Dish DBS 10-K24 Mar 212020 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 15, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	333-31929
Entity Registrant Name	DISH DBS Corporation
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	CO
Entity Tax Identification Number	84-1328967
Entity Address, Address Line One	9601 South Meridian Boulevard
Entity Address, City or Town	Englewood
Entity Address, State or Province	CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	80112
City Area Code	303
Local Phone Number	723-1000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Public Float			$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,015
Entity Central Index Key	0001042642
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,238,409	$ 17,426
Marketable investment securities	132,593
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses and allowance for doubtful accounts of $43,233 and $19,280, respectively	626,375	568,679
Inventory	262,297	321,983
Other current assets	272,955	164,767
Total current assets	2,532,629	1,072,855
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities	58,323	61,067
Property and equipment, net	1,564,704	1,751,573
FCC authorizations	611,794	611,794
Other investment securities	97,306	106,874
Operating lease assets	380,968	553,576
Other noncurrent assets, net	222,311	228,820
Total noncurrent assets	2,935,406	3,313,704
Total assets	5,468,035	4,386,559
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	315,661	266,417
Advances from affiliates		82,415
Deferred revenue and other	667,226	674,079
Accrued programming	1,388,407	1,308,531
Accrued interest	216,459	189,039
Other accrued expenses	625,342	918,333
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	2,052,374	1,151,108
Total current liabilities	5,265,469	4,589,922
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion	8,619,116	9,671,255
Deferred tax liabilities	514,928	501,857
Operating lease liabilities	192,624	350,155
Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities	195,903	207,992
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion	9,522,571	10,731,259
Total liabilities	14,788,040	15,321,181
Commitments and Contingencies (Note12)
Stockholder's Equity (Deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital	1,463,407	1,432,736
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(805)	(449)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(10,782,607)	(12,366,909)
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)	(9,320,005)	(10,934,622)
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)	$ 5,468,035	$ 4,386,559

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Allowance for credit losses	$ 43,233	$ 19,280
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

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 12,727,629	$ 12,622,893	$ 13,362,139
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6):
Cost of services	7,916,036	8,384,473	9,086,937
Cost of sales - equipment and other	104,470	172,700	143,671
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,440,553	1,667,174	1,404,561
Depreciation and amortization (Note 6)	504,638	577,348	660,460
Total costs and expenses	9,965,697	10,801,695	11,295,629
Operating income (loss)	2,761,932	1,821,198	2,066,510
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	3,548	30,041	8,923
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(682,506)	(756,690)	(792,436)
Other, net	1,686	7,609	8,994
Total other income (expense)	(677,272)	(719,040)	(774,519)
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,084,660	1,102,158	1,291,991
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(500,358)	(274,751)	(318,305)
Net income (loss)	1,584,302	827,407	973,686
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(124)	2,399
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	1,584,302	827,531	971,287
Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	1,584,302	827,407	973,686
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(401)	(133)	(1,343)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities	2	81	69
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net	43	(21)	(37)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(356)	(73)	(1,311)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,583,946	827,334	972,375
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		(124)	2,399
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	1,583,946	827,458	969,976
Service revenue
Revenue:
Total revenue	12,576,470	12,436,637	13,197,994
Equipment sales and other revenue
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 151,159	$ 186,256	$ 164,145

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

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)ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment	Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interest	ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment	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	35,521						35,521
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net		69					69
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		(37)					(37)
Foreign currency translation		(1,343)					(1,343)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests					2,399		2,399
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS				971,287			971,287
Other					(5,713)		(5,713)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,152,369	(376)		(13,194,440)	287		(12,042,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment \| ASU 2014-09			$ 2,320			$ 2,320
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	13,853						13,853
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net		81					81
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		(21)					(21)
Foreign currency translation		(133)					(133)
Satellite and Spectrum Transaction, net of deferred taxes	267,437				(163)		267,274
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests					$ (124)		(124)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS				827,531			827,531
Other	(923)						(923)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	1,432,736	(449)		(12,366,909)			(10,934,622)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment							(12,366,909)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	30,671						30,671
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net		2					2
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		43					43
Foreign currency translation		(401)					(401)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS				1,584,302			1,584,302
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,463,407	$ (805)		$ (10,782,607)			(9,320,005)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment							$ (10,782,607)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Satellite and Spectrum Transaction, deferred taxes	$ 29,075

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 1,584,302	$ 827,407	$ 973,686
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	504,638	577,348	660,460
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		(3,119)	(9,056)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	30,671	13,853	35,521
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	13,114	11,310	(24,477)
Allowance for credit losses and allowance for doubtful accounts, respectively	23,953	2,324	1,900
Other, net	4,709	71,406	(67,672)
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(81,649)	52,599	2,137
Inventory	32,916	(78,216)	15,754
Other current assets	(108,188)	70,449	(39,822)
Trade accounts payable	49,244	49,149	(145,891)
Deferred revenue and other	(6,853)	29,159	(93,093)
Accrued programming and other accrued expenses	(167,399)	(238,969)	(111,987)
Net cash flows from operating activities	1,879,458	1,384,700	1,197,460
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net	(132,591)	153,422	41,155
Purchases of property and equipment	(298,566)	(392,690)	(348,023)
Other, net	8,851	73,352	24,816
Net cash flows from investing activities	(422,306)	(165,916)	(282,052)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Redemption and repurchases of senior notes	(1,100,000)	(1,317,372)	(1,108,489)
Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes	1,000,000
Advances to affiliates	(82,415)
Advances from affiliates		82,415
Repayment of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	(54,438)	(35,356)	(38,639)
Debt issuance costs	(1,670)
Other, net		(444)	(3,270)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(238,523)	(1,270,757)	(1,150,398)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,218,629	(51,973)	(234,990)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (Note 4)	78,103	130,076	365,066
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 4)	$ 1,296,732	$ 78,103	$ 130,076

Organization and Business Activ

Organization and Business Activities	12 Months Ended
Organization and Business Activities	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization and Business Activities
Organization and Business Activities	1. Organization and Business Activitie s 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, 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, in-home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations (“DISH TV”). We also design, develop and distribute receiver systems and provide digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and other services to third-party pay-TV providers. The SLING branded pay-TV services consist of, among other things, multichannel, live-linear streaming over-the-top (“OTT”) Internet-based domestic, international and Latino video programming services (“SLING TV”). As of December 31, 2020, we had 11.290 million Pay-TV subscribers in the United States, including 8.816 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.474 million SLING TV subscribers.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Specifically, we have reclassified certain items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The reclassifications include: (a) “Subscriber-related revenue” has been retitled “Service revenue.” (b) “Subscriber-related expenses” has been retitled “Cost of services.” (c) “Satellite and transmission expenses” has been reclassified to “Cost of services.” (d) A new caption entitled “Selling, general and administrative expenses” has been created that includes historical “General and administrative expenses,” as well as “Subscriber acquisition costs.” All prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation for these changes. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for credit losses, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of options granted under DISH Network’s stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, , finance leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate and recognize impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives. Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 may consist of money market funds, government bonds, corporate notes and commercial paper. The cost of these investments approximates their fair value. Marketable Investment Securities All equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. Historically, we reported 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) during the first quarter of 2020, we report the temporary unrealized gains and losses related to changes in market conditions of marketable debt securities as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the fair value of marketable debt securities, which are determined to be company specific credit losses are recorded in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We evaluate our debt investment portfolio to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are related to credit loss. Management estimates credit losses on marketable debt securities utilizing a credit loss impairment model on a quarterly basis. We estimate the expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of marketable debt securities considering relevant issuer specific factors, including, but not limited to, a decrease in credit ratings or an entities ability to pay. Trade Accounts Receivable Prior to January 1, 2020, management estimated the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts for potential non-collectability of accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. Subsequent to January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, trade accounts receivable are recorded at cost less an allowance for expected credit losses that are not expected to be recovered. We maintain allowances for credit losses resulting from the expected failure or inability of our customers to make required payments. We recognize the allowance for expected credit losses at inception and reassess quarterly based on management’s expectation of the asset’s collectability. Management estimates credit losses on financial assets, including our trade accounts receivable, utilizing a current expected credit loss impairment model. We estimate the expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of an asset considering relevant historical loss information, credit quality of the customer base, current economic conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. In determining the allowance for credit losses, management groups similar types of financial assets with consistent risk characteristics. Pools identified by management include but are not limited to residential customers, commercial customers and advertising services. The risk characteristics of the financial asset portfolios are monitored by management and reviewed periodically. The forecasts for future economic conditions are based on several factors including, but not limited to, changes in the unemployment rate, external economic forecasts and current collection rates. Our estimates of the allowance for credit losses may not be indicative of our actual credit losses requiring additional charges to be incurred to reflect the actual amount collected. Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The cost of manufactured inventory includes the cost of materials, labor, freight-in, royalties and manufacturing overhead. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and impairment losses, if any. Our set-top boxes are generally capitalized when they are installed in customers’ homes. If a satellite were to fail while in-orbit, the resultant loss would be charged to expense in the period such loss was incurred. The amount of any such loss would be reduced to the extent of insurance proceeds estimated to be received, if any. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from two to 40 years . Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and improvements that add value or extend the asset’s useful life are capitalized. Costs related to the procurement and development of software for internal-use are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review our long-lived assets and identifiable finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets which are held and used in operations, the asset would be impaired if the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeded its undiscounted future net cash flows. Once an impairment is determined, the actual impairment recognized is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value as estimated using one of the following approaches: income, cost and/or market. Assets which are to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such asset or asset group is less than its carrying amount. In that event, a loss is recorded in “Impairment of long-lived assets” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset or asset group. Fair value, using the income approach, is determined primarily using a discounted cash flow model that uses the estimated cash flows associated with the asset or asset group under review, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Fair value, utilizing the cost approach, is determined based on the replacement cost of the asset reduced for, among other things, depreciation and obsolescence. Fair value, utilizing the market approach, benchmarks the fair value against the carrying amount. See Note 6 for further information. DBS Satellites . We currently evaluate our DBS satellite fleet for impairment as one asset group whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. We do not believe any triggering event has occurred which would indicate impairment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill We do not amortize indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill but test these assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more often if indicators of impairment arise. We have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. However, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and tested for impairment as described above for long-lived assets. Our intangible assets with indefinite lives primarily consist of FCC licenses. Generally, we have determined that our FCC licenses have indefinite useful lives due to the following: ● FCC licenses are a non-depleting asset; ● existing FCC licenses are integral to our business segments and will contribute to cash flows indefinitely; ● replacement DBS satellite applications are generally authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative and legal environment; ● maintenance expenditures to obtain future cash flows are not significant; ● FCC licenses are not technologically dependent; and ● we intend to use these assets indefinitely. DBS Licenses. We combine all of our indefinite-lived DBS licenses that we currently utilize or plan to utilize in the future into a single unit of accounting. For 2020, 2019 and 2018, management performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the DBS licenses exceeds its carrying amount. In our assessment, we considered several factors, including, among others, overall financial performance, industry and market considerations, and relevant company specific events. In contemplating all factors in their totality, we concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the DBS licenses exceeds its carrying amount. As such, no further analysis was required. Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. In conducting our annual impairment test for 2020 and 2019, we performed a qualitative assessment, which considered several factors, including, among others, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, and relevant company specific events and perception of the market. In contemplating all factors in their totality, we determined that the fair value was in excess of the carrying amount. Business Combinations When we acquire a business, we allocate the purchase price to the various components of the acquisition based upon the fair value of each component using various valuation techniques, including the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach. The accounting standard for business combinations requires identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and goodwill acquired to be recorded at acquisition-date fair values. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of the business are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with the issuance of debt associated with a business combination are capitalized and included as a yield adjustment to the underlying debt’s stated rate. Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless the lives are determined to be indefinite. Amortization of these intangible assets in general are recognized on a straight-line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately five to 20 years or in relation to the estimated discounted cash flows over the life of the intangible asset. Long-Term Deferred Revenue and Other Long-Term Liabilities Certain programmers provide us up-front payments. Such amounts are deferred and recognized as reductions to “Cost of services” on a straight-line basis over the relevant remaining contract term (generally up to ten years ). The current and long-term portions of these deferred credits are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Deferred revenue and other” and “Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities,” respectively. Sales Taxes We account for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services on a net basis on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity. Income Taxes We establish a provision for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we believe it is more likely than not that such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. From time to time, we engage in transactions where the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. We record a liability when, in management’s judgment, a tax filing position does not meet the more likely than not threshold. For tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold, we may record a liability depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. We adjust our estimates periodically for ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our uncertain tax positions as a component of “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” and “Other, net,” respectively, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for credit losses or 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. Deferred Debt Issuance Costs Costs of issuing debt are generally deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the terms of the respective notes. See Note 8 for further information. 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 in-home service operations; warranty services; sales of digital receivers and related equipment to third-party pay-TV providers; satellite uplink and telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) services; and revenue from in-home services. See Note 14 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 in-home services 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 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 15 for further information, including balance and activity detail about our allowance for credit losses 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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $162 million, $207 million and $183 million, respectively, under these programs. The amortization expense related to these programs was $123 million, $76 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had a total of $339 million and $300 million, respectively, capitalized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts are capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Leases We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles, and other equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 11 years , some of which include renewal options , and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year . 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 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 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 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 currently lease and historically have leased certain assets from EchoStar, including, among other things, satellites, office space and data centers. See Note 17 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into a Master Transaction Agreement with EchoStar and effective September 10, 2019, certain satellites and real estate assets leased from EchoStar were transferred to DISH Network. See Note 20 “ Related Party Transactions” December 31 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. DISH TV subscribers have the choice of leasing or purchasing the satellite receiver and other equipment necessary to receive our DISH TV services. Most of our new DISH TV subscribers choose to lease equipment and thus we retain title to such equipment. Equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers is capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. 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. The revenue related to equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers would have otherwise been accounted for as an operating lease. 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cost of Services “Cost of services” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) principally include Pay-TV programming expenses and other operating costs related to our Pay-TV services. The cost of television programming distribution rights is generally incurred on a per subscriber basis and various upfront carriage payments are recognized when the related programming is distributed to subscribers. Long-term flat rate programming contracts are generally charged to expense using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement. The cost of television programming rights to distribute live sporting events for a season or tournament is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament. Cost of Sales – Equipment and Other “Cost of sales – equipment and other” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) principally includes the cost of non-subsidized sales of Pay-TV equipment. Costs are generally recognized as products are delivered to customers and the related revenue is recognized. Advertising Costs We recognize advertising expense when incurred as selling, general and administrative expense. Advertising expenses totaled Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Research and development costs totaled $24 million, $21 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Supplemental Data - Statements

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows	Dec. 31, 2020
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 Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Cash paid for interest $ 632,506 $ 765,510 $ 793,506 Cash received for interest 3,548 30,041 6,043 Cash paid for income taxes 22,968 19,485 18,683 Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network 473,793 245,028 302,329 Capitalized interest — 440 1,071 Our parent, DISH Network, provides a centralized system for the management of our cash and marketable investment securities as it does for all of its subsidiaries to, among other reasons, maximize yield of the portfolio. As a result, the cash and marketable investment securities included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets is a component or portion of the overall cash and marketable investment securities portfolio included on DISH Network’s 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 year presented on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as we believe the net presentation is more meaningful to our cash flows from investing activities.

Marketable Investment Securitie

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Marketable investment securities: Current marketable investment securities $ 132,593 $ — Restricted marketable investment securities (1) — 390 Total marketable investment securities 132,593 390 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) 58,323 60,677 Other investment securities: Other investment securities 97,306 106,874 Total other investment securities 97,306 106,874 Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities $ 288,222 $ 167,941 (1) Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Marketable Investment Securities Our marketable investment securities portfolio may consist of debt and equity instruments. All equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. We report the temporary unrealized gains and losses related to changes in market conditions of marketable debt securities as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The corresponding changes in the fair value of marketable debt securities, which are determined to be company specific credit losses are recorded in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). See Note 2 for further information. Current Marketable Investment Securities Our current marketable investment securities portfolio can include investments in various debt instruments including, among others, commercial paper, corporate securities and United States treasury and/or agency securities. Commercial paper consists mainly of unsecured short-term, promissory notes issued primarily by corporations with maturities ranging up to 365 days . Corporate securities consist of debt instruments issued by corporations with various maturities normally less than 18 months . U.S. Treasury and agency securities consist of debt instruments issued by the federal government and other government agencies. Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash and cash equivalents, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit and trusts. Other Investment Securities We have strategic investments in certain debt and/or equity securities that are included in noncurrent “Other investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and our equity securities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting or recorded at fair value. Certain of our equity method investments are detailed below. NagraStar L.L.C. We own a 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 December 31, 2020, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $133 million with contractual maturities within one year. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity. Fair Value Measurements Our investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: As of December 31, 2020 2019 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash equivalents (including restricted) $ 1,278,971 $ 172,025 $ 1,106,946 $ — $ 60,677 $ 60,677 $ — $ — Debt securities (including restricted): U.S. Treasury and agency securities $ 22,476 $ 22,476 $ — $ — $ 390 $ 390 $ — $ — Commercial paper 101,959 — 101,959 — — — — — Corporate securities 8,068 — 8,068 — — — — — Other 90 — 90 — — — — — Total $ 132,593 $ 22,476 $ 110,117 $ — $ 390 $ 390 $ — $ — Gains and Losses on Sales and Changes in Carrying Amounts of Investments “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” included on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, Other, net: 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses) $ — $ 3,119 $ 5,313 Costs related to early redemption of debt — — (3,261) Gain (loss) on sale of subsidiary — — 7,004 Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates 653 3,514 (2,110) Other 1,033 976 2,048 Total $ 1,686 $ 7,609 $ 8,994

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
Inventory	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory
Inventory	5. Inventory Inventory consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Finished goods $ 226,866 $ 254,240 Work-in-process and service repairs 25,206 34,120 Raw materials 10,225 33,623 Total inventory $ 262,297 $ 321,983

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2020
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets	6. Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: Depreciable As of Life December 31, December 31, (In Years) 2020 2019 (In thousands) Equipment leased to customers 2 - 5 $ 1,719,778 $ 1,837,503 EchoStar XV 15 277,658 277,658 EchoStar XVIII 15 411,255 411,255 Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements 15 398,107 398,107 Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other 2 - 20 1,969,107 1,894,629 Buildings and improvements 5 - 40 301,037 289,421 Land - 13,186 13,186 Construction in progress - 51,800 70,081 Total property and equipment 5,141,928 5,191,840 Accumulated depreciation (3,577,224) (3,440,267) Property and equipment, net $ 1,564,704 $ 1,751,573 Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Equipment leased to customers $ 290,006 $ 370,867 $ 437,342 Satellites 95,187 65,441 61,045 Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other 119,445 141,040 162,073 Total depreciation and amortization $ 504,638 $ 577,348 $ 660,460 Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or equipment leased to customers. Satellites Pay-TV Satellites . We currently utilize of which we own and depreciate over their estimated useful life. We currently utilize certain capacity on satellites that we lease from third parties. All leased satellites are accounted for as operating leases except Nimiq 5 and Anik F3, which are accounted for as financing leases and are depreciated over their economic life. As of December 31, 2020, our pay-TV satellite fleet consisted of the following: Degree Launch Orbital Lease Satellites Date Location Termination Date Owned: EchoStar XV July 2010 61.5 N/A EchoStar XVIII June 2016 61.5 N/A Leased from EchoStar (1): EchoStar IX August 2003 121 Month to month Leased from DISH Network (2)(3): EchoStar X February 2006 110 February 2022 EchoStar XI July 2008 110 September 2021 EchoStar XIV March 2010 119 February 2023 EchoStar XVI November 2012 61.5 January 2023 Nimiq 5 (4) September 2009 72.7 September 2021 QuetzSat-1 September 2011 77 November 2021 Leased from Other Third Party: Anik F3 April 2007 118.7 April 2022 Ciel II December 2008 129 January 2022 (1) See Note 17 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar. (2) See Note 17 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with DISH Network. (3) On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into the Master Transaction Agreement with EchoStar. Upon the closing of the Master Transaction Agreement on September 10, 2019, these satellites and satellite service agreements leased from EchoStar were transferred to DISH Network. See Note 20 “ Related Party Transactions” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31 , 2020 for further information on the Master Transaction Agreement. (4) The Nimiq 5 satellite, for which we have the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through September 2024 (when DISH Network’s lease term expires) was previously classified as an operating lease. As a result of the Master Transaction Agreement and expiration of the initial lease term in 2019, we now include our options to renew the lease through September 2024 in the lease term as we are reasonably certain to exercise those options. Accordingly, Nimiq 5 is accounted for as a finance lease. 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 Local Multipoint Distribution Service (“LMDS”) and licenses in exchange for the EchoStar XVIII satellite (the “Satellite and Spectrum Transaction”). Satellite Anomalies Operation of our DISH TV services requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity for the programming that we offer. While we generally have had in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to transmit our existing channels and some backup capacity to recover the transmission of certain critical programming, our backup capacity is limited. In the event of a failure or loss of any of our owned or leased satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other owned or leased satellites and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite. Such a failure could result in a prolonged loss of critical programming or a significant delay in our plans to expand programming as necessary to remain competitive and thus may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In the past, certain of our owned and leased satellites have experienced anomalies, some of which have had a significant adverse impact on their remaining useful life and/or commercial operation. There can be no assurance that future anomalies will not impact the remaining useful life and/or commercial operation of any of the owned and leased satellites in our fleet. See Note 2 for further information on evaluation of impairment. There can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our owned or leased in-orbit satellites were to fail. We generally do not carry commercial launch or in-orbit insurance on any of the satellites that we own, and therefore, we will bear the risk associated with any uninsured launch or in-orbit satellite failures. Intangible Assets As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our identifiable intangibles subject to amortization consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2020 2019 Intangible Accumulated Intangible Accumulated Assets Amortization Assets Amortization (In thousands) Technology-based $ 58,162 $ (53,991) $ 58,162 $ (53,447) Trademarks 35,010 (33,396) 35,010 (30,655) Contract-based 4,500 (4,500) 4,500 (4,500) Customer relationships 23,632 (23,632) 23,632 (23,632) Total $ 121,304 $ (115,519) $ 121,304 $ (112,234) These identifiable intangibles are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of these intangible assets is recorded on a straight-line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately five to 20 years . Amortization was $3 million, $6 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Estimated future amortization of our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 $ 835 2022 666 2023 654 2024 654 2025 654 Thereafter 2,322 Total $ 5,785 As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had goodwill of $6 million, which is included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. FCC Authorizations As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our FCC Authorizations consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) DBS Licenses $ 611,794 $ 611,794 Total $ 611,794 $ 611,794

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
Leases	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Leases	7. Leases We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles and other equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 11 years , some of which include renewal options , and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year . Our Anik F3 and Nimiq 5 satellites are accounted for as financing leases. Substantially all of our remaining leases are accounted for as operating leases, including the remainder of our satellite fleet. The components of lease expense were as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ 246,523 $ 297,181 Short-term lease cost (1) 11,409 37,686 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 49,496 29,134 Interest on lease liabilities 17,595 9,826 Total finance lease cost 67,091 38,960 Total lease costs $ 325,023 $ 373,827 (1) Leases that have terms of 12 months or less. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows : For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 247,413 $ 301,524 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 17,595 $ 9,826 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 49,231 $ 31,841 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 37,899 $ 81,198 Finance leases $ — $ 175,311 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 December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Operating Leases: Operating lease assets $ 380,968 $ 553,576 Other current liabilities $ 186,967 $ 202,972 Operating lease liabilities 192,624 350,155 Total operating lease liabilities $ 379,591 $ 553,127 Finance Leases: Property and equipment, gross $ 398,875 $ 399,764 Accumulated depreciation (251,073) (201,873) Property and equipment, net $ 147,802 $ 197,891 Other current liabilities $ 49,820 $ 48,678 Other long-term liabilities 110,789 163,939 Total finance lease liabilities $ 160,609 $ 212,617 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: Operating leases 2.9 years 3.4 years Finance leases 3.3 years 4.2 years Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases 8.7% 9.1% Finance leases 9.6% 9.5% Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Maturities of Lease Liabilities Operating Finance For the Years Ending December 31, Leases Leases Total (In thousands) 2021 $ 208,759 $ 62,613 $ 271,372 2022 136,132 50,227 186,359 2023 30,165 42,862 73,027 2024 12,397 32,147 44,544 2025 8,081 — 8,081 Thereafter 35,474 — 35,474 Total lease payments 431,008 187,849 618,857 Less: Imputed interest (51,417) (27,240) (78,657) Total 379,591 160,609 540,200 Less: Current portion (186,967) (49,820) (236,787) Long-term portion of lease obligations $ 192,624 $ 110,789 $ 303,413

Long-Term Debt and Finance Leas

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	Dec. 31, 2020
Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations
Long-Term Debt and Capital 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019: As of December 31, 2020 2019 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (In thousands) 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (1) $ — $ — $ 1,100,000 $ 1,110,208 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 (2) 2,000,000 2,047,260 2,000,000 2,109,420 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 2,000,000 2,095,820 2,000,000 2,129,580 5 % Senior Notes due 2023 1,500,000 1,566,300 1,500,000 1,543,770 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 2,000,000 2,099,580 2,000,000 2,049,080 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 2,000,000 2,236,520 2,000,000 2,128,900 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028 1,000,000 1,070,130 — — Other notes payable 23,565 23,565 25,996 25,996 Subtotal 10,523,565 $ 11,139,175 10,625,996 $ 11,096,954 Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net (12,684) (16,250) Finance lease obligations (3) 160,609 212,617 Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion) $ 10,671,490 $ 10,822,363 (1) On May 1, 2020, we redeemed the principal balance of our 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020. (2) Our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 mature on June 1, 2021 and have been reclassified to “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020. We will either fund this obligation from cash and marketable investment securities balances at that time and/or advances from our parent, DISH Network or, depending on market conditions, we may refinance this obligation, in whole or in part. (3) 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). Our Senior Notes are: ● general unsecured senior obligations of DISH DBS; ● ranked equally in right of payment with all of DISH DBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt; and ● ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. The indentures related to our Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of DISH DBS and its restricted subsidiaries to: ● incur additional debt; ● pay dividends or make distributions on DISH DBS’ capital stock or repurchase DISH DBS’ capital stock; ● make certain investments; ● create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions; ● enter into transactions with affiliates; ● merge or consolidate with another company; and ● transfer or sell assets. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indentures, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase. 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 On May 5, 2011, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 6 3/4% Senior Notes due June 1, 2021. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 6 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The 6 3/4% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 On May 16, 2012 and July 26, 2012, we issued $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 5 7/8% Senior Notes due July 15, 2022. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 7/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. 5% Senior Notes due 2023 On December 27, 2012, we issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5% Senior Notes due March 15, 2023. Interest accrues at an annual rate of The 5% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 On November 20, 2014, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 5 7/8% Senior Notes due November 15, 2024. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 7/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 On June 13, 2016, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 7 3/4% Senior Notes due July 1, 2026. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year. The 7 3/4% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028 On July 1, 2020, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/8% Senior Notes due July 1, 2028. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 3/8% The 7 3/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to July 1, 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. On or after July 1, 2023, we may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the redemption prices specified under the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to July 1, 2023, we may also redeem up to 35% of the 7 3/8% Senior Notes at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions. Interest on Long-Term Debt Annual Semi-Annual Debt Service Payment Dates Requirements (In thousands) 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 (1) June 1 and December 1 $ 135,000 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 January 15 and July 15 $ 117,500 5% Senior Notes due 2023 March 15 and September 15 $ 75,000 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 May 15 and November 15 $ 117,500 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 January 1 and July 1 $ 155,000 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028 January 1 and July 1 $ 73,750 (1) Our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 mature on June 1, 2021 and have been reclassified to “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020. Our ability to meet our debt service requirements will depend on, among other factors, the successful execution of our business strategy, which is subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control. Other Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations Other long-term debt and finance lease obligations consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Satellites and other finance lease obligations $ 160,609 $ 212,617 Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2031 with interest rates ranging from approximately 4.0% to 6.0% 23,565 25,996 Total 184,174 238,613 Less: current portion (52,374) (51,108) Other long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion $ 131,800 $ 187,505 Finance Lease Obligations Anik F3. Anik F3, an FSS satellite, was launched and commenced commercial operation in April 2007. This satellite is accounted for as a finance lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement. We lease 100% of the Ku-band capacity on Anik F3 for a period of 15 years , which expires in April 2022. Nimiq 5 . On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into a Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, the satellite service agreement for Nimiq 5 was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing it from an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. Nimiq 5 was launched in September 2009 and commenced commercial operation at the 72.7 degree west longitude orbital location during October 2009. This satellite is accounted for as a finance lease and is being depreciated over the lease term which includes options to extend the lease that we are reasonably certain to exercise. We lease of the capacity on Nimiq 5, and this lease expires in September 2021. See Note 17 for further information. Ciel II . Ciel II, a Canadian DBS satellite, was launched in December 2008 and commenced commercial operation in February 2009. This satellite was previously accounted for as a finance lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement, 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. We lease 100% of the capacity on Ciel II. The initial 10-year term expired in January 2019 and as a result of an amendment, we renewed this lease through January 2022. The summary of future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt as of December 31, 2020 is included in the commitments table in Note 12.

Income Taxes and Accounting for

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes	9. Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes Income Taxes DISH DBS and its domestic subsidiaries join with DISH Network in filing U.S. consolidated federal income tax returns and, in some states, combined or consolidated returns. The federal and state income tax provisions or benefits recorded by DISH DBS are generally those that would have been recorded if DISH DBS and its domestic subsidiaries had filed returns as a consolidated group independent of DISH Network. Cash is due and paid to DISH Network based on amounts that would be payable based on DISH DBS consolidated or combined group filings. Amounts are receivable from DISH Network on a basis similar to when they would be receivable from the IRS or other state taxing authorities. The amounts paid to DISH Network during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were Our income tax policy is to record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as probable operating loss, tax credit and other carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we believe it is more likely than not that net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We periodically evaluate our need for a valuation allowance. Determining necessary valuation allowances requires us to make assessments about historical financial information as well as the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities. As of December 31, 2020, we had $2 million net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for federal income tax purposes and less than $1 million of NOL carryforwards for state income tax purposes, which are fully offset by a valuation allowance. In addition, there are million of tax benefits related to credit carryforwards which are fully offset by a valuation allowance. Portions of the credit carryforwards will expire in 2023. The components of the (benefit from) provision for income taxes were as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Current (benefit) provision: Federal $ 394,824 $ 208,821 $ 273,632 State 88,449 48,417 64,534 Foreign 3,971 6,203 4,616 Total current (benefit) provision 487,244 263,441 342,782 Deferred (benefit) provision: Federal 14,327 11,243 (25,934) State (2,161) (1,987) (123) Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance 948 2,054 1,580 Total deferred (benefit) provision 13,114 11,310 (24,477) Total (benefit) provision $ 500,358 $ 274,751 $ 318,305 Our $2.085 billion of “Income (loss) before income taxes” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) included income of $8 million related to our foreign operations. The following table shows the principal reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the statutory federal tax rate: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 % of pre-tax income/(loss) Statutory rate 21.0 21.0 21.0 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.6 3.6 4.4 Other, net (0.6) 0.3 (0.8) Total (benefit) provision for income taxes 24.0 24.9 24.6 Deferred taxes arise because of the differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: NOL, interest, credit and other carryforwards $ 10,641 $ 12,323 Accrued and prepaid expenses 4,911 96,974 Stock-based compensation 15,924 19,719 Deferred revenue 27,612 17,238 Total deferred tax assets 59,088 146,254 Valuation allowance (10,469) (9,521) Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance 48,619 136,733 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation (386,379) (458,811) FCC authorizations and other intangible amortization (173,539) (174,399) Bases difference in partnerships and other investments (3,629) (5,380) Total deferred tax liabilities (563,547) (638,590) Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (514,928) $ (501,857) Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes In addition to filing federal income tax returns, we and one or more of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in all states that impose an income tax and a small number of foreign jurisdictions where we have immaterial operations. We are subject to United States federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years beginning in 2008 due to the carryover of previously incurred NOLs. We are currently under a federal income tax examination for fiscal years 2008 through 2016. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in “Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, Unrecognized tax benefit 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 208,152 $ 194,136 $ 201,162 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 233 3,232 10,550 Additions based on tax positions related to prior years 1,800 28,137 1,154 Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years (20,337) (13,028) (4,479) Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities (831) (2,362) (8,328) Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations (876) (1,963) (5,923) Balance as of end of period $ 188,141 $ 208,152 $ 194,136 We have $161 million in unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, could favorably affect our effective tax rate. We do not expect any material portion of this amount to be paid or settled within the next twelve months. Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” and “Other, net,” respectively, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded million in net interest and penalty expense to earnings, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties were 2020 and 2019, respectively. The above table excludes these amounts.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2020
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans	10. Employee Benefit Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Our employees may participate in the DISH Network employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”), in which DISH Network is authorized to issue up to 6.8 million shares of Class A common stock. At December 31, 2020, DISH Network had 2.4 million shares of Class A common stock which remain available for issuance under the ESPP. Substantially all full-time employees who have been employed by DISH Network for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may not deduct an amount which would permit such employee to purchase DISH Network’s capital stock under all of DISH Network’s stock purchase plans at a rate which would exceed $25,000 in fair value of capital stock in any one year. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the closing price of DISH Network’s Class A common stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter in which such shares of DISH Network’s Class A common stock are deemed sold to an employee under the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, employee purchases of DISH Network’s Class A common stock through the ESPP totaled approximately 0.8 million, 0.6 million and 0.6 million shares, respectively. 401(k) Employee Savings Plan DISH Network sponsors a 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible employees. Voluntary employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan may be matched per employee. Forfeitures of unvested participant balances which are retained by the 401(k) Plan may be used to fund matching and discretionary contributions. DISH Network’s board of directors may also authorize an annual discretionary contribution to the 401(k) plan with authorization by our Board of Directors, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. These contributions may be made in cash or in DISH Network’s stock. The following table summarizes the expense associated with our matching contributions and discretionary contributions: For the Years Ended December 31, Expense Recognized Related to the 401(k) Plan 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Matching contributions, net of forfeitures $ 11,549 $ 11,181 $ 10,300 Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures $ 29,784 $ 28,774 $ 27,048

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Dec. 31, 2020
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation	11. Stock-Based Compensation Stock Incentive Plans DISH Network maintains stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. Our employees participate in the DISH Network stock incentive plans. Stock awards under these plans include both performance and non-performance based stock incentives. Many of our employees work on projects associated with our business and projects associated with DISH Network’s Wireless business segment and other operations of DISH Network, such as broadband. Stock options, restricted stock units and non-cash stock-based compensation expense are included below only for employees who devote 50 % or more of their time to our business. For each employee, a change in status in relation to the 50 % threshold is reflected as a transfer to or from another DISH Network subsidiary that is not part of DISH DBS. See Note 17 Related Party Transactions with DISH Network for costs associated with services provided by our employees to DISH Network. As of December 31, 2020, there were outstanding under these plans stock options to acquire 10.2 million shares of DISH Network’s Class A common stock and 1.6 million restricted stock units and awards associated with our employees. Stock options granted on or prior to December 31, 2020 were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value of DISH Network Class A common stock at the date of grant and with a maximum term of approximately ten years . While historically DISH Network has issued stock awards subject to vesting, typically at the rate of 20 % per year, some stock awards have been granted with immediate vesting and other stock awards vest only upon the achievement of certain DISH Network-specific subscriber, operational and/or financial goals. As of December 31, 2020, DISH Network had 63.6 million shares of its Class A common stock available for future grant under its stock incentive plans. Exercise prices for DISH Network stock options outstanding and exercisable associated with our employees as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- Weighted- $ 10.01 - $ 20.00 221,500 8.20 $ 18.70 8,336 7.75 $ 18.70 $ 20.01 - $ 30.00 300,675 6.22 $ 25.67 148,681 4.53 $ 24.65 $ 30.01 - $ 40.00 6,125,897 7.16 $ 35.63 2,388,162 7.24 $ 35.52 $ 40.01 - $ 50.00 1,119,265 6.50 $ 47.46 519,500 6.22 $ 47.27 $ 50.01 - $ 60.00 1,609,378 5.52 $ 57.48 394,252 4.71 $ 56.78 $ 60.01 - $ 70.00 806,900 5.44 $ 64.35 301,500 5.14 $ 65.40 $ — - $ 70.00 10,183,615 6.69 $ 41.99 3,760,431 6.56 $ 41.30 Stock Award Activity DISH Network stock option activity associated with our employees was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Total options outstanding, beginning of period 12,792,812 $ 41.52 13,365,489 $ 41.78 8,847,734 $ 43.90 Granted 1,112,500 $ 31.21 1,396,750 $ 33.52 7,026,512 $ 38.44 Exercised (109,195) $ 28.53 (713,411) $ 27.46 (267,905) $ 16.43 Forfeited, cancelled and transferred (1) (3,612,502) $ 37.41 (1,256,016) $ 43.40 (2,240,852) $ 39.73 Total options outstanding, end of period 10,183,615 $ 41.99 12,792,812 $ 41.52 13,365,489 $ 41.78 Performance-based options outstanding, 4,096,749 $ 44.44 7,608,446 $ 39.78 8,671,886 $ 39.95 Exercisable at end of period 3,760,431 $ 41.30 2,332,489 $ 44.93 1,705,103 $ 40.87 (1) Certain of these stock options include options that were granted to individuals who transferred to and/or from another DISH Network subsidiary not a part of DISH DBS. (2) These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2013 LTIP, 2017 LTIP, 2019 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below. We realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Tax benefit from stock awards exercised $ 3,361 $ 1,239 $ 1,664 Based on the closing market price of DISH Network Class A common stock on December 31, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options associated with our employees was as follows: As of December 31, 2020 Options Options Outstanding Exercisable (In thousands) Aggregate intrinsic value $ 5,043 $ 1,272 DISH Network restricted stock unit and award activity associated with our employees was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Restricted Stock Units/Awards Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted Stock Units/Awards Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Total restricted stock units/awards outstanding, beginning of period 1,463,650 $ 50.82 1,718,945 $ 52.16 2,484,720 $ 51.16 Granted 1,470,505 $ 32.92 — $ — — $ — Vested (697,660) $ 63.81 (9,565) $ 63.49 (10,475) $ 63.49 Forfeited, cancelled and transferred (1) (686,250) $ 35.14 (245,730) $ 59.86 (755,300) $ 48.51 Total restricted stock units/awards outstanding, end of period 1,550,245 $ 34.70 1,463,650 $ 50.82 1,718,945 $ 52.16 Restricted Performance Units/Awards outstanding, end of period (2) 1,543,750 $ 34.58 1,446,300 $ 50.66 1,689,350 $ 51.97 (1) Certain of these restricted stock units/awards include restricted stock units/awards that were granted to individuals who transferred to and/or from another DISH Network subsidiary not a part of DISH DBS. (2) These stock units/awards are included in the caption “Total restricted stock units/awards outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2013 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below. Long-Term Performance-Based Plans 2013 LTIP. During 2013, DISH Network adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2013 LTIP”). The 2013 LTIP provides stock options and restricted stock units in combination, which vest based on DISH Network-specific subscriber and financial performance conditions. Exercise of the stock awards is contingent on achieving these performance conditions by September 30, 2022. Although no awards vest until DISH Network attains the performance conditions described above, compensation related to the 2013 LTIP will be recorded based on DISH Network’s assessment of the probability of meeting the remaining performance conditions. If the remaining performance conditions are probable of being achieved, we will begin recognizing the associated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the estimated period to achieve the performance condition. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, DISH Network determined that 30%, 10% and 20%, respectively, of the 2013 LTIP performance conditions were probable of achievement. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, no additional 2013 LTIP performance conditions were deemed probable of achievement. During 2018, management determined the 2013 LTIP performance conditions were neither probable nor improbable of achievement. As a result, we are no longer recording non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for the 2013 LTIP. We recorded non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, as indicated in the table below titled “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized.” As of December 31, 2018, approximately of the 2013 LTIP awards had vested. 2017 LTIP. On December 2, 2016, DISH Network adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2017 LTIP”). The 2017 LTIP provided stock options, which were subject to vesting based on DISH Network-specific subscriber and financial performance conditions. Awards were initially granted under the 2017 LTIP as of January 1, 2017. Exercise of the stock awards was contingent on achieving these performance conditions by December 31, 2020, however, none of the performance conditions were achieved. During both the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, DISH Network determined that 75% of the 2017 LTIP performance conditions were probable of achievement. During 2019, management determined the 2017 LTIP performance conditions were not probable of achievement and as a result, we reversed million of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. In 2020, no non-cash, stock-based compensation expense was recognized for the 2017 LTIP. We recorded non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, as indicated in the table below titled “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized.” 2019 LTIP. performance conditions Although no awards vest until DISH Network attains the performance conditions described above, compensation related to the 2019 LTIP will be recorded based on management’s assessment of the probability of meeting the performance conditions. If the performance conditions are probable of being achieved, we will begin recognizing the associated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the estimated period to achieve the performance condition. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, DISH Network determined that 95%, 90% and 82% , respectively, of the 2019 LTIP performance conditions were probable of achievement. As a result, non-cash, stock-based compensation expense was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, as indicated in the table below titled “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized.” As of December 31, 2020, approximately of the 2019 LTIP awards had vested. Other Employee Performance Awards. In addition to the above long-term, performance stock incentive plans, DISH Network has other stock awards that vest based on certain other DISH Network-specific subscriber, operational and/or financial performance conditions. Exercise of these stock awards is contingent on achieving certain performance conditions. Additional compensation related to these awards for our employees will be recorded based on DISH Network’s assessment of the probability of meeting the remaining performance conditions. If the remaining performance conditions are probable of being achieved, we will begin recognizing the associated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the estimated period to achieve the performance condition. See the table below titled “Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense.” Although no awards vest until the performance are attained, DISH Network determined that certain described above were probable of achievement and, as a result, we recorded non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, as indicated in the table below titled “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized.” The non-cash, stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards for our employees was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (1) 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) 2019 LTIP $ 12,526 $ 14,946 $ 3,475 2017 LTIP — (12,902) 3,293 2013 LTIP (741) (1,021) (2,471) Other employee performance awards 4,370 (592) 17,888 Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance-based awards $ 16,155 $ 431 $ 22,185 (1) “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized” includes forfeitures. Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2019 LTIP 2017 LTIP 2013 LTIP Other Employee Performance Awards (In thousands) Expense estimated to be recognized during 2021 $ 3,150 $ — $ — $ 14,613 Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2021 5,861 — 22,488 18,129 Total estimated remaining expense over the term of the plan $ 9,011 $ — $ 22,488 $ 32,742 Given the competitive nature of DISH Network’s business, small variations in subscriber churn, gross new subscriber activation rates and certain other factors can significantly impact subscriber growth. Consequently, while it was determined that achievement of certain DISH Network-specific subscriber, operational and/or financial performance conditions were not probable as of December 31, 2020, that assessment could change in the future. Of the 10.2 million stock options and 1.6 million restricted stock units and awards outstanding under the DISH Network stock incentive plans associated with our employees as of December 31, 2020, the following awards were outstanding pursuant to the performance-based stock incentive plans: As of December 31, 2020 Performance-Based Stock Options Number of Weighted- 2019 LTIP 1,761,241 $ 34.71 2017 LTIP 1,659,508 $ 56.39 2013 LTIP 676,000 $ 40.43 Total 4,096,749 $ 44.44 Restricted Performance Units/Awards 2013 LTIP 338,000 Other employee performance awards 1,205,750 Total 1,543,750 Stock-Based Compensation Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all of our employees is shown in the following table for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and was allocated to the same expense categories as the base compensation for such employees: For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Cost of services $ 7,194 $ 838 $ 1,412 Selling, general and administrative 23,477 13,015 34,109 Total non-cash, stock based compensation $ 30,671 $ 13,853 $ 35,521 As of December 31, 2020, our total unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-performance based unvested stock awards was $19 million and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.2 years. Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on stock awards ultimately expected to vest. Valuation The fair value of each stock option granted for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions: For the Years Ended December 31, Stock Options 2020 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 0.17 % - 1.72 % 1.51 % - 2.53 % 2.09 % - 2.98 % Volatility factor 28.91 % - 48.08 % 28.86 % - 32.08 % 23.33 % - 30.22 % Expected term of options in years 3.3 - 5.5 4.3 - 5.5 2.8 - 5.5 Fair value of options granted $ 5.50 - $ 12.10 $ 7.58 - $ 12.45 $ 7.10 - $ 12.53 While DISH Network currently does not intend to declare dividends on its common stock, it may elect to do so from time to time. Accordingly, the dividend yield percentage used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model was set at zero for all periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded stock options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Consequently, our estimate of fair value may differ from other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Changes in these subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. We will continue to evaluate the assumptions used to derive the estimated fair value of DISH Network’s stock options as new events or changes in circumstances become known.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments As of December 31, 2020, future maturities of our long-term debt, finance lease and contractual obligations are summarized as follows: Payments due by period Total 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Long-term debt obligations $ 10,523,565 $ 2,002,553 $ 2,002,683 $ 1,502,820 $ 2,002,964 $ 3,115 $ 3,009,430 Interest expense on long-term debt 2,485,488 607,349 539,719 384,582 346,938 229,287 377,613 Finance lease obligations (1) 160,609 49,820 41,666 38,018 31,105 — — Interest expense on finance lease obligations (1) 27,240 12,793 8,561 4,844 1,042 — — Other long-term obligations (2) 483,502 352,180 59,562 38,947 28,813 4,000 — Operating lease obligations (1) 431,008 208,759 136,132 30,165 12,397 8,081 35,474 Purchase obligations 1,223,733 1,188,070 26,947 8,716 — — — Total $ 15,335,145 $ 4,421,524 $ 2,815,270 $ 2,008,092 $ 2,423,259 $ 244,483 $ 3,422,517 (1) See Note 7 for further information on leases and the adoption of ASC 842. (2) Represents obligations for satellite related executory costs, telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) services, short-term leases and expenses associated with DISH Network’s Wireless segment. In certain circumstances the dates on which we are obligated to make these payments could be delayed. The table above does not include $188 million of liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits that were accrued, as discussed in Note 9, and are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020. We do not expect any portion of this amount to be paid or settled within the next twelve months. The table above includes certain obligations incurred by us on behalf of DISH Network’s Wireless segment. These obligations will be either paid directly by DISH Network or settled monthly as part of our centralized cash management system with our parent, DISH Network. See Note 3 for further information. DISH Network Spectrum 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 has directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets. DISH Network’s wireless spectrum licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements, as well as certain renewal requirements. DISH Network plans to commercialize its wireless spectrum licenses through the completion of the nation’s first cloud-native, Open Radio Access Network (“O-RAN”) based 5G network (the “5G Network Deployment”). To that end, DISH Network has undertaken several key steps including identifying markets to build out, making executive and management hires and entering into agreements with key vendors. For example, on November 16, 2020, DISH Network announced a long-term agreement with Crown Castle pursuant to which Crown Castle will lease to DISH Network space on up to 20,000 communication towers. As part of the agreement, DISH Network will also receive certain fiber transport services and have the option to utilize Crown Castle for pre-construction services. During December 2020, DISH Network completed a successful field validation, utilizing its fully-virtualized standalone 5G core network and the industry’s first O-RAN compliant radio. DISH Network currently expects expenditures for its 5G Network Deployment to be approximately $10 billion, excluding capitalized interest. DISH Network will need to make significant additional investments or partner with others to, among other things, complete its 5G Network Deployment and further commercialize, build-out, and integrate these licenses and related assets, and any additional acquired licenses and related assets, as well as to comply with regulations applicable to such licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such activities, any such investments or partnerships could vary significantly. In addition, as DISH Network completes its 5G Network Deployment , DISH Network will incur significant additional expenses and will have to make significant investments related to, among other things, research and development, wireless testing and wireless network infrastructure. DISH Network may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to complete its 5G Network Deployment and to compete with other wireless service providers. Asset Purchase Agreement. billion as adjusted for specific categories of net working capital on the closing date (the “Boost Mobile Acquisition”). Effective July 1, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the APA, DISH Network and T-Mobile completed the Boost Mobile Acquisition. In connection with the closing of the Boost Mobile Acquisition, DISH Network and T-Mobile entered into a transition services agreement under which DISH Network will receive certain transitional services (the “TSA”), a master network services agreement for the provision of network services by T-Mobile to DISH Network (the “MNSA”), an option agreement entitling DISH Network to acquire certain decommissioned cell sites and retail stores of T-Mobile (the “Option Agreement”) and an agreement under which DISH Network would purchase all of Sprint’s 800 MHz spectrum licenses, totaling approximately 13.5 MHz of nationwide wireless spectrum for an additional approximately $3.59 billion (the “Spectrum Purchase Agreement” and together with the APA, the TSA, the MNSA and the Option Agreement, the “Transaction Agreements”). See Note 6 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Transaction Agreements. In connection with the development of DISH Network’s wireless business, including, without limitation, the efforts described above, we have made cash distributions to partially finance these efforts to date and may make additional cash distributions to finance, in whole or in part, DISH Network’s future efforts. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these wireless spectrum licenses or that DISH Network will be able to profitably deploy the assets represented by these wireless spectrum licenses. DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses During 2015, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. (“American II”) and American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. (“American III”), DISH Network initially made over 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. , 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 16 “ Commitments and Contingencies – Commitments – DISH Network Non-Controlling Investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities Related to AWS-3 Wireless Spectrum Licenses” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. We have made and may make additional cash distributions to DISH Network so that DISH Network may fund the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities related to DISH Network’s non-controlling investments in these entities. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will be able to obtain a profitable return on its non-controlling investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities. We may need to raise significant additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, to among other things, continue investing in our business and to pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions. See Note 16 “ Commitments and Contingencies – Wireless” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 Satellite Insurance We generally do not carry commercial launch or in-orbit insurance on any of the satellites we own. We generally do not use commercial insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of launch or in-orbit failures because we believe that the cost of insurance premiums is uneconomical relative to the risk of such failures. While we generally have had in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to transmit our existing channels and some backup capacity to recover the transmission of certain critical programming, our backup capacity is limited. In the event of a failure or loss of any of our owned or leased satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other owned or leased satellites and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite. Purchase Obligations Our 2021 purchase obligations primarily consist of binding purchase orders for certain fixed contractual commitments to purchase programming content, receiver systems and related equipment, broadband equipment, digital broadcast operations, transmission costs, streaming delivery technology and infrastructure, engineering services, and other products and services related to the operation of our Pay-TV services. In addition, our 2021 purchase obligations also include DISH Network’s purchase obligations for certain wireless devices related to its retail wireless business and for certain costs related to its 5G Network Deployment, such as software and hardware necessary to complete its wireless broadband network. Our purchase obligations may fluctuate significantly from period to period due to, among other things, management’s timing of payments and inventory purchases , and can materially impact our future operating asset and liability balances, and our future working capital requirements. The purchase obligations will be either paid directly by DISH Network or settled monthly as part of our centralized cash management system . Programming Contracts 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. These programming commitments are not included in the “Commitments” table above. The terms of our contracts typically range from one to ten years with annual rate increases. Our programming expenses will increase to the extent we are successful in growing our Pay-TV subscriber base. I n addition, programming costs per subscriber continue to increase due to contractual price increases and the renewal of long-term programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms. Rent Expense Total rent expense for operating leases was $312 million, $357 million and $449 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Patents and Intellectual Property Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services that we offer or that we may offer in the future. We may not be aware of all intellectual property rights that our products or services may potentially infringe. Damages in patent infringement cases can be substantial, and in certain circumstances can be trebled. Further, we cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to patents held by others and the availability and cost of any such licenses. Various parties have asserted patent and other intellectual property rights with respect to components of our products and services. We cannot be certain that these persons do not own the rights they claim, that our products do not infringe on these rights, and/or that these rights are not valid. Further, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement. Contingencies Separation Agreement On January 1, 2008, DISH Network completed the distribution of its technology and set-top box business and certain infrastructure assets (the “Spin-off”) into a separate publicly-traded company, EchoStar. In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar that provides, among other things, for the division of certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed certain liabilities that relate to its business, including certain designated liabilities for acts or omissions that occurred prior to the Spin-off. Certain specific provisions govern intellectual property related claims under which, generally, EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions following the Spin-off and DISH Network will indemnify EchoStar for any liabilities or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the Spin-off, as well as DISH Network’s acts or omissions following the Spin-off. On February 28, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries completed the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) . 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. American Patents On November 23, 2020, American Patents LLC, filed a complaint against DISH Network and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and Dish Network Service L.L.C., and a third party, Arcadyan Technology Corporation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 7,088,782 (the “782 patent”), entitled “Time and Frequency Synchronization In Multi-Input and Multi-Output (MIMO) Systems”; United States Patent No. 7,310,304 (the “304 patent”), entitled “Estimating Channel Parameters in Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) Systems”; United States Patent No. 7,706,458 (the “458 patent”), entitled “Time And Frequency Synchronization in Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) Systems”; and United States Patent No. 6,847,803 (the “803 patent”), entitled “Method for Reducing Interference in a Receiver.” The four patents are asserted against wireless 802.11 standard-compliant devices. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. The plaintiff is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Broadband iTV On December 19, 2019, Broadband iTV, Inc. filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 10,028,026 (the “026 patent”), entitled “System for addressing on-demand TV program content on TV services platform of a digital TV services provider”; United States Patent No. 10,506,269 (the “269 patent”), entitled “System for addressing on-demand TV program content on TV services platform of a digital TV services provider”; United States Patent No. 9,998,791 (“the 791 patent”), entitled “Video-on-demand content delivery method for providing video-on-demand services to TV service subscribers”; and United States Patent No. 9,648,388 (the “388 patent”), entitled “Video-on-demand content delivery system for providing video-on-demand services to TV services subscribers.” Generally, the asserted patents relate to providing video on demand content to subscribers. On July 10, 2020, July 20, 2020, July 24, 2020 and July 31, 2020, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of, respectively, the 026 patent, the 791 patent, the 269 patent and the 388 patent. On January 21, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on one of the petitions challenging the 026 patent; on January 27, 2021, it agreed to institute proceedings on one of the petitions challenging the 269 patent 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. Bunker IP On January 27, 2021, Bunker IP LLC filed a complaint against DISH Network’s wholly owned subsidiary, DISH Wireless L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint alleges infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,181,237 (the “237 patent), entitled “Control of a Multi-Mode, Multi-Band Mobile Telephone via a Single Hardware and Software Man Machine Interface; and U.S. Patent No. 8,843,641 (the “641 patent”), entitled “Plug-In Connector System for Protected Establishment of a Network Connection.” Generally, the 237 patent relates to a mobile phone that can switch between two different protocols within a single chipset, and the 641 patent relates to a plug-in connector to a device, where the connector’s presence is authenticated to ensure protected access to network resources. DISH Network intends to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that DISH Network infringes the asserted patents, DISH Network may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require DISH Network to materially modify certain features that it currently offers to consumers. DISH Network cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. The plaintiff is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Cedar Lane On October 13, 2020, Cedar Lane Technologies filed a complaint against our wholly owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,502,194 (the “194 patent”), entitled “System for playback of network audio material on demand”; United States Patent No. 6,526,411 (the “411 patent”), entitled “System and method for creating dynamic playlists”; United States Patent No. 6,721,489 (the “489 patent”), entitled “Play list manager”; United States Patent No. 7,173,177 (the “177 patent”), entitled “User interface for simultaneous management of owned and unowned inventory”; United States Patent No. 7,642,443 (the “443 patent”), entitled “User interface for simultaneous management of owned and unowned inventory”; and United States Patent No. 8,165,867 (the “867 patent”), entitled “Methods for translating a device command.” Generally, the asserted patents relate to streaming digital audio to a home audio system; aspects of play lists and purchased content; and voice control. Cedar Lane Technologies is a non-practicing entity that has filed more than 75 patent infringement lawsuits. On March 11, 2021, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court dismissed the case without prejudice. This matter is now concluded. City of Hallandale Beach Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Personnel Retirement Trust On July 2, 2019, a putative class action lawsuit was filed by a purported EchoStar stockholder in the District Court of Clark County, Nevada under the caption City of Hallandale Beach Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Personnel Retirement Trust v. Ergen, et al., Case No. A-19-797799-B. The lawsuit named as defendants Mr. Ergen, the other members of the EchoStar Board, as well as EchoStar, certain of its officers, DISH Network and certain of DISH Network’s and EchoStar’s affiliates. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties in approving the transactions contemplated under the Master Transaction Agreement for inadequate consideration and pursuant to an unfair and conflicted process, and that EchoStar, DISH Network and certain other defendants aided and abetted such breaches. The trial of this matter is scheduled to start sometime during the five-week “stack” beginning September 7, 2021. See Note 20 “ Related Party Transactions ” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further information on the Master Transaction Agreement. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, including the issuance of additional DISH Network Class A common stock, monetary relief and other costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees. DISH Network intends to vigorously defend this case, but cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. ClearPlay, Inc. On March 13, 2014, ClearPlay, Inc. (“ClearPlay”) filed a complaint against DISH Network, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., EchoStar, and its then wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges willful infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799 (the “799 patent”), entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; 7,526,784 (the “784 patent”), entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,543,318 (the “318 patent”), entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,577,970 (the “970 patent”), entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; and 8,117,282 (the “282 patent”), entitled “Media Player Configured to Receive Playback Filters From Alternative Storage Mediums.” ClearPlay alleges that the AutoHop ™ feature of our Hopper set-top box infringes the asserted patents. On February 11, 2015, the case was stayed pending various third-party challenges before the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding the validity of certain of the patents asserted in the action. In those third-party challenges, the United States Patent and Trademark Office found that all claims of the 282 patent are unpatentable, and that certain claims of the 784 patent and 318 patent are unpatentable. ClearPlay appealed as to the 784 patent and the 318 patent, and on August 23, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the findings of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. On October 31, 2016, the stay was lifted. On October 16, October 21, November 2, 2020 and November 9, 2020, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office requesting ex parte reexamination of the validity of, respectively, the 784 patent, the 799 patent the 318 patent and the 970 patent; and on November 2, November 20, December 14 and December 15, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted each request for reexamination. The trial The report issued by ClearPlay’s damages expert contends that ClearPlay is entitled to $543 million in damages. 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 6,028,643 (the “643 patent”), entitled “Multiple-Screen Video Adapter with Television Tuner”; United States Patent No. 6,429,903 (the “903 patent”), entitled “Video Adapter for Supporting at Least One Television Monitor”; United States Patent No. 6,492,997 (the “997 patent”), entitled “Method and System for Providing Selectable Programming in a Multi-Screen Mode”; United States Patent No. 7,500,202 (the “202 patent”), entitled “Remote Control for Navigating Through Content in an Organized and Categorized Fashion”; and United States Patent No. 7,809,842 (the “842 patent”), entitled “Transferring Sessions Between Devices.” The 643 patent and the 903 patent are directed to video adapters for use with multiple displays. The 997 patent is directed to a system for presenting multiple video programs on a display device simultaneously. The 202 patent is directed to a remote control for interacting with a set-top box having programmable features and “operational controls” on at least three sides of the remote control. The 842 patent is directed to a system for managing online communication sessions between multiple devices. Contemporary is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. In a First Amended Complaint filed on August 6, 2018, Contemporary added our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant. In a Second Amended Complaint filed on October 9, 2018, Contemporary named only our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. as a defendant and dropped certain indirect infringement allegations. On June 10, 2019, DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the asserted claims of the 842 patent, the 903 patent, the 643 patent and the 997 patent. On December 13, 2019 and January 7, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office agreed to institute proceedings on each of our petitions. Following Contemporary’s decision not to file Patent Owner Responses to DISH Network L.L.C.’s petitions on the 842 patent and the 903 patent, on April 24, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office entered judgments granting those petitions and canceling the challenged claims of those patents. On November 25, 2020 and December 18, 2020, respectively, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued final written decisions invalidating all challenged claims of, respectively, the 643 patent and the 997 patent. On February 12, 2021, Contemporary Display noticed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging the final written decision as to the 997 patent. On July 11, 2019, the Court entered an order staying the case pending resolution of the petitions. On January 31, 2020, pursuant to the parties’ joint motion, the Court dismissed all claims arising from the 202 patent, and extended its stay of the litigation pending non-appealable determinations on all of the petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 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. 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 Trade

Financial Information for Subsi

Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors	12 Months Ended
Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors
Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors	13. 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 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.

Disaggregation of Revenue

Disaggregation of Revenue	12 Months Ended
Disaggregation of Revenue	Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue	14. Disaggregation of Revenue Geographic Information. Revenue is attributed to geographic regions based upon the location where the goods and services are provided. All service revenue was derived from the United States. Substantially all of our long-lived assets reside in the United States. The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region: For the Years Ended December 31, Revenue: 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) United States $ 12,692,940 $ 12,581,855 $ 13,319,091 Canada and Mexico 34,689 41,038 43,048 Total revenue $ 12,727,629 $ 12,622,893 $ 13,362,139 The revenue from external customers disaggregated by major revenue source was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, Category: 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Pay-TV video and related revenue $ 12,576,470 $ 12,436,637 $ 13,197,994 Equipment sales and other revenue 151,159 186,256 164,145 Total $ 12,727,629 $ 12,622,893 $ 13,362,139

Contract Balances

Contract Balances	12 Months Ended
Contract Balances	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract Balances
Contract Balances	15. Contract Balances Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Allowance for credit losses Balance at Beginning of Period Current Period Provision for Expected Credit Losses Write-offs Charged Against Allowance Balance at End of Period (In thousands) For the years ended: December 31, 2020 $ 19,280 $ 76,441 $ (52,488) $ 43,233 December 31, 2019 $ 16,956 $ 69,866 $ (67,542) $ 19,280 December 31, 2018 $ 15,056 $ 98,461 $ (96,561) $ 16,956 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 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, 2019 $ 609,054 Recognition of unearned revenue (5,852,961) Deferral of revenue 5,837,704 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 593,797 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.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	16. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Our quarterly results of operations are summarized as follows: For the Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 2020: Total revenue $ 3,167,782 $ 3,148,531 $ 3,151,029 $ 3,260,287 Operating income (loss) 507,202 663,897 768,656 822,177 Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS 244,153 374,980 449,873 515,296 Year ended December 31, 2019: Total revenue $ 3,138,000 $ 3,166,599 $ 3,122,282 $ 3,196,012 Operating income (loss) 430,735 435,966 438,498 515,999 Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS 177,760 185,368 204,858 259,545

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions	17. Related Party Transactions Master Transaction Agreement On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into the Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, EchoStar transferred to DISH Network certain assets and liabilities of its EchoStar Satellite Services segment. As a result of the Master Transaction Agreement, certain agreements that we had with EchoStar have been transferred to DISH Network. The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 20 “ Related Party Transactions - Master Transaction Agreement” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further information on the Master Transaction Agreement. Related Party Transactions with DISH Network “Cost of services” During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, million, respectively, for satellite capacity leased from DISH Network and telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services provided to us by DISH Network. As a result of the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, DISH Network is now a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity. These amounts are recorded in “Cost of services” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below. Satellite Capacity Leased from DISH Network . O n September 10, 2019, in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement DISH Network entered into with EchoStar on May 19, 2019, we began leasing satellite capacity on satellites owned or leased by DISH Network from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. See “Pay-TV Satellites” in Note 6 for further information. The term of each lease is set forth below: ● EchoStar X, XI and XIV. On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar X, XI and XIV satellites. The term of each satellite capacity agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite. We generally have the option to renew each satellite capacity agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, the satellite capacity agreement we previously had with EchoStar for EchoStar X, XI and XIV was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing satellite capacity on these satellites from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. ● EchoStar XVI. In December 2009, we entered into a transponder service agreement with EchoStar to lease all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite, after its service commencement date. EchoStar XVI was launched in November 2012 to replace EchoStar XV at the 61.5 degree orbital location and is currently in service. Effective December 21, 2012, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. In July 2016, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, extend the initial term by one additional year and to reduce the term of the first renewal option by one year . Prior to expiration of the initial term, we had the option to renew for an additional five-year period. In May 2017, we exercised our first renewal option for an additional five-year period ending in January 2023. We also have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the first renewal period in January 2023. There can be no assurance that the option to renew this agreement will be exercised. During 2018, we and EchoStar further amended the agreement to, among other things, allow us to place and use certain satellites at the 61.5 degree orbital location. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, the transponder service agreement we previously had with EchoStar for EchoStar XVI was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. Nimiq 5 Agreement . During 2009, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). During 2009, EchoStar also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with us, pursuant to which we received service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement. Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we made certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continued through the service term, which expired ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, we had the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, the Telesat Transponder Agreement was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services on the Nimiq 5 satellite from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. We have exercised our option to renew for a one-year period through September 2021. As discussed in Note 6, “Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets,” the Nimiq 5 satellite lease has been accounted for as a finance lease since September 2019. Accordingly, expenses related to this lease are no longer recorded in “Cost of services,” but rather in “Depreciation and amortization” and “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $34 million and $11 million of “Depreciation and amortization expense,” respectively, and $15 million and $5 million of “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized,” respectively, related to Nimiq 5. QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provided, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite (“SES Transponder Agreement”) . During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we received service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location. In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the SES Transponder Agreement and QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement , the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the SES Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the SES Transponder Agreement will be exercised. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, the SES Transponder Agreement was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services on QuetzSat-1 from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. Our lease arrangement with DISH Network expires in November 2021. EchoStar XVIII Satellite. The EchoStar XVIII satellite was launched on June 18, 2016 and became operational as an in-orbit spare at the 61.5 degree orbital location during the third quarter 2016, at which time we began leasing it from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. On May 14, 2019, we and DOLLC II entered into an agreement to sell our interests in the LMDS and MVDDS licenses in exchange for the EchoStar XVIII satellite. See Note 6 for further information. TT&C Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a TT&C agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for certain satellites (the “TT&C Agreement”). In February 2018, we amended the TT&C Agreement to, among other things, extend the term for one-year with four automatic one-year renewal periods. The fees for services provided under the TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. We and EchoStar are able to terminate the TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 12 months ’ notice. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into a Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, the assets and employees that provide these services were transferred to DISH Network. We began receiving TT&C services from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. “Selling, general and administrative expenses” During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $7 million and $3 million DISH Network. These amounts are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below. Real Estate Lease Agreements. O n September 10, 2019, in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement discussed above, we began leasing office space owned or leased by DISH Network from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. The term of each lease is set forth below: ● Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado originally from EchoStar to us was for a period ending on December 31, 2018. In December 2018, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2019. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, this lease was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. In December 2020, we and DISH Network amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2021. ● Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, EchoStar transferred ownership of a portion of this property to DISH Network, and, effective March 1, 2017, DISH Network and EchoStar amended this lease agreement to (i) terminate the lease of certain space at the portion of the property that was transferred to us and (ii) provide for the continued lease to us of certain space at the portion of the property that EchoStar retained. P ursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, t he portion of the property EchoStar retained was transferred to DISH Network , and on September 10, 2019, this lease was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing certain space from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. Other Agreements – DISH Network Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations. We provide certain administrative, call center, installation, marketing and other services to DISH Network’s broadband, wireless and other operations. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the costs associated with these services were 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. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, among other things, EchoStar transferred to DISH Network certain assets and liabilities of its EchoStar Satellite Services segment. In connection with the Share Exchange and the Master Transaction Agreement, DISH Network and EchoStar and certain of their respective subsidiaries entered into certain agreements covering, among other things, tax matters, employee matters, intellectual property matters and the provision of transitional services. In addition, certain agreements that we had with EchoStar have terminated, and we entered into certain new agreements with EchoStar. We also may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future. The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with EchoStar that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations. “Trade accounts receivable” As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, trade accounts receivable from EchoStar was $1 million and $1 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts receivable” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. “Trade accounts payable” As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, trade accounts payable to EchoStar was $1 million and $3 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded in “Trade accounts payable” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. “Equipment sales and other revenue” During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we received $4 million, $6 million and $8 million, respectively, for services provided to EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “Equipment sales and other revenue” on our 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 12 one-year periods. In connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, DISH Network and EchoStar amended this lease to provide EchoStar with certain space for a period ending in September 2021, with the option for EchoStar to renew for a one-year period upon 180 days ’ written notice prior to the end of the term. ● Gilbert Lease Agreement . In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, EchoStar leased certain space from us at 801 N. DISH Dr., Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending in March 2019. EchoStar exercised its option to renew this lease for a one-year period ending in February 2020. This lease was terminated effective September 10, 2019. ● 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. This lease was terminated effective March 2019. Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements . In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we provide certain collocation and antenna space to HNS through February 2022 at the following locations: Cheyenne, Wyoming; Gilbert, Arizona; New Braunfels, Texas; Monee, Illinois; Englewood, Colorado; and Spokane, Washington. During August 2017, we entered into certain other agreements pursuant to which we provide certain collocation and antenna space to HNS through August 2022 at the following locations: Monee, Illinois and Spokane, Washington. HNS has the option to renew each of these agreements for four three-year periods. HNS may terminate certain of these agreements with 180 days ’ prior written notice to us at the following locations: New Braunfels, Texas; Englewood, Colorado; and Spokane, Washington. In September 2019, in connection with the Master Transaction Agreement, we entered into an agreement pursuant to which we provide HNS with certain additional collocation space in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a period ending in September 2020, with the option for HNS to renew for a one-year period, with prior written notice no more than 120 days but no less than 90 days prior to the end of the term. In October 2019, HNS provided a termination notice for its New Braunfels, Texas agreement to be effective May 2020. The fees for the services provided under these agreements depend, among other things, on the number of racks leased and/or antennas present at the location. “Cost of services” During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $2 million, $198 million and $309 million, respectively, of costs for services provided to us by EchoStar. Historically, EchoStar was the supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into the Master Transaction Agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, certain of these satellites were transferred to DISH Network. We are now leasing this satellite capacity from DISH Network. These amounts are recorded in “Cost of services” on our 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. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, these satellites were transferred to DISH Network. ● 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. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, this satellite was transferred to DISH Network. Nimiq 5 Agreement . During 2009, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). During 2009, EchoStar also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with us, pursuant to which we received service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement. Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we made certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continued through the service term, which expired ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, we had the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, the Telesat Transponder Agreement was transferred to DISH Network and we began receiving transponder services on the Nimiq 5 satellite from a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network as of the same date. We have exercised our option to renew for a one-year period through September 2021. QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provided, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite (“SES Transponder Agreement”). During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we received service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location. In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013. During the first quarter 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease five DBS transponders back to EchoStar. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the and QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the SES Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the SES Transponder Agreement will be exercised. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, the SES Transponder Agreement was transferred to DISH Network and 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 leased 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 made 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. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, the assets and employees that provide these services were transferred to DISH Network and now DISH Network provides these services to us. “Selling, general and administrative expenses” During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $13 million, $20 million and $21 million, respectively, for selling, general and administrative expenses for services provided to us by EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our 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 we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each lease is set forth below: ● Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado was for a period ending on December 31, 2019. In December 2020, we and EchoStar amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2021. ● 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. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, on September 10, 2019, this lease was transferred to DISH Network and we now lease it from DISH Network. In December 2020, we and DISH Network amended this lease to, among other things, extend the term thereof for one additional year until December 31, 2021. ● Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031. In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, EchoStar transferred ownership of a portion of this property to 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. Pursuant to the Master Transaction Agreement, discussed above, t he portion of the property EchoStar retained was transferred to DISH Network , and on September 10, 2019, this lease was transferred to DISH Network and we now lease it from DISH Network. ● 100 Inverness Lease Agreement . In connection with the completion of the Share Exchange, effective March 1, 2017, we lease certain space from EchoStar at 100 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado for a period ending in December 2021. This agreement may be terminated by either party upon 180 days ’ prior notice. Professional Services Agreement. 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, 2020 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2021 and renews a

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Specifically, we have reclassified certain items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The reclassifications include: (a) “Subscriber-related revenue” has been retitled “Service revenue.” (b) “Subscriber-related expenses” has been retitled “Cost of services.” (c) “Satellite and transmission expenses” has been reclassified to “Cost of services.” (d) A new caption entitled “Selling, general and administrative expenses” has been created that includes historical “General and administrative expenses,” as well as “Subscriber acquisition costs.” All prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation for these changes.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for credit losses, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of options granted under DISH Network’s stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, , finance leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate and recognize impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, independent third-party retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives. Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 may consist of money market funds, government bonds, corporate notes and commercial paper. The cost of these investments approximates their fair value.
Marketable Investment Securities	Marketable Investment Securities All equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. Historically, we reported 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) during the first quarter of 2020, we report the temporary unrealized gains and losses related to changes in market conditions of marketable debt securities as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the fair value of marketable debt securities, which are determined to be company specific credit losses are recorded in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We evaluate our debt investment portfolio to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are related to credit loss. Management estimates credit losses on marketable debt securities utilizing a credit loss impairment model on a quarterly basis. We estimate the expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of marketable debt securities considering relevant issuer specific factors, including, but not limited to, a decrease in credit ratings or an entities ability to pay.
Trade Accounts Receivable	Trade Accounts Receivable Prior to January 1, 2020, management estimated the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts for potential non-collectability of accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. Subsequent to January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, trade accounts receivable are recorded at cost less an allowance for expected credit losses that are not expected to be recovered. We maintain allowances for credit losses resulting from the expected failure or inability of our customers to make required payments. We recognize the allowance for expected credit losses at inception and reassess quarterly based on management’s expectation of the asset’s collectability. Management estimates credit losses on financial assets, including our trade accounts receivable, utilizing a current expected credit loss impairment model. We estimate the expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of an asset considering relevant historical loss information, credit quality of the customer base, current economic conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. In determining the allowance for credit losses, management groups similar types of financial assets with consistent risk characteristics. Pools identified by management include but are not limited to residential customers, commercial customers and advertising services. The risk characteristics of the financial asset portfolios are monitored by management and reviewed periodically. The forecasts for future economic conditions are based on several factors including, but not limited to, changes in the unemployment rate, external economic forecasts and current collection rates. Our estimates of the allowance for credit losses may not be indicative of our actual credit losses requiring additional charges to be incurred to reflect the actual amount collected.
Inventory	Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The cost of manufactured inventory includes the cost of materials, labor, freight-in, royalties and manufacturing overhead.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and impairment losses, if any. Our set-top boxes are generally capitalized when they are installed in customers’ homes. If a satellite were to fail while in-orbit, the resultant loss would be charged to expense in the period such loss was incurred. The amount of any such loss would be reduced to the extent of insurance proceeds estimated to be received, if any. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from two to 40 years . Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and improvements that add value or extend the asset’s useful life are capitalized. Costs related to the procurement and development of software for internal-use are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review our long-lived assets and identifiable finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets which are held and used in operations, the asset would be impaired if the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeded its undiscounted future net cash flows. Once an impairment is determined, the actual impairment recognized is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value as estimated using one of the following approaches: income, cost and/or market. Assets which are to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such asset or asset group is less than its carrying amount. In that event, a loss is recorded in “Impairment of long-lived assets” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset or asset group. Fair value, using the income approach, is determined primarily using a discounted cash flow model that uses the estimated cash flows associated with the asset or asset group under review, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Fair value, utilizing the cost approach, is determined based on the replacement cost of the asset reduced for, among other things, depreciation and obsolescence. Fair value, utilizing the market approach, benchmarks the fair value against the carrying amount. See Note 6 for further information. DBS Satellites . We currently evaluate our DBS satellite fleet for impairment as one asset group whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. We do not believe any triggering event has occurred which would indicate impairment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill We do not amortize indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill but test these assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more often if indicators of impairment arise. We have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. However, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and tested for impairment as described above for long-lived assets. Our intangible assets with indefinite lives primarily consist of FCC licenses. Generally, we have determined that our FCC licenses have indefinite useful lives due to the following: ● FCC licenses are a non-depleting asset; ● existing FCC licenses are integral to our business segments and will contribute to cash flows indefinitely; ● replacement DBS satellite applications are generally authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative and legal environment; ● maintenance expenditures to obtain future cash flows are not significant; ● FCC licenses are not technologically dependent; and ● we intend to use these assets indefinitely. DBS Licenses. We combine all of our indefinite-lived DBS licenses that we currently utilize or plan to utilize in the future into a single unit of accounting. For 2020, 2019 and 2018, management performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the DBS licenses exceeds its carrying amount. In our assessment, we considered several factors, including, among others, overall financial performance, industry and market considerations, and relevant company specific events. In contemplating all factors in their totality, we concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the DBS licenses exceeds its carrying amount. As such, no further analysis was required. Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. In conducting our annual impairment test for 2020 and 2019, we performed a qualitative assessment, which considered several factors, including, among others, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, and relevant company specific events and perception of the market. In contemplating all factors in their totality, we determined that the fair value was in excess of the carrying amount.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations When we acquire a business, we allocate the purchase price to the various components of the acquisition based upon the fair value of each component using various valuation techniques, including the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach. The accounting standard for business combinations requires identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and goodwill acquired to be recorded at acquisition-date fair values. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of the business are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with the issuance of debt associated with a business combination are capitalized and included as a yield adjustment to the underlying debt’s stated rate. Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless the lives are determined to be indefinite. Amortization of these intangible assets in general are recognized on a straight-line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately five to 20 years or in relation to the estimated discounted cash flows over the life of the intangible asset.
Long-Term Deferred Revenue and Other Long-Term Liabilities	Long-Term Deferred Revenue and Other Long-Term Liabilities Certain programmers provide us up-front payments. Such amounts are deferred and recognized as reductions to “Cost of services” on a straight-line basis over the relevant remaining contract term (generally up to ten years ). The current and long-term portions of these deferred credits are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Deferred revenue and other” and “Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities,” respectively.
Sales Taxes	Sales Taxes We account for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services on a net basis on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We establish a provision for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we believe it is more likely than not that such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. From time to time, we engage in transactions where the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. We record a liability when, in management’s judgment, a tax filing position does not meet the more likely than not threshold. For tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold, we may record a liability depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. We adjust our estimates periodically for ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our uncertain tax positions as a component of “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” and “Other, net,” respectively, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for credit losses or 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.
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs	Deferred Debt Issuance Costs Costs of issuing debt are generally deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the terms of the respective notes. See Note 8 for further information.
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 in-home service operations; warranty services; sales of digital receivers and related equipment to third-party pay-TV providers; satellite uplink and telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) services; and revenue from in-home services. See Note 14 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 in-home services 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 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 15 for further information, including balance and activity detail about our allowance for credit losses 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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $162 million, $207 million and $183 million, respectively, under these programs. The amortization expense related to these programs was $123 million, $76 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had a total of $339 million and $300 million, respectively, capitalized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts are capitalized in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and then amortized in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Leases	Leases We enter into operating and finance leases for, among other things, satellites, office space, warehouses and distribution centers, vehicles, and other equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms from one to 11 years , some of which include renewal options , and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year . 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 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 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 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 currently lease and historically have leased certain assets from EchoStar, including, among other things, satellites, office space and data centers. See Note 17 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into a Master Transaction Agreement with EchoStar and effective September 10, 2019, certain satellites and real estate assets leased from EchoStar were transferred to DISH Network. See Note 20 “ Related Party Transactions” December 31 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. DISH TV subscribers have the choice of leasing or purchasing the satellite receiver and other equipment necessary to receive our DISH TV services. Most of our new DISH TV subscribers choose to lease equipment and thus we retain title to such equipment. Equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers is capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. 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. The revenue related to equipment leased to new and existing DISH TV subscribers would have otherwise been accounted for as an operating lease. 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Cost of Services	Cost of Services “Cost of services” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) principally include Pay-TV programming expenses and other operating costs related to our Pay-TV services. The cost of television programming distribution rights is generally incurred on a per subscriber basis and various upfront carriage payments are recognized when the related programming is distributed to subscribers. Long-term flat rate programming contracts are generally charged to expense using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement. The cost of television programming rights to distribute live sporting events for a season or tournament is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament.
Cost of Sales - Equipment and Other	Cost of Sales – Equipment and Other “Cost of sales – equipment and other” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) principally includes the cost of non-subsidized sales of Pay-TV equipment. Costs are generally recognized as products are delivered to customers and the related revenue is recognized.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs We recognize advertising expense when incurred as selling, general and administrative expense. Advertising expenses totaled
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Research and development costs totaled $24 million, $21 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Supplemental Data - Statement_2

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Schedule of supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Cash paid for interest $ 632,506 $ 765,510 $ 793,506 Cash received for interest 3,548 30,041 6,043 Cash paid for income taxes 22,968 19,485 18,683 Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network 473,793 245,028 302,329 Capitalized interest — 440 1,071

Marketable Investment Securit_2

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Marketable investment securities: Current marketable investment securities $ 132,593 $ — Restricted marketable investment securities (1) — 390 Total marketable investment securities 132,593 390 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) 58,323 60,677 Other investment securities: Other investment securities 97,306 106,874 Total other investment securities 97,306 106,874 Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities $ 288,222 $ 167,941 (1) Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Schedule of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis	As of December 31, 2020 2019 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Cash equivalents (including restricted) $ 1,278,971 $ 172,025 $ 1,106,946 $ — $ 60,677 $ 60,677 $ — $ — Debt securities (including restricted): U.S. Treasury and agency securities $ 22,476 $ 22,476 $ — $ — $ 390 $ 390 $ — $ — Commercial paper 101,959 — 101,959 — — — — — Corporate securities 8,068 — 8,068 — — — — — Other 90 — 90 — — — — — Total $ 132,593 $ 22,476 $ 110,117 $ — $ 390 $ 390 $ — $ —
Gains and Losses on Sales and Changes in Carrying Amounts of Investments	For the Years Ended December 31, Other, net: 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses) $ — $ 3,119 $ 5,313 Costs related to early redemption of debt — — (3,261) Gain (loss) on sale of subsidiary — — 7,004 Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates 653 3,514 (2,110) Other 1,033 976 2,048 Total $ 1,686 $ 7,609 $ 8,994

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Inventory (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory
Schedule of inventory	As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Finished goods $ 226,866 $ 254,240 Work-in-process and service repairs 25,206 34,120 Raw materials 10,225 33,623 Total inventory $ 262,297 $ 321,983

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Property and Equipment
Schedule of property and equipment	Depreciable As of Life December 31, December 31, (In Years) 2020 2019 (In thousands) Equipment leased to customers 2 - 5 $ 1,719,778 $ 1,837,503 EchoStar XV 15 277,658 277,658 EchoStar XVIII 15 411,255 411,255 Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements 15 398,107 398,107 Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other 2 - 20 1,969,107 1,894,629 Buildings and improvements 5 - 40 301,037 289,421 Land - 13,186 13,186 Construction in progress - 51,800 70,081 Total property and equipment 5,141,928 5,191,840 Accumulated depreciation (3,577,224) (3,440,267) Property and equipment, net $ 1,564,704 $ 1,751,573
Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Equipment leased to customers $ 290,006 $ 370,867 $ 437,342 Satellites 95,187 65,441 61,045 Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other 119,445 141,040 162,073 Total depreciation and amortization $ 504,638 $ 577,348 $ 660,460
Schedule of pay-TV satellite fleet	Degree Launch Orbital Lease Satellites Date Location Termination Date Owned: EchoStar XV July 2010 61.5 N/A EchoStar XVIII June 2016 61.5 N/A Leased from EchoStar (1): EchoStar IX August 2003 121 Month to month Leased from DISH Network (2)(3): EchoStar X February 2006 110 February 2022 EchoStar XI July 2008 110 September 2021 EchoStar XIV March 2010 119 February 2023 EchoStar XVI November 2012 61.5 January 2023 Nimiq 5 (4) September 2009 72.7 September 2021 QuetzSat-1 September 2011 77 November 2021 Leased from Other Third Party: Anik F3 April 2007 118.7 April 2022 Ciel II December 2008 129 January 2022 (1) See Note 17 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar. (2) See Note 17 for further information on our Related Party Transactions with DISH Network. (3) On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into the Master Transaction Agreement with EchoStar. Upon the closing of the Master Transaction Agreement on September 10, 2019, these satellites and satellite service agreements leased from EchoStar were transferred to DISH Network. See Note 20 “ Related Party Transactions” in the Notes to DISH Network’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31 , 2020 for further information on the Master Transaction Agreement. (4) The Nimiq 5 satellite, for which we have the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through September 2024 (when DISH Network’s lease term expires) was previously classified as an operating lease. As a result of the Master Transaction Agreement and expiration of the initial lease term in 2019, we now include our options to renew the lease through September 2024 in the lease term as we are reasonably certain to exercise those options. Accordingly, Nimiq 5 is accounted for as a finance lease.
Schedule of identifiable intangibles subject to amortization	As of December 31, 2020 2019 Intangible Accumulated Intangible Accumulated Assets Amortization Assets Amortization (In thousands) Technology-based $ 58,162 $ (53,991) $ 58,162 $ (53,447) Trademarks 35,010 (33,396) 35,010 (30,655) Contract-based 4,500 (4,500) 4,500 (4,500) Customer relationships 23,632 (23,632) 23,632 (23,632) Total $ 121,304 $ (115,519) $ 121,304 $ (112,234)
Schedule of estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets	For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 $ 835 2022 666 2023 654 2024 654 2025 654 Thereafter 2,322 Total $ 5,785
Schedule of FCC Authorizations	As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) DBS Licenses $ 611,794 $ 611,794 Total $ 611,794 $ 611,794

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Summary of the components of lease expense	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ 246,523 $ 297,181 Short-term lease cost (1) 11,409 37,686 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 49,496 29,134 Interest on lease liabilities 17,595 9,826 Total finance lease cost 67,091 38,960 Total lease costs $ 325,023 $ 373,827 (1) Leases that have terms of 12 months or less.
Summary of Supplemental cash flow information related to leases	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 247,413 $ 301,524 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 17,595 $ 9,826 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 49,231 $ 31,841 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 37,899 $ 81,198 Finance leases $ — $ 175,311 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 December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Operating Leases: Operating lease assets $ 380,968 $ 553,576 Other current liabilities $ 186,967 $ 202,972 Operating lease liabilities 192,624 350,155 Total operating lease liabilities $ 379,591 $ 553,127 Finance Leases: Property and equipment, gross $ 398,875 $ 399,764 Accumulated depreciation (251,073) (201,873) Property and equipment, net $ 147,802 $ 197,891 Other current liabilities $ 49,820 $ 48,678 Other long-term liabilities 110,789 163,939 Total finance lease liabilities $ 160,609 $ 212,617 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: Operating leases 2.9 years 3.4 years Finance leases 3.3 years 4.2 years Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases 8.7% 9.1% Finance leases 9.6% 9.5%
Summary of maturities of operating lease liabilities	Maturities of Lease Liabilities Operating Finance For the Years Ending December 31, Leases Leases Total (In thousands) 2021 $ 208,759 $ 62,613 $ 271,372 2022 136,132 50,227 186,359 2023 30,165 42,862 73,027 2024 12,397 32,147 44,544 2025 8,081 — 8,081 Thereafter 35,474 — 35,474 Total lease payments 431,008 187,849 618,857 Less: Imputed interest (51,417) (27,240) (78,657) Total 379,591 160,609 540,200 Less: Current portion (186,967) (49,820) (236,787) Long-term portion of lease obligations $ 192,624 $ 110,789 $ 303,413

Long-Term Debt and Finance Le_2

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations
Schedule of carrying and fair values of the entity's debt facilities	As of December 31, 2020 2019 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (In thousands) 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (1) $ — $ — $ 1,100,000 $ 1,110,208 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 (2) 2,000,000 2,047,260 2,000,000 2,109,420 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 2,000,000 2,095,820 2,000,000 2,129,580 5 % Senior Notes due 2023 1,500,000 1,566,300 1,500,000 1,543,770 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 2,000,000 2,099,580 2,000,000 2,049,080 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 2,000,000 2,236,520 2,000,000 2,128,900 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028 1,000,000 1,070,130 — — Other notes payable 23,565 23,565 25,996 25,996 Subtotal 10,523,565 $ 11,139,175 10,625,996 $ 11,096,954 Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net (12,684) (16,250) Finance lease obligations (3) 160,609 212,617 Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion) $ 10,671,490 $ 10,822,363 (1) On May 1, 2020, we redeemed the principal balance of our 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020. (2) Our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 mature on June 1, 2021 and have been reclassified to “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020. We will either fund this obligation from cash and marketable investment securities balances at that time and/or advances from our parent, DISH Network or, depending on market conditions, we may refinance this obligation, in whole or in part. (3) Disclosure regarding fair value of finance leases is not required.
Schedule of interest on long-term debt	Annual Semi-Annual Debt Service Payment Dates Requirements (In thousands) 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 (1) June 1 and December 1 $ 135,000 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 January 15 and July 15 $ 117,500 5% Senior Notes due 2023 March 15 and September 15 $ 75,000 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 May 15 and November 15 $ 117,500 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026 January 1 and July 1 $ 155,000 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028 January 1 and July 1 $ 73,750 (1) Our 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 mature on June 1, 2021 and have been reclassified to “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020.
Schedule of other long term debt and capital lease obligations	As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Satellites and other finance lease obligations $ 160,609 $ 212,617 Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2031 with interest rates ranging from approximately 4.0% to 6.0% 23,565 25,996 Total 184,174 238,613 Less: current portion (52,374) (51,108) Other long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion $ 131,800 $ 187,505

Income Taxes and Accounting f_2

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
Schedule of components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Current (benefit) provision: Federal $ 394,824 $ 208,821 $ 273,632 State 88,449 48,417 64,534 Foreign 3,971 6,203 4,616 Total current (benefit) provision 487,244 263,441 342,782 Deferred (benefit) provision: Federal 14,327 11,243 (25,934) State (2,161) (1,987) (123) Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance 948 2,054 1,580 Total deferred (benefit) provision 13,114 11,310 (24,477) Total (benefit) provision $ 500,358 $ 274,751 $ 318,305
Schedule of reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 % of pre-tax income/(loss) Statutory rate 21.0 21.0 21.0 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.6 3.6 4.4 Other, net (0.6) 0.3 (0.8) Total (benefit) provision for income taxes 24.0 24.9 24.6
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: NOL, interest, credit and other carryforwards $ 10,641 $ 12,323 Accrued and prepaid expenses 4,911 96,974 Stock-based compensation 15,924 19,719 Deferred revenue 27,612 17,238 Total deferred tax assets 59,088 146,254 Valuation allowance (10,469) (9,521) Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance 48,619 136,733 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation (386,379) (458,811) FCC authorizations and other intangible amortization (173,539) (174,399) Bases difference in partnerships and other investments (3,629) (5,380) Total deferred tax liabilities (563,547) (638,590) Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (514,928) $ (501,857)
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities	For the Years Ended December 31, Unrecognized tax benefit 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance as of beginning of period $ 208,152 $ 194,136 $ 201,162 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 233 3,232 10,550 Additions based on tax positions related to prior years 1,800 28,137 1,154 Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years (20,337) (13,028) (4,479) Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities (831) (2,362) (8,328) Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations (876) (1,963) (5,923) Balance as of end of period $ 188,141 $ 208,152 $ 194,136

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Employee Benefit Plans
Schedule of expense recognized related to the 401(k) Plan	For the Years Ended December 31, Expense Recognized Related to the 401(k) Plan 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Matching contributions, net of forfeitures $ 11,549 $ 11,181 $ 10,300 Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures $ 29,784 $ 28,774 $ 27,048

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Stock-Based Compensation
Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable associated with employees	Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- Weighted- $ 10.01 - $ 20.00 221,500 8.20 $ 18.70 8,336 7.75 $ 18.70 $ 20.01 - $ 30.00 300,675 6.22 $ 25.67 148,681 4.53 $ 24.65 $ 30.01 - $ 40.00 6,125,897 7.16 $ 35.63 2,388,162 7.24 $ 35.52 $ 40.01 - $ 50.00 1,119,265 6.50 $ 47.46 519,500 6.22 $ 47.27 $ 50.01 - $ 60.00 1,609,378 5.52 $ 57.48 394,252 4.71 $ 56.78 $ 60.01 - $ 70.00 806,900 5.44 $ 64.35 301,500 5.14 $ 65.40 $ — - $ 70.00 10,183,615 6.69 $ 41.99 3,760,431 6.56 $ 41.30
Schedule of stock option activity associated with employees	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Total options outstanding, beginning of period 12,792,812 $ 41.52 13,365,489 $ 41.78 8,847,734 $ 43.90 Granted 1,112,500 $ 31.21 1,396,750 $ 33.52 7,026,512 $ 38.44 Exercised (109,195) $ 28.53 (713,411) $ 27.46 (267,905) $ 16.43 Forfeited, cancelled and transferred (1) (3,612,502) $ 37.41 (1,256,016) $ 43.40 (2,240,852) $ 39.73 Total options outstanding, end of period 10,183,615 $ 41.99 12,792,812 $ 41.52 13,365,489 $ 41.78 Performance-based options outstanding, 4,096,749 $ 44.44 7,608,446 $ 39.78 8,671,886 $ 39.95 Exercisable at end of period 3,760,431 $ 41.30 2,332,489 $ 44.93 1,705,103 $ 40.87 (1) Certain of these stock options include options that were granted to individuals who transferred to and/or from another DISH Network subsidiary not a part of DISH DBS. (2) These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2013 LTIP, 2017 LTIP, 2019 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below.
Schedule of realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Tax benefit from stock awards exercised $ 3,361 $ 1,239 $ 1,664
Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options associated with employees	As of December 31, 2020 Options Options Outstanding Exercisable (In thousands) Aggregate intrinsic value $ 5,043 $ 1,272
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Restricted Stock Units/Awards Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted Stock Units/Awards Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Total restricted stock units/awards outstanding, beginning of period 1,463,650 $ 50.82 1,718,945 $ 52.16 2,484,720 $ 51.16 Granted 1,470,505 $ 32.92 — $ — — $ — Vested (697,660) $ 63.81 (9,565) $ 63.49 (10,475) $ 63.49 Forfeited, cancelled and transferred (1) (686,250) $ 35.14 (245,730) $ 59.86 (755,300) $ 48.51 Total restricted stock units/awards outstanding, end of period 1,550,245 $ 34.70 1,463,650 $ 50.82 1,718,945 $ 52.16 Restricted Performance Units/Awards outstanding, end of period (2) 1,543,750 $ 34.58 1,446,300 $ 50.66 1,689,350 $ 51.97 (1) Certain of these restricted stock units/awards include restricted stock units/awards that were granted to individuals who transferred to and/or from another DISH Network subsidiary not a part of DISH DBS. (2) These stock units/awards are included in the caption “Total restricted stock units/awards outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2013 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below.
Schedule of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized	For the Years Ended December 31, Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (1) 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) 2019 LTIP $ 12,526 $ 14,946 $ 3,475 2017 LTIP — (12,902) 3,293 2013 LTIP (741) (1,021) (2,471) Other employee performance awards 4,370 (592) 17,888 Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance-based awards $ 16,155 $ 431 $ 22,185 (1) “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized” includes forfeitures.
Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense	Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense 2019 LTIP 2017 LTIP 2013 LTIP Other Employee Performance Awards (In thousands) Expense estimated to be recognized during 2021 $ 3,150 $ — $ — $ 14,613 Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2021 5,861 — 22,488 18,129 Total estimated remaining expense over the term of the plan $ 9,011 $ — $ 22,488 $ 32,742
Schedule of awards outstanding pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans	As of December 31, 2020 Performance-Based Stock Options Number of Weighted- 2019 LTIP 1,761,241 $ 34.71 2017 LTIP 1,659,508 $ 56.39 2013 LTIP 676,000 $ 40.43 Total 4,096,749 $ 44.44 Restricted Performance Units/Awards 2013 LTIP 338,000 Other employee performance awards 1,205,750 Total 1,543,750
Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Cost of services $ 7,194 $ 838 $ 1,412 Selling, general and administrative 23,477 13,015 34,109 Total non-cash, stock based compensation $ 30,671 $ 13,853 $ 35,521
Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model	For the Years Ended December 31, Stock Options 2020 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 0.17 % - 1.72 % 1.51 % - 2.53 % 2.09 % - 2.98 % Volatility factor 28.91 % - 48.08 % 28.86 % - 32.08 % 23.33 % - 30.22 % Expected term of options in years 3.3 - 5.5 4.3 - 5.5 2.8 - 5.5 Fair value of options granted $ 5.50 - $ 12.10 $ 7.58 - $ 12.45 $ 7.10 - $ 12.53

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies
Schedule of future maturities of long-term debt, capital lease and contractual obligations	Payments due by period Total 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Long-term debt obligations $ 10,523,565 $ 2,002,553 $ 2,002,683 $ 1,502,820 $ 2,002,964 $ 3,115 $ 3,009,430 Interest expense on long-term debt 2,485,488 607,349 539,719 384,582 346,938 229,287 377,613 Finance lease obligations (1) 160,609 49,820 41,666 38,018 31,105 — — Interest expense on finance lease obligations (1) 27,240 12,793 8,561 4,844 1,042 — — Other long-term obligations (2) 483,502 352,180 59,562 38,947 28,813 4,000 — Operating lease obligations (1) 431,008 208,759 136,132 30,165 12,397 8,081 35,474 Purchase obligations 1,223,733 1,188,070 26,947 8,716 — — — Total $ 15,335,145 $ 4,421,524 $ 2,815,270 $ 2,008,092 $ 2,423,259 $ 244,483 $ 3,422,517 (1) See Note 7 for further information on leases and the adoption of ASC 842. (2) Represents obligations for satellite related executory costs, telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) services, short-term leases and expenses associated with DISH Network’s Wireless segment.

Disaggregation of Revenue (Tabl

Disaggregation of Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Disaggregation of Revenue (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue by geographic region	For the Years Ended December 31, Revenue: 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) United States $ 12,692,940 $ 12,581,855 $ 13,319,091 Canada and Mexico 34,689 41,038 43,048 Total revenue $ 12,727,629 $ 12,622,893 $ 13,362,139
Schedule of disaggregation of revenue	For the Years Ended December 31, Category: 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Pay-TV video and related revenue $ 12,576,470 $ 12,436,637 $ 13,197,994 Equipment sales and other revenue 151,159 186,256 164,145 Total $ 12,727,629 $ 12,622,893 $ 13,362,139

Contract Balances (Tables)

Contract Balances (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Contract Balances (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract Balances
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Allowance for credit losses Balance at Beginning of Period Current Period Provision for Expected Credit Losses Write-offs Charged Against Allowance Balance at End of Period (In thousands) For the years ended: December 31, 2020 $ 19,280 $ 76,441 $ (52,488) $ 43,233 December 31, 2019 $ 16,956 $ 69,866 $ (67,542) $ 19,280 December 31, 2018 $ 15,056 $ 98,461 $ (96,561) $ 16,956
Schedule of Contract balances	Contract Liabilities (In thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 609,054 Recognition of unearned revenue (5,852,961) Deferral of revenue 5,837,704 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 593,797

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Schedule of quarterly results of operations	For the Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 2020: Total revenue $ 3,167,782 $ 3,148,531 $ 3,151,029 $ 3,260,287 Operating income (loss) 507,202 663,897 768,656 822,177 Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS 244,153 374,980 449,873 515,296 Year ended December 31, 2019: Total revenue $ 3,138,000 $ 3,166,599 $ 3,122,282 $ 3,196,012 Operating income (loss) 430,735 435,966 438,498 515,999 Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS 177,760 185,368 204,858 259,545

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of related party transaction	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Purchases (including fees): Purchases from NagraStar $ 53,902 $ 56,284 $ 72,162 As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Amounts Payable and Commitments: Amounts payable to NagraStar $ 9,038 $ 9,630 Commitments to NagraStar $ 3,260 $ 4,893
Dish Mexico
Schedule of related party transaction	For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Sales: Digital receivers and related components $ — $ — $ 1,227 Uplink services 5,095 5,620 5,426 Total $ 5,095 $ 5,620 $ 6,653 As of December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Amounts Receivable: Amounts receivable from Dish Mexico $ 3,343 $ 1,191

Organization and Business Act_2

Organization and Business Activities (Details) customer in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020customer
Pay TV Subscribers
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	11,290
DISH TV subscribers
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	8,816
Sling TV subscribers
Organization and Business Activities
Number of subscribers	2,474

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Contract cost capitalized during the period	$ 162	$ 207	$ 183
Amortization expense related to the programs	123	76	$ 28
Total costs capitalized	$ 339	$ 300
Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred	1 year

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Leases (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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	11 years
Remaining lease terms, finance lease	12 years
Termination period, operating lease	1 year
Termination period, finance lease	1 year

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation and Research and Development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant accounting policies
Maturity period of cash equivalents	90 days
Advertising Costs
Advertising expenses	$ 432	$ 520	$ 426
Research and Development
Research and development costs	$ 24	$ 21	$ 24
Minimum
Property and Equipment
Useful life of property and equipment	2 years
Business Combinations
Amortization of finite lived intangible assets useful life	5 years
Maximum
Property and Equipment
Useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Business Combinations
Amortization of finite lived intangible assets useful life	20 years
Long-Term Deferred Revenue, Distribution and Carriage Payments
Deferred upfront payment, amortization period	10 years

Supplemental Data - Statement_3

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 632,506	$ 765,510	$ 793,506
Cash received for interest	3,548	30,041	6,043
Cash paid for income taxes	22,968	19,485	18,683
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	$ 473,793	245,028	302,329
Capitalized interest		440	$ 1,071
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Satellite and Spectrum Transaction, deferred taxes		$ 29,075

Marketable Investment Securit_3

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2017
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Current marketable investment securities	$ 132,593
Restricted marketable investment securities		$ 390
Total marketable investment securities	132,593	390
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	58,323	60,677
Other investment securities	97,306	106,874
Total other investment securities	97,306	106,874
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$ 288,222	$ 167,941
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%
NagraStar L.L.C
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities:
Ownership interest in equity method investment	50.00%

Marketable Investment Securit_4

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities - Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Marketable Investment Securities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Maximum
Contractual maturities of restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities
Debt securities with contractual maturities within one year	$ 133

Marketable Investment Securit_5

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair value of marketable securities
Total marketable investment securities	$ 132,593	$ 390
Fair value measurements on recurring basis
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	1,278,971	60,677
Total marketable investment securities	132,593	390
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	22,476	390
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	101,959
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	8,068
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	90
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	172,025	60,677
Total marketable investment securities	22,476	390
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1 \| U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	22,476	$ 390
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	1,106,946
Total marketable investment securities	110,117
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	101,959
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	8,068
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 90

Marketable Investment Securit_6

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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities
Marketable investment securities - realized and unrealized gains (losses)		$ 3,119	$ 5,313
Costs related to early redemption of debt			(3,261)
Gain (loss) on sale of subsidiary			7,004
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	$ 653	3,514	(2,110)
Other	1,033	976	2,048
Total	$ 1,686	$ 7,609	$ 8,994

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory
Finished goods	$ 226,866	$ 254,240
Work-in-process and service repairs	25,206	34,120
Raw materials	10,225	33,623
Total inventory	$ 262,297	$ 321,983

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 5,141,928	$ 5,191,840
Accumulated depreciation	(3,577,224)	(3,440,267)
Property and equipment, net	$ 1,564,704	1,751,573
Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	2 years
Maximum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	40 years
Equipment leased to customers
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 1,719,778	1,837,503
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
EchoStar XVIII
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 411,255	411,255
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
Satellites acquired under finance lease agreements
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 398,107	398,107
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 1,969,107	1,894,629
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	20 years
Buildings and improvements
Property and Equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 301,037	289,421
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	5 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	$ 51,800	$ 70,081

Property and Equipment - Narrat

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense \| $	$ 504,638	$ 577,348	$ 660,460
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense \| $	290,006	370,867	437,342
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense \| $	95,187	65,441	61,045
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense \| $	$ 119,445	$ 141,040	$ 162,073
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	11
Owned Satellites	2
Number of satellites leased from third parties	2
EchoStar \| Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1
Dish Network \| Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	6

Property and Equipment - Pay TV

Property and Equipment - Pay TV Satellites (Details) $ in Millions	May 14, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020item
Property and Equipment
Satellite transaction cost basis	$ 320
Net carrying value of licenses	26
Capital transaction	$ 267
Number of other satellites to be relocated in the event of failure or loss of any satellite \| item		1

Property and Equipment and Inta

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	$ 121,304	$ 121,304
Accumulated Amortization	(115,519)	(112,234)
Amortization expenses	$ 3,000	6,000	$ 7,000
Minimum
Intangible Assets
Useful life	5 years
Maximum
Intangible Assets
Useful life	20 years
Technology-based
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	$ 58,162	58,162
Accumulated Amortization	(53,991)	(53,447)
Trademarks
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	35,010	35,010
Accumulated Amortization	(33,396)	(30,655)
Contract-based
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	4,500	4,500
Accumulated Amortization	(4,500)	(4,500)
Customer relationships
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	23,632	23,632
Accumulated Amortization	$ (23,632)	$ (23,632)

Property and Equipment and In_2

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets - Estimated future amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets
2021	$ 835
2022	666
2023	654
2024	654
2025	654
Thereafter	2,322
Total	5,785
Other noncurrent assets, net
Estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets
Goodwill	$ 6,000	$ 6,000

Property and Equipment and In_3

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets - FCC Authorizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020
Capitalized interest	$ 440	$ 1,071
FCC authorizations	611,794		$ 611,794
FCC Authorizations
FCC authorizations	611,794		611,794
DBS Licenses \| FCC Authorizations
FCC authorizations	$ 611,794		$ 611,794

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Short term lease period	12 months
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	11 years
Remaining lease terms, finance lease	12 years
Termination period, operating lease	1 year
Termination period, finance lease	1 year

Leases - Components of lease ex

Leases - Components of lease expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases
Operating lease cost	$ 246,523	$ 297,181
Short-term lease cost	11,409	37,686
Amortization of right-of-use assets	49,496	29,134
Interest on lease liabilities	17,595	9,826
Total finance lease cost	67,091	38,960
Total lease costs	$ 325,023	$ 373,827

Leases - Supplemental cash flow

Leases - Supplemental cash flow information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 247,413	$ 301,524
Operating cash flows from finance leases	17,595	9,826
Financing cash flows from finance leases	49,231	31,841
Operating leases	$ 37,899	81,198
Finance leases		175,311
Right-of-use assets and liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019 upon adoption of ASC 842		$ 730,180

Leases - Supplemental balance s

Leases - Supplemental balance sheet information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases
Operating lease assets	$ 380,968	$ 553,576
Other current liabilities	$ 186,967	$ 202,972
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Operating lease liabilities	us-gaap:OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent	us-gaap:OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating lease liabilities	$ 192,624	$ 350,155
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 379,591	$ 553,127
Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap:OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent	us-gaap:OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap:OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent
Property and equipment, gross	$ 5,141,928	$ 5,191,840
Accumulated depreciation	(3,577,224)	(3,440,267)
Property and equipment, net	1,564,704	1,751,573
Other current liabilities	49,820	48,678
Other long-term liabilities	110,789	163,939
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 160,609	$ 212,617
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: Operating leases	2 years 10 months 24 days	3 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term: Finance leases	3 years 3 months 18 days	4 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases	8.70%	9.10%
Weighted Average Discount Rate: Finance leases	9.60%	9.50%
Property and equipment [Member]
Leases
Property and equipment, gross	$ 398,875	$ 399,764
Accumulated depreciation	(251,073)	(201,873)
Property and equipment, net	$ 147,802	$ 197,891

Leases - Maturities of lease li

Leases - Maturities of lease liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Maturities of lease liabilities: Operating lease
2021	$ 208,759
2022	136,132
2023	30,165
2024	12,397
2024	8,081
Thereafter	35,474
Total lease payments	431,008
Less: Imputed interest	(51,417)
Total operating lease liabilities	379,591	$ 553,127
Less: Current portion	(186,967)	(202,972)
Operating lease liabilities	192,624	350,155
Maturities of lease liabilities: Finance lease
2021	62,613
2022	50,227
2023	42,862
2024	32,147
Total lease payments	187,849
Less: Imputed interest	(27,240)
Total finance lease liabilities	160,609	212,617
Less: Current portion	(49,820)	(48,678)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	110,789	$ 163,939
Future minimum payments for total lease liabilities
2021	271,372
2022	186,359
2023	73,027
2024	44,544
2025	8,081
Thereafter	35,474
Total lease payments	618,857
Less: Imputed interest	(78,657)
Total	540,200
Less: Current portion	(236,787)
Long-term portion of lease obligations	$ 303,413

Long-Term Debt and Finance Le_3

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations - Long term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 13, 2016	Nov. 20, 2014	Jul. 26, 2012	May 05, 2011	Dec. 31, 2020	Jul. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 27, 2012	May 16, 2012
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					$ 10,523,565		$ 10,625,996
Fair Value					11,139,175		11,096,954
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net					(12,684)		(16,250)
Finance lease obligations					160,609		212,617
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)					$ 10,671,490		10,822,363
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control					101.00%
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount							1,100,000
Fair Value							$ 1,110,208
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					$ 2,047,260		$ 2,109,420
Interest rate (as a percent)					6.75%		6.75%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount					100.00%
Aggregate principal amount				$ 2,000,000
Term of debt instrument				10 years
Annual Debt Service Requirements					$ 135,000
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					2,000,000		$ 2,000,000
Fair Value					$ 2,095,820		$ 2,129,580
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.875%		5.875%		5.875%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount					100.00%
Aggregate principal amount			$ 1,000,000						$ 1,000,000
Term of debt instrument			10 years
Annual Debt Service Requirements					$ 117,500
5% Senior Notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					1,500,000		$ 1,500,000
Fair Value					$ 1,566,300		$ 1,543,770
Interest rate (as a percent)					5.00%		5.00%	5.00%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount					100.00%
Aggregate principal amount								$ 1,500,000
Annual Debt Service Requirements					$ 75,000
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					2,000,000		$ 2,000,000
Fair Value					$ 2,099,580		$ 2,049,080
Interest rate (as a percent)					5.875%		5.875%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount					100.00%
Aggregate principal amount		$ 2,000,000
Term of debt instrument		10 years
Annual Debt Service Requirements					$ 117,500
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					2,000,000		$ 2,000,000
Fair Value					$ 2,236,520		$ 2,128,900
Interest rate (as a percent)					7.75%		7.75%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 2,000,000
Term of debt instrument	10 years
Annual Debt Service Requirements					$ 155,000
7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					1,000,000
Fair Value					$ 1,070,130
Interest rate (as a percent)					7.375%		7.375%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount					100.00%
Aggregate principal amount						$ 1,000,000
Annual Debt Service Requirements					$ 73,750
7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028 \| Maximum
Long-term debt
Percentage of principal amount redeemed					35.00%
Other notes payable
Long-term debt
Carrying Amount					$ 23,565		$ 25,996
Fair Value					$ 23,565		$ 25,996

Long-Term Debt - Other Long-ter

Long-Term Debt - Other Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total	$ 184,174	$ 238,613
Less current portion	(52,374)	(51,108)
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	131,800	187,505
Satellites and other finance lease obligations
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total	160,609	212,617
Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2025 with interest rates of approximately 6%
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total	$ 23,565	$ 25,996
Minimum \| Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2025 with interest rates of approximately 6%
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Maximum \| Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2025 with interest rates of approximately 6%
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.00%

Long-Term Debt- Capital lease o

Long-Term Debt- Capital lease obligations (Details)	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt- Capital lease obligations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
FSS Satellite Anik F3
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Ku-band capacity leased (as a percent)	100.00%
Term of capital lease	15 years
Nimiq 5
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Percentage of capacity leased	100.00%
Canadian DBS Satellite Ciel II
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Satellite capacity leased (as a percent)	100.00%
Initial term of capital lease	10 years

Income Taxes and Accounting f_3

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
Tax benefits related to credit carryforwards	$ 10,000
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	473,793	$ 245,028	$ 302,329
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,000
Current (benefit) provision:
Federal	394,824	208,821	273,632
State	88,449	48,417	64,534
Foreign	3,971	6,203	4,616
Total current (benefit) provision	487,244	263,441	342,782
Deferred (benefit) provision:
Federal	14,327	11,243	(25,934)
State	(2,161)	(1,987)	(123)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	948	2,054	1,580
Total deferred (benefit) provision	13,114	11,310	(24,477)
Total (benefit) provision	500,358	274,751	318,305
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,084,660	$ 1,102,158	$ 1,291,991
Income (loss) from foreign operations	$ 8,000
Reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes
Statutory rate (as a percent)	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit (as a percent)	3.60%	3.60%	4.40%
Other, net (as a percent)	(0.60%)	0.30%	(0.80%)
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes	24.00%	24.90%	24.60%
Deferred tax assets:
NOL, interest, credit and other carryforwards	$ 10,641	$ 12,323
Accrued and prepaid expenses	4,911	96,974
Stock-based compensation	15,924	19,719
Deferred revenue	27,612	17,238
Total deferred tax assets	59,088	146,254
Valuation allowance	(10,469)	(9,521)
Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance	48,619	136,733
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(386,379)	(458,811)
FCC authorizations and other intangible amortization	(173,539)	(174,399)
Bases difference in partnerships and other investments	(3,629)	(5,380)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(563,547)	(638,590)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	(514,928)	(501,857)
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities
Balance as of beginning of period	208,152	194,136	$ 201,162
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	233	3,232	10,550
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	1,800	28,137	1,154
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	(20,337)	(13,028)	(4,479)
Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities	(831)	(2,362)	(8,328)
Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations	(876)	(1,963)	(5,923)
Balance as of end of period	188,141	208,152	194,136
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could favorably affect our effective tax rate	161,000
Interest and penalty (benefit) expense	2,000	7,000	$ 2,000
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 35,000	$ 33,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Expense recognized related to 401(k) plan
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan	$ 11,549,000	$ 11,181,000	$ 10,300,000
Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan	$ 29,784,000	$ 28,774,000	$ 27,048,000
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan	50.00%
Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan	$ 2,500
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Expense recognized related to 401(k) plan
Minimum number of calendar quarters to be employed for full-time employees to be eligible to participate in the ESPP	3 months
Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP	$ 25,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan \| Class A common stock
Expense recognized related to 401(k) plan
Number of shares authorized to be issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)	6.8
Shares of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans	2.4
Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP	85.00%
Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP	0.8	0.6	0.6

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	10,183,615
Percentage of work time needed for stock based compensation	50.00%
DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Percentage of stock awards vesting per year (as a percent)	20.00%
Class A common stock \| DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Shares of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans	63,600,000
Stock Options \| Maximum
Stock-Based Compensation
Expiration term	10 years
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	10,183,615	12,792,812	13,365,489	8,847,734
Stock Options \| Class A common stock \| DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	10,200,000
Stock Options \| Long-Term Performance Based Plans \| DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	4,096,749	7,608,446	8,671,886
Restricted Stock Units
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	1,600,000
Restricted Stock Units \| DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	1,600,000
Restricted Stock Units \| Held by DISH DBS employees \| DISH Network Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	1,543,750

Stock-Based Compensation - Stoc

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable Associated With Employees (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 70
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	10,183,615
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 8 months 8 days
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.99
Number of stock options exercisable	3,760,431
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 6 months 21 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.30
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	10,183,615	12,792,812	13,365,489	8,847,734
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.99	$ 41.52	$ 41.78	$ 43.90
Number of stock options exercisable	3,760,431	2,332,489	1,705,103
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.30	$ 44.93	$ 40.87
Range Of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $20.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	10.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 20
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	221,500
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.70
Number of stock options exercisable	8,336
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 9 months
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.70
Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $30.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	20.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 30
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	300,675
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 2 months 19 days
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 25.67
Number of stock options exercisable	148,681
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 6 months 10 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.65
Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $40.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	30.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 40
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	6,125,897
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 1 month 28 days
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 35.63
Number of stock options exercisable	2,388,162
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 2 months 26 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 35.52
Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 - $50.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	40.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 50
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	1,119,265
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 6 months
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 47.46
Number of stock options exercisable	519,500
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 2 months 19 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 47.27
Range of Exercise Prices $50.01 - $60.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	50.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 60
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	1,609,378
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 6 months 7 days
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.48
Number of stock options exercisable	394,252
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 8 months 15 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 56.78
Range of Exercise Prices $60.01 - $70.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	60.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 70
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	806,900
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 5 months 8 days
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 64.35
Number of stock options exercisable	301,500
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 1 month 20 days
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 65.40

Stock-Based Compensation - St_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	10,183,615
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	3,760,431
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 41.99
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.30
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	12,792,812	13,365,489	8,847,734
Granted (in shares)	1,112,500	1,396,750	7,026,512
Exercised (in shares)	(109,195)	(713,411)	(267,905)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(3,612,502)	(1,256,016)	(2,240,852)
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	10,183,615	12,792,812	13,365,489
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	3,760,431	2,332,489	1,705,103
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 41.52	$ 41.78	$ 43.90
Granted (in dollars per share)	31.21	33.52	38.44
Exercised (in dollars per share)	28.53	27.46	16.43
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	37.41	43.40	39.73
Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	41.99	41.52	41.78
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.30	$ 44.93	$ 40.87
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards \| Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	7,608,446	8,671,886
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	4,096,749	7,608,446	8,671,886
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 39.78	$ 39.95
Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 44.44	$ 39.78	$ 39.95

Stock-Based Compensation - Tax

Stock-Based Compensation - Tax Benefits From Stock Awards Exercised (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stock Options
Stock-Based Compensation
Tax benefit from stock awards exercised	$ 3,361	$ 1,239	$ 1,664

Stock-Based Compensation - Aggr

Stock-Based Compensation - Aggregate Intrinsic Value Of Stock Options (Details) - Stock Options - DISH Network Awards $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Aggregate intrinsic value
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 5,043
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	$ 1,272

Stock-Based Compensation - Rest

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Details) - DISH Network Awards - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,463,650	1,718,945	2,484,720
Granted (in shares)	1,470,505
Vested (in shares)	(697,660)	(9,565)	(10,475)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(686,250)	(245,730)	(755,300)
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,550,245	1,463,650	1,718,945
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 50.82	$ 52.16	$ 51.16
Granted (in dollars per share)	32.92
Vested (in dollars per share)	63.81	63.49	63.49
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	35.14	59.86	48.51
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 34.70	$ 50.82	$ 52.16
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,446,300	1,689,350
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,543,750	1,446,300	1,689,350
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 50.66	$ 51.97
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 34.58	$ 50.66	$ 51.97

Stock-Based Compensation - LTIP

Stock-Based Compensation - LTIP (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 30,671	$ 13,853	$ 35,521
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	10,183,615
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.99
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period	3 years 2 months 12 days
Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 16,155	431	$ 22,185
2013 LTIP
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Portion vested (as a percent)			20.00%
Percentage of performance goals probable of achievement					30.00%	10.00%	20.00%
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ (741)	(1,021)	$ (2,471)
2017 LTIP
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Percentage of performance goals probable of achievement			75.00%	75.00%
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		13,000
Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized		$ (12,902)	$ 3,293
2019 LTIP
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Percentage of performance goals probable of achievement	95.00%	90.00%	82.00%
Percentage of awards vested	58.00%
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 12,526	$ 14,946	$ 3,475
Other Employee Performance Awards
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	4,370	$ (592)	$ 17,888
Non-Performance Based Stock Awards
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Unrecognized compensation expense	19,000
DISH Network Awards \| 2013 LTIP
Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2021	22,488
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of plan	22,488
DISH Network Awards \| 2019 LTIP
Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Expense estimated to be recognized during 2021	3,150
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2021	5,861
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of plan	9,011
DISH Network Awards \| Other Employee Performance Awards
Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Expense estimated to be recognized during 2021	14,613
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2021	18,129
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of plan	$ 32,742
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	10,183,615	12,792,812	13,365,489	8,847,734
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.99	$ 41.52	$ 41.78	$ 43.90
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards \| Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	4,096,749	7,608,446	8,671,886
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 44.44	$ 39.78	$ 39.95
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards \| 2013 LTIP
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	676,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 40.43
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards \| 2017 LTIP
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,659,508
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 56.39
Stock Options \| DISH Network Awards \| 2019 LTIP
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,761,241
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.71
Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,600,000
Restricted Stock Units \| DISH Network Awards
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,600,000
Restricted Stock Units \| DISH Network Awards \| 2013 LTIP
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	338,000
Restricted Stock Units \| DISH Network Awards \| Other Employee Performance Awards
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,205,750
Restricted Stock Units \| DISH Network Awards \| Held by DISH DBS employees
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,543,750
Subscriber-related
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 7,194	$ 838	$ 1,412
General and administrative
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 23,477	$ 13,015	$ 34,109

Stock-Based Compensation - Fair

Stock-Based Compensation - Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted (Details) - Stock Options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Risk-free interest rate, low end of range (as a percent)	0.17%	1.51%	2.09%
Risk-free interest rate, high end of range (as a percent)	1.72%	2.53%	2.98%
Volatility factor, low end of range (as a percent)	28.91%	28.86%	23.33%
Volatility factor, high end of range (as a percent)	48.08%	32.08%	30.22%
Maximum
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Expected term of options	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 12.10	$ 12.45	$ 12.53
Minimum
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Expected term of options	3 years 3 months 18 days	4 years 3 months 18 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 5.50	$ 7.58	$ 7.10

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	$ 15,335,145
2021	4,421,524
2022	2,815,270
2023	2,008,092
2024	2,423,259
2025	244,483
Thereafter	3,422,517
Long-term debt obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	10,523,565
2021	2,002,553
2022	2,002,683
2023	1,502,820
2024	2,002,964
2025	3,115
Thereafter	3,009,430
Interest expense on long-term debt
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	2,485,488
2021	607,349
2022	539,719
2023	384,582
2024	346,938
2025	229,287
Thereafter	377,613
Finance lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	160,609
2021	49,820
2022	41,666
2023	38,018
2024	31,105
Interest expense on finance lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	27,240
2021	12,793
2022	8,561
2023	4,844
2024	1,042
Satellite-related and other obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	483,502
2021	352,180
2022	59,562
2023	38,947
2024	28,813
2025	4,000
Operating lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	431,008
2021	208,759
2022	136,132
2023	30,165
2024	12,397
2025	8,081
Thereafter	35,474
Purchase obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	1,223,733
2021	1,188,070
2022	26,947
2023	$ 8,716

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative Part 2 (Details)

Jan. 15, 2021USD ($)

Jun. 29, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)

Apr. 05, 2018USD ($)

Oct. 06, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 05, 2017USD ($)

May 22, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 23, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Loss contingencies

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

$ 188,141,000

$ 208,152,000

$ 188,141,000

$ 194,136,000

$ 201,162,000

Dish Network

Loss contingencies

Total investment

21,000,000,000

Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets

11,000,000,000

Other accrued expenses

Loss contingencies

Claim amount

$ 1,200

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

$ 1,200

DISH Network L.L.C.

Loss contingencies

Cash paid under settlement agreement

210,000,000

Litigation Settlement, Amount

$ 210,000,000

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

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 accrual

$ 280,000,000

Telemarketing Litigation | Other accrued expenses

Loss contingencies

Litigation accrual

$ 280,000,000

Telemarketing Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C.

Loss contingencies

Claim amount

270,000,000

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

270,000,000

Telemarketing Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C. | Selling, general and administrative expenses

Loss contingencies

Litigation Expenses Reduction

70,000,000

Telemarketing Litigation | DISH Network L.L.C. | Other accrued expenses

Loss contingencies

Loss Contingency Accrual Payments

$ 210,000,000

Krakauer Action | Judicial Ruling

Loss contingencies

Claim amount

$ 10,760,000

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

$ 10,760,000

Turner Network Sales

Loss contingencies

Claim amount

$ 159,000,000

Interest on loss contingency

24,000,000

Loss contingency

$ 206,000,000

License fee payments

$ 20,000,000

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

$ 159,000,000

Telemarketing Litigation

Loss contingencies

Judgment in favor of the court

$ 61,000,000

Do Not Call Litigation

Loss contingencies

Number of telemarketing calls | item

51,119

Litigation per call damages

$ 400

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

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

11,000

AWS 3 Auction | Minimum | Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum | Vermont National Telephone Company

Loss contingencies

Claim amount

5,500

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

$ 5,500

Subsequent event | Realtime Adaptive Streaming [Member]

Loss contingencies

Claim amount

$ 42,000,000

Aggregate amount to the federal and state plaintiffs

$ 42,000,000

Prepaid Business Sale [Member]

Loss contingencies

Total investment

1,400,000,000

Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets

$ 3,590,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative Part 3 (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 05, 2017	May 22, 2017	Sep. 23, 2016	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies
Term barred from conducting any outbound telemarketing	2 years
Phase two expected expenditures					$ 10,000,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits					188,141,000	$ 208,152,000	$ 194,136,000	$ 188,141,000	$ 201,162,000
Total rent expense for operating leases					$ 312,000,000	357,000,000	$ 449,000,000
Other accrued expenses
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount		$ 1,200
Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies
Term of programming contracts					10 years
Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies
Term of programming contracts					1 year
Prepaid Business Sale [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets					$ 3,590,000,000
Dish Network
Commitments and Contingencies
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets					11,000,000,000	11,000,000,000		11,000,000,000
DISH Network L.L.C.
Commitments and Contingencies
Aggregate winning bids					210,000,000
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco \| Dish Network
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
Krakauer Action
Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation expense paid to the court				$ 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
Telemarketing Litigation \| Other accrued expenses
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss Contingency Accrual					$ 280,000,000	$ 280,000,000		280,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation \| DISH Network L.L.C.
Commitments and Contingencies
Claim amount					270,000,000
Telemarketing Litigation \| DISH Network L.L.C. \| Other accrued expenses
Commitments and Contingencies
Payments to FCC as deposit for Auction 1000					210,000,000
ClearPlay, Inc.
Commitments and Contingencies
Loss contingency					$ 543,000,000			$ 543,000,000

Disaggregation of Revenue - Rev

Disaggregation of Revenue - Revenue by geographic location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 12,727,629	$ 12,622,893	$ 13,362,139
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	12,692,940	12,581,855	13,319,091
Canada and Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 34,689	$ 41,038	$ 43,048

Disaggregation of Revenue - R_2

Disaggregation of Revenue - Revenue from external customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 12,727,629	$ 12,622,893	$ 13,362,139
Pay-TV video and related revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	12,576,470	12,436,637	13,197,994
Equipment sales and other revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 151,159	$ 186,256	$ 164,145

Contract Balances (Details)

Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 19,280	$ 16,956	$ 15,056
Current Period Provision For Expected Credit Losses	76,441	69,866	98,461
Write-offs Charged Against Allowance	(52,488)	(67,542)	(96,561)
Balance at End of Period	43,233	19,280	$ 16,956
Balance at Beginning of Period	609,054
Recognition of unearned revenue	(5,852,961)
Deferral of revenue	5,837,704
Balance at End of Period	$ 593,797	$ 609,054
Remaining performance obligations	true

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Total revenue	$ 3,260,287	$ 3,151,029	$ 3,148,531	$ 3,167,782	$ 3,196,012	$ 3,122,282	$ 3,166,599	$ 3,138,000	$ 12,727,629	$ 12,622,893	$ 13,362,139
Operating income (loss)	822,177	768,656	663,897	507,202	515,999	438,498	435,966	430,735	2,761,932	1,821,198	2,066,510
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$ 515,296	$ 449,873	$ 374,980	$ 244,153	$ 259,545	$ 204,858	$ 185,368	$ 177,760	$ 1,584,302	$ 827,531	$ 971,287

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands

May 31, 2017

Dec. 21, 2012

Jan. 21, 2012

Jan. 02, 2012item

May 31, 2017

Jul. 31, 2016

May 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013item

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2009item

Dec. 31, 2008item

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Net book value of asset | $

$ 5,785

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

EchoStar

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Satellite and transmission expenses | $

2,000

$ 198,000

$ 309,000

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

15 years

Agreement term with third party

15 years

Number of DBS transponders available to receive services

EchoStar | DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Agreement term

10 years

Number of DBS transponders currently used

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

Number of DBS transponders currently used

Number of transponders subleased

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

Number of automatic renewal period

Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Satellite and transmission expenses | $

$ 224,000

$ 93,000

$ 67,000

Related Party Transactions - Na

Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 626,375	$ 568,679
Trade accounts payable	315,661	266,417
Broadband, Wireless and Other Segments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses associated with services	72,000	54,000	$ 40,000
Office Space from DISH Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses associated with services	7,000	3,000
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses	2,000	198,000	309,000
Trade accounts receivable	1,000	1,000
Trade accounts payable	1,000	3,000
Equipment sales and other revenue	$ 4,000	$ 6,000	$ 8,000

Related Party Transactions - _2

Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 2 (Details) $ in Thousands

Mar. 01, 2017item

Sep. 30, 2019

Aug. 31, 2017item

Mar. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2012item

Dec. 31, 2009

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Depreciation and amortization

$ 504,638

$ 577,348

$ 660,460

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

682,506

756,690

792,436

Revenues

$ 3,260,287

$ 3,151,029

$ 3,148,531

$ 3,167,782

$ 3,196,012

$ 3,122,282

$ 3,166,599

$ 3,138,000

12,727,629

12,622,893

13,362,139

Service revenue

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Revenues

$ 12,576,470

12,436,637

13,197,994

Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity.

90 days

100 Inverness Lease Agreement

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity.

180 days

Nimiq 5 Agreement

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Agreement Renewal Option Term

1 year

Depreciation and amortization

$ 34,000

11,000

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

15,000

5,000

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

13,000

14,000

21,000

Hughes Broadband Sales Agency Agreement | Service revenue

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Revenues

$ 16,000

$ 20,000

$ 34,000

EchoStar | El Paso Lease Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Number of consecutive three year renewal options | item

Agreement Renewal Option Term

3 years

EchoStar | Professional Services Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Minimum notice period for termination of agreement

60 days

Agreement term

1 year

Automatic renewal period

1 year

EchoStar | 90 Inverness Lease Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Agreement Renewal Option Term

3 years

EchoStar | 90 Inverness Lease Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Number of consecutive three year renewal options | item

EchoStar | Cheyenne Lease Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Agreement Renewal Option Term

1 year

EchoStar | Cheyenne Lease Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Number of successive one year renewal options | item

Agreement Renewal Option Term

1 year

Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity.

180 days

EchoStar | Gilbert Lease Agreement | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

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

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Agreement Renewal Option Term

1 year

HNS | Collocation And Antenna Space Agreements | Dish Network | Minimum

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity.

120 days

HNS | Collocation And Antenna Space Agreements | Dish Network

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Number of consecutive three year renewal options | item

Agreement Renewal Option Term

3 years

Related Party Transactions - _3

Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2009
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses					$ 1,440,553	$ 1,667,174	$ 1,404,561
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		1 year
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and Administrative Expense					$ 13,000	$ 20,000	$ 21,000
EchoStar \| Dish Network \| American Fork Occupancy License Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Term of renewal option exercised				5 years
Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity.		90 days
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 \| 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

Related Party Transactions - _4

Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of sales - equipment and other			$ 104,470	$ 172,700	$ 143,671
Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity.	90 days
EchoStar \| Patent Cross-License Agreements \| 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

Related Party Transactions - Pa

Related Party Transactions - Part 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 19, 2016	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Rovi License Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term	10 years
Payments to Related Parties		$ 0
NagraStar L.L.C
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest on equity method investment		50.00%
Purchases from NagraStar		$ 53,902	$ 56,284	$ 72,162
Amounts payable to NagraStar		9,038	9,630
Commitments to NagraStar		$ 3,260	4,893
Dish Mexico
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest on equity method investment		49.00%
Sales		$ 5,095	5,620	6,653
Amounts receivable		3,343	1,191
Dish Mexico \| Digital receivers and related components
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales				1,227
Dish Mexico \| Uplink services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales		$ 5,095	$ 5,620	$ 5,426