Related Party Transactions | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2013 |
Related Party Transactions | ' |
Related Party Transactions | ' |
Note 15. Related Party Transactions |
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DISH Network |
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Following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have operated as separate public companies and DISH Network has no ownership interest in us. 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 trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family. |
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In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from DISH Network; DISH Network obtains certain products, services and rights from us; and we and DISH Network have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with DISH Network in the future. |
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Generally, the amounts DISH Network pays for products and services provided under the agreements are based on our cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided. |
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The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial position and results of operations. |
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“Equipment revenue — DISH Network” |
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Receiver Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a receiver agreement (the “2012 Receiver Agreement”), pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014. The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows DISH Network to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us either: (i) at cost (decreasing as we reduce costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on our mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased. Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, our margins will be increased if we are able to reduce the costs of our digital set-top boxes and our margins will be reduced if these costs increase. We provide DISH Network with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us. We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire DISH Network. DISH Network has an option, but not the obligation, to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term. |
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“Services and other revenue — DISH Network” |
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Broadcast Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement (the “2012 Broadcast Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. The fees for the services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either: (a) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network has the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to us. If DISH Network terminates the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate. |
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Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming. During May 2010, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network in connection with its carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is for ten years. If DISH Network terminates this agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services. |
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Satellite Capacity Leased to DISH Network. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases satellite capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. The term of each lease is set forth below: |
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EchoStar VI, VIII and XII. The leases for EchoStar VI, VIII and XII generally terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life or replacement of the satellite (unless DISH Network determines to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponders on which service is being provided fail; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service, and the exercise of certain renewal options. DISH Network generally has the option to renew each lease 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. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, the leases for the EchoStar VI and VIII satellites expired in accordance with their terms. DISH Network no longer leases capacity from us on the EchoStar VI satellite; however, in May 2013 DISH Network began leasing capacity from us on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Subject to certain conditions, this lease expires on February 1, 2014. |
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EchoStar IX. DISH Network leases certain satellite capacity from us on EchoStar IX. Subject to availability, DISH Network generally has the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from us on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis. |
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EchoStar XVI. During December 2009, we entered into an initial ten-year transponder service agreement with DISH Network to lease from us all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite. EchoStar XVI was launched in November 2012 and placed at the 61.5 degree orbital location. Under the original transponder service agreement, the initial term generally expired upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite failed; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement failed; or (iv) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Effective December 21, 2012, we and DISH Network amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we, upon certain conditions, and DISH Network have the option to renew for an additional six-year period. If either we or DISH Network exercise our respective six-year renewal options, DISH Network has the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term. There can be no assurance that any option to renew this agreement will be exercised. We began to lease capacity on EchoStar XVI to DISH Network in January 2013. |
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Nimiq 5 Agreement. During 2009, we 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 west longitude orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). During 2009, we also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network leases from us all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement. |
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Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date it was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite. |
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QuetzSat-1 Agreement. During 2008, we entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES, which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to us of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Concurrently, in 2008, we entered into a transponder service agreement with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network leases 24 of the DBS transponders on QuetzSat-1. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter of 2011 at the 67.1 degree west longitude orbital location. In the interim, we provided DISH Network with alternate capacity at the 77 degree west longitude orbital location. During the third quarter of 2012, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease back from DISH Network five of the 24 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite leased to DISH Network. In January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree west longitude orbital location and DISH Network commenced commercial operations at such location in February 2013. |
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Under the terms of our contractual arrangements with DISH Network, we began to provide service to DISH Network on the QuetzSat-1 satellite in February 2013 and will continue to provide service through the remainder of the service term. Unless extended or earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of our agreement with DISH Network for the QuetzSat-1 satellite, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial service term, DISH Network has the option to renew the agreement for the QuetzSat-1 satellite on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Upon an in-orbit failure or end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite. |
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103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3. During May 2012, we 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 west longitude orbital location (the “103 Spectrum Rights”). During June 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) pursuant to which DISH Network may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights. During the third quarter 2013, DISH Network made a payment to us in exchange for these rights. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights Agreement. |
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In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, during May 2012, we also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Service Agreement”). During June 2013, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain satellite capacity from us on the SES-3 satellite (the “DISH 103 Service Agreement”). Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite. |
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TT&C Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we provide TT&C services to DISH Network and its subsidiaries for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the “2012 TT&C Agreement”). The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice. |
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Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain real estate from us. 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 at the time of the lease, and DISH Network is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below: |
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Inverness Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016. This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice. |
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Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016. |
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Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016 with a renewal option for one additional year. |
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EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016. |
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Gilbert Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona is a month to month lease and can be terminated by either party upon 30 days prior notice. |
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Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031. |
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Product Support Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from us (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related components that our subsidiaries have previously sold and in the future may sell to DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such set-top boxes and related components, unless terminated earlier. DISH Network may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, DISH Network is entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to us for the services. |
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DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Effective January 1, 2010, DISH Network entered into a two-year agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. DISH Network has the option to renew this agreement for three successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us. In November 2013, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending on December 31, 2014. |
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DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives, among other things, certain remote digital video recorder (“DVR”) management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms and may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us. |
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SlingService Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services related to placeshifting. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms and may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to us. |
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Blockbuster. On April 26, 2011, DISH Network acquired substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. (the “Blockbuster Acquisition”). On June 8, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Hughes Acquisition”). Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc., provided certain broadband products and services to Blockbuster pursuant to an agreement that was entered into prior to the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition. Subsequent to both the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition, Blockbuster entered into a new agreement with HNS pursuant to which Blockbuster may continue to purchase broadband products and services from our Hughes segment. The term of the agreement is through October 31, 2014 and Blockbuster has the option to renew the agreement for an additional one year period. |
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Radio Access Network Agreement. On November 29, 2012, HNS entered into an agreement with DISH Network L.L.C. pursuant to which HNS will construct for DISH Network a ground-based satellite radio access network (“RAN”) for a fixed fee. The completion of the RAN under this agreement is expected to occur on or before November 29, 2014. This agreement generally may be terminated by DISH Network at any time for convenience. |
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RUS Implementation Agreement. In September 2010, DISH Broadband L.L.C. (“DISH Broadband”), DISH Network’s wholly owned subsidiary, was selected by the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the United States Department of Agriculture to receive up to approximately $14.1 million in broadband stimulus grant funds (the “Grant Funds”). Effective November 2011, HNS and DISH Broadband entered into a RUS Implementation Agreement (the “RUS Agreement”) pursuant to which HNS provides certain portions of the equipment and broadband service used to implement DISH Broadband’s RUS program. The initial term of the RUS Agreement continues until the earlier of: (i) September 24, 2013; or (ii) the date that the Grant Funds have been exhausted. In addition, DISH Broadband may terminate the RUS Agreement for convenience upon 45 days prior written notice to HNS. The RUS Agreement expired in June 2013 when the Grant Funds were exhausted. |
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TerreStar Agreement. On March 9, 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar. Prior to DISH Network’s acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for TerreStar’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. These agreements generally may be terminated by DISH Network at any time for convenience. |
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Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. Effective October 1, 2012, HNS and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (“dishNET”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, entered into a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) pursuant to which dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the Hughes satellite Internet service (the “Hughes service”). dishNET pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Hughes service based upon a subscriber’s service level, and, beginning January 1, 2014, based upon certain volume subscription thresholds. The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from us to support the sale of the Hughes service. The Distribution Agreement has a five year term with automatic renewal for successive one year terms unless terminated by either party with a written notice at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term. Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Hughes service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement. |
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Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the “Application Development Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide DISH Network with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for the period ending on February 1, 2015. The Application Development Agreement renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or DISH Network at any time upon at least 90 days notice. The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. |
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XiP Encryption Agreement. During the third quarter of 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with DISH Network for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the “XiP Encryption Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes. The term of the XiP Encryption Agreement is until December 31, 2014. DISH Network has an option, but not the obligation to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term. We and DISH Network each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 180 days’ notice and 30 days’ notice, respectively. The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month. |
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“General and administrative expenses — DISH Network” |
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Management Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a Management Services Agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network made certain of its officers available to provide services (which were primarily accounting services) to us. The Management Services Agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2013 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2014. Effective June 15, 2013, we terminated the Management Services Agreement. We made payments to DISH Network based upon an allocable portion of the personnel costs and expenses incurred by DISH Network with respect to such DISH Network officers (taking into account wages and fringe benefits). These allocations were based upon the estimated percentages of time to be spent by the DISH Network executive officers performing services for us under the Management Services Agreement. We also reimbursed DISH Network for direct out-of-pocket costs incurred by DISH Network for management services provided to us. We and DISH Network evaluated all charges for reasonableness at least annually and made any adjustments to these charges as we and DISH Network mutually agreed upon. |
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Professional Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with DISH Network including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. During 2009, we and DISH Network agreed that we 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, we and DISH Network agreed that DISH Network shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage us to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement), receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from us (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. The Professional Services Agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2013 for an additional one-year period and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days notice. |
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Real Estate Lease Agreements. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from DISH Network. 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 at the time of the lease, and we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below: |
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Varick Sublease Agreement. During 2008, we subleased certain space at 185 Varick Street, New York, New York from DISH Network for a period of approximately seven years. |
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El Paso Lease Agreement. During 2012, we leased certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd. El Paso, Texas from DISH Network for a period ending on August 1, 2015, which also provides us with renewal options for four consecutive three year terms. |
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American Fork Occupancy License Agreement. The license for certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive in American Fork, Utah is for a period ending on July 31, 2017, subject to the terms of the underlying lease agreement. |
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Other Agreements — DISH Network |
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Satellite Capacity Leased from DISH Network. Since the Spin-off, we entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we acquire certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on certain satellites owned or leased by DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. The term of each satellite capacity agreement is set forth below: |
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EchoStar I. During 2009, we entered into a satellite capacity agreement pursuant to which we leased certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on EchoStar I. Effective July 1, 2012, we and DISH Network mutually agreed to terminate this satellite capacity agreement. |
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D-1. In November 2012, HNS entered into a satellite capacity agreement pursuant to which HNS leases certain satellite capacity from DISH Network on the D-1 satellite for research and development. This service agreement terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the spectrum capacity on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) December 31, 2013. |
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EchoStar XV. In May 2013, we began leasing satellite capacity from DISH Network on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite to the 45 degree west longitude orbital location for testing pursuant to our Brazilian authorization. Subject to certain conditions, the capacity agreement expires on February 1, 2014. Additionally, subject to certain conditions, we have certain rights to extend the service term of the satellite capacity agreement for three years. Subject to certain conditions, DISH Network has the right to terminate the capacity agreement prior to the date of expiration and have the satellite relocated from the 45 degree west longitude orbital location. |
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Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and related components from DISH Network at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. In November 2013, we and DISH Network extended this agreement until December 31, 2014. We may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to DISH Network. DISH Network may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire it. Our purchase of remanufactured receivers and related components from DISH Network was minimal and $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and minimal and $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
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Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with DISH Network which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by DISH Network, and DISH Network will indemnify us for such taxes. However, DISH Network is not liable for and will not indemnify us for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of our stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that we take or fail to take; or (iii) any action that we take that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, we will be solely liable for, and will indemnify DISH Network for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed. |
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In light of the tax sharing agreement, among other things, and in connection with our consolidated federal income tax returns for certain tax years prior to and for the year of the Spin-off, during the third quarter of 2013, we and DISH Network agreed upon a supplemental allocation of the tax benefits arising from certain tax items resolved in the course of the IRS’s examination of our consolidated tax returns. Prior to the agreement with DISH Network, the federal tax benefits of $82.8 million were reflected as a deferred tax asset for depreciation and amortization, which was netted in our noncurrent deferred tax liabilities. The agreement requires DISH Network to pay us $82.8 million of the federal tax benefit it receives at such time as we would have otherwise been able to realize such tax benefit, which we currently estimate would be after 2014. Accordingly, we recorded a noncurrent receivable from DISH Network for $82.8 million in “Other noncurrent assets, net” and a corresponding increase in our net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities to reflect the effects of this agreement in the third quarter of 2013. In addition, during the third quarter of 2013, we and DISH Network agreed upon a tax sharing arrangement for filing certain combined state income tax returns and a method of allocating the respective tax liabilities between us and DISH Network for such combined returns, through the taxable period ending on December 31, 2017. |
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TiVo. On April 29, 2011, we and DISH Network entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo, Inc. (“TiVo”). The settlement resolved all pending litigation between us and DISH Network, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH Network DVRs. |
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Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation has been dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by us or DISH Network have been dissolved. We and DISH Network are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500.0 million, including an initial payment of $300.0 million and the remaining $200.0 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from us totaling approximately $10.0 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to our sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer. Future payments will be allocated between us and DISH Network based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with EchoStar being responsible for 5% of each annual payment. |
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Patent Cross-License Agreements. During December 2011, we and DISH Network entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby: (i) we and such third party licensed our respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) DISH Network and such third party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”). Each Cross-License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10.0 million. Each Cross-License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022. If both options are exercised, the aggregate additional payments to such third party would total less than $3.0 million. However, we and DISH Network may elect to extend our respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other. Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenues of us and DISH Network, we and DISH Network agreed to allocate our respective payments to such third party based on our respective percentage of combined total revenue. |
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Voom Settlement Agreement. On October 21, 2012, we entered into the Voom Settlement Agreement with Voom and Cablevision, and for certain limited purposes, MSG Holdings, L.P., The Madison Square Garden Company and DISH Network. The Voom Settlement Agreement resolved the litigation between the parties relating to the Voom programming services. We were a party to the Voom Settlement Agreement solely for the purposes of executing a mutual release of claims with Voom, Cablevision, MSG Holdings, L.P. and The Madison Square Garden Company related to the Voom programming services. |
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DBSD North America Agreement. On March 9, 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity of reorganized DBSD North America. Prior to DISH Network’s acquisition for DBSD North America and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, DBSD North America and HNS entered into an agreement pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services of DBSD North America’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. This agreement was renewed for a one-year period ending on February 15, 2014, and renews for three successive one-year periods unless terminated by DBSD North America upon at least 30 days notice prior to the expiration of any renewal term. |
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DISH Digital Holding L.L.C. Effective July 1, 2012, we and DISH Network formed DISH Digital, which is owned two-thirds by DISH Network and one-third by EchoStar. DISH Digital was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies. We, DISH Network and DISH Digital entered into the following agreements with respect to DISH Digital: (i) a contribution agreement pursuant to which we and DISH Network contributed certain assets in exchange for our respective ownership interests in DISH Digital; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement, which provides for the governance of DISH Digital; and (iii) a commercial agreement pursuant to which, among other things, DISH Digital has: (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to DISH Digital’s business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and DISH Network, respectively. We account for our investment in DISH Digital using the equity method. |
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TerreStar-2 Development Agreement. In August 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a development agreement (“T2 Development Agreement”) with respect to the TerreStar-2 (“T2”) satellite under which we will reimburse DISH Network for amounts it pays pursuant to an authorization to proceed (the “T2 ATP”) with Space Systems/Loral, LLC in connection with the construction of the T2 satellite. In exchange, DISH Network granted us a right of first refusal and right of first offer to purchase the T2 satellite during the term of the T2 Development Agreement. In addition, under certain circumstances, we have a right to receive a portion of the sale proceeds in the event T2 is sold to a third party during or following the term of the T2 Development Agreement. The T2 Development Agreement expires on the later of: (i) December 31, 2013, or (ii) the date on which the T2 ATP expires. |
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Other Agreements |
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In November 2009, Mr. Roger J. Lynch became employed by both us and DISH Network as Executive Vice President. Mr. Lynch is responsible for the development and implementation of advanced technologies that are of potential utility and importance to both us and DISH Network. Mr. Lynch’s compensation consists of cash and equity compensation and is borne by both DISH Network and us. |
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Hughes Systique Corporation (“Hughes Systique”) |
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We contract with Hughes Systique for software development services. In addition to our 44.4% ownership in Hughes Systique, Mr. Pradman Kaul, the President of Hughes Communications, Inc. and a member of our Board of Directors and his brother, who is the CEO and President of Hughes Systique, in the aggregate, owned approximately 26.1%, on an undiluted basis, of Hughes Systique’s outstanding shares as of September 30, 2013. Furthermore, Mr. Pradman Kaul serves on the board of directors of Hughes Systique. We are considered the “primary beneficiary” of Hughes Systique due to, among other factors, our ability to significantly influence and direct the operating and financial decisions of Hughes Systique and our obligation to provide financial support in the form of term loans. As a result, we are required to consolidate Hughes Systique’s financial statements in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, Hughes Systique provided $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of software development services to us. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, Hughes Systique did not provide software development services to us. |
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NagraStar L.L.C. |
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We own 50% of NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security technology used in our set-top boxes. We account for our investment in NagraStar using the equity method. |
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The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar. |
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| | For the Three Months | | For the Nine Months | |
| | Ended September 30, | | Ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Purchases from NagraStar | | $ | 4,626 | | $ | 2,832 | | $ | 12,781 | | $ | 8,169 | |
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| | As of | | |
| | September 30, | | December 31, | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | |
| | (In thousands) | | |
Due to NagraStar | | $ | 1,243 | | $ | 2,694 | | |
Commitments to purchase from NagraStar | | $ | 5,835 | | $ | 7,303 | | |
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Dish Mexico |
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During 2008, we entered into a joint venture for a DTH satellite service in Mexico known as Dish Mexico. Pursuant to these arrangements, we provide certain broadcast services and satellite capacity and sell hardware such as digital set-top boxes and related equipment to Dish Mexico. We account for our investment in Dish Mexico using the equity method. |
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The following table summarizes services we provided to Dish Mexico that are not related to the original contribution commitment associated with our investment. |
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| | For the Three Months | | For the Nine Months | | | | | | |
| | Ended September 30, | | Ended September 30, | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | |
| | (In thousands) | | | | | | |
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories | | $ | 6,751 | | $ | 13,229 | | $ | 32,602 | | $ | 39,991 | | | | | | |
Satellite services | | $ | 5,834 | | $ | 4,530 | | $ | 16,801 | | $ | 8,790 | | | | | | |
Uplink services | | $ | 1,732 | | $ | 2,229 | | $ | 4,887 | | $ | 6,831 | | | | | | |
Other services | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 18 | | $ | 640 | | | | | | |
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| | As of | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, | | December 31, | | | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | | | | | | | |
| | (In thousands) | | | | | | | |
Due from Dish Mexico | | $ | 5,509 | | $ | 11,699 | | | | | | | |
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Deluxe/EchoStar LLC |
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We own 50% of Deluxe/EchoStar LLC (“Deluxe”), a joint venture that we entered into in 2010 to build an advanced digital cinema satellite distribution network targeting delivery to digitally equipped theaters in the U.S. and Canada. We account for our investment in Deluxe using the equity method. We recognized revenue from Deluxe for transponder services and the sale of broadband equipment of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1.1 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we have receivables from Deluxe of approximately $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. |