DirecTV agrees to acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from EchoStar

I've had the pleasure of working with many talented individuals who have been a part of the DISH Network, Boost Mobile, or EchoStar family over the years. These companies have a strong presence in Colorado, and Charlie Ergen's leadership has helped them remain relevant, navigating the ever-changing landscape of pay TV and eventual exit from said industry. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for EchoStar. To comply with a modified network buildout request recently approved by the FCC, they'll need to continue building and leasing additional tower and rooftop space for additional cell tower locations.

On the heels of EchoStar receiving an extension from the FCC regarding their build out requirements just over a week ago:

(FCC approves EchoStar's 5G network build framework extension - DCD datacenterdynamics.com)

DirecTV and Dish are getting together for "for real". In a move that will not appear to face significant regulatory scrutiny as it once did in the early 2000's, Boost Mobile / EchoStar Corp. will now be exiting the satellite TV business and become a pure wireless carrier. Connected to this news, AT&T is exiting the satellite TV business, selling its stake to TPG.

Credit: Bloomberg

DirecTV, Dish to Merge to Create Largest US Pay-TV Provider (msn.com)

DirecTV and Dish have agreed to combine in a deal that will create the biggest pay-TV provider in the US with about 18 million subscribers.

Under the terms of the transaction, DirecTV will acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from EchoStar Corp. for a nominal consideration of $1 plus the assumption of about $9.75 billion of debt, according to a statement on Monday that confirmed previous Bloomberg News reporting.

The deal is contingent upon Dish’s bondholders agreeing to take a haircut on the principal amount of the company’s debt of at least $1.568 billion, the statement shows.

DirecTV is owned by AT&T Inc. and joint-venture partner TPG Inc.

In connection with Monday’s deal, TPG will acquire the 70% stake in DirecTV that it doesn’t already hold from AT&T in a $7.6 billion in cash transaction.

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