Basis		$ 318
Additional paid in capital recorded due to difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred	$ 26	26
Capital transaction		$ 293
Dish Network
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Incentive obligations	$ 18