An all-stock merger agreement between Dish Network and EchoStar has been unveiled, strengthening one company’s financial status and generating a stronger entity in network connectivity. Dish Network stockholders will own 69% of the newly formed entity and EchoStar shareholders the remaining 31% post-merger. Leadership from both parties will serve major roles, with CEO of EchoStar, Hamid Akhavan, leading the merged entity and Charles Ergen, co-founder of both companies, acting as executive chairman.
This merger combines Dish’s satellite services, streaming business, and burgeoning mobile operation with EchoStar’s satellite communication solutions, thereby creating a “global leader” in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial wireless connectivity. Non-terrestrial mobile connectivity has become a significant topic of late, with industry chatter foreseeing 6G as a network of networks, encapsulating mobile and satellite technologies.
While 6G ambitions may be premature, Dish has emphasized the technological gains that this merger will bring. The resultant entity expects to provide a wide array of communication and content distribution capabilities. Akhavan stated, “As a combined company, we will offer a broad suite of robust connectivity services, using a superior portfolio of technology, spectrum, engineering, manufacturing, and network management expertise.”
It should be noted that both companies could have enjoyed such mutual benefits without merging; however, there could be benefits from having all assets under one umbrella. On another note, this merger doesn’t revolve around technology exclusively; it’s largely about finances.
Charles Ergen commented “This is a strategically and financially compelling combination that is all about growth and building a long-term sustainable business,” highlighting the transaction’s key focus on finance and long-term value creation for shareholders and stakeholders.
Dish, in a slightly vulnerable financial state due to heavy showings in its 5G rollout, is being saved by EchoStar’s financial stability, owing to low debt and high cash reserves. It’s crucial to remember that Dish’s financial struggles are not being alleviated solely by this merger.
During the second quarter, Dish reported loss of customers at both its pay TV and mobile operations. In the words of Charles Ergen, “[…] the strong asset portfolio of the combined company paired with its enhanced free cash flow generation capability and strengthened capital structure are expected to drive long-term value creation […]” illustrating the financial motivations for this merger.
Despite the financial boost provided by EchoStar, Dish’s 5G trajectory remains uncertain as it needs to satisfy FCC rollout requirements for its cloud-native Open RAN network. It’s necessary for the company to attract more customers. As it stands, most of its mobile customers are using either AT&T or T-Mobile US’s networks, due to MVNO deals. Dish has recently included the iPhone 14 in its device portfolio and forged a plan sales deal with Amazon, but it needs to do more to compete with the market’s big three.
Although the vision of integrated mobile and satellite networks may be far off, this merger between Dish and EchoStar brings financial stability that Dish urgently needs. In due course, the strategic advantages of this merger will hopefully begin to show.
