e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2008.
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     .
Commission File Number: 0-26176
DISH Network Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Nevada   88-0336997
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)    
     
9601 South Meridian Boulevard    
Englewood, Colorado   80112
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
(303) 723-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. :
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller    
        reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
As of July 25, 2008, the registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 211,574,446 shares of Class A common stock and 238,435,208 shares of Class B common stock.
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       
 
  Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements   i
 
       
  Financial Statements    
 
       
 
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets --
June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (Unaudited)
  1
 
       
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations For the
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)
  2
 
       
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)
  3
 
       
 
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)   4
 
       
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   34
 
       
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   50
 
       
  Controls and Procedures   52
 
       
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
  Legal Proceedings   53
 
       
  Risk Factors   58
 
       
  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   60
 
       
Item 3.
  Defaults Upon Senior Securities   None
 
       
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   61
 
       
Item 5.
  Other Information   None
 
       
  Exhibits   62
 
       
 
  Signatures   63
 Section 302 Certification by Chairman and CEO
 Section 302 Certification by Executive Vice President and CFO
 Section 906 Certification by Chairman and CEO
 Section 906 Certification by Executive Vice President and CFO

 


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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this report. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect” or “anticipate” will occur and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not be achieved, even though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that any future transactions or events described herein will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You should read this report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Whether actual events or results will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
    We face intense and increasing competition from satellite and cable television providers as well as new competitors, including telephone companies; many of our competitors offer video services bundled with 2-way high-speed Internet access and telephone services that consumers may find attractive and which are likely to further increase competition. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers over the Internet.
 
    As technology changes, and in order to remain competitive, we may have to upgrade or replace some or all subscriber equipment and make substantial investments in our infrastructure. For example, the increase in demand for high definition (“HD”) programming requires not only upgrades to customer premises equipment but also substantial increases in satellite capacity. We may not be able to pass on to our customers the entire cost of these upgrades and there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively compete with the HD programming offerings of our competitors.
 
    We rely on EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”), which we owned prior to its January 1, 2008 separation from us (the “Spin-off”), to design and develop set-top boxes and to provide transponder capacity, digital broadcast operations and other services for us. EchoStar is our sole supplier of digital set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations. Equipment, transponder leasing and digital broadcast operation costs may increase beyond our current expectations. We may be unable to renew agreements for these services on acceptable terms or at all. EchoStar’s inability to develop and produce, or our inability to obtain, equipment with the latest technology, or our inability to obtain transponder capacity and digital broadcast operations and other services from third parties, could affect our subscriber acquisition and churn and cause related revenue to decline.
 
    DISH Network® subscribers may continue to decrease and subscriber turnover may increase due to a variety of factors, including several, such as increasing competition and worsening economic conditions, which are outside of our control, and other factors, such as our own operational inefficiencies and customer satisfaction with our products and services, that will require us to make significant investments and expenditures to overcome, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
    AT&T recently notified us that it intends to terminate our current distribution agreement effective as of December 31, 2008. Our ability to maintain or grow our subscriber base will be adversely affected if we do not enter into a new agreement with AT&T and we are not able to develop comparable alternative distribution channels.
 
    Subscriber acquisition and retention costs may increase; the competitive environment may require us to increase promotional and retention spending or accept lower subscriber acquisitions and higher subscriber churn. We may also have difficulty controlling other costs relating to our efforts to maintain or grow our subscriber base.
 
    Satellite programming signals are subject to theft and other forms of fraud. Theft of service will continue and could increase in the future, causing us to lose subscribers and revenue and to incur higher costs.
 
    We depend on others to produce the programming we distribute to our subscribers; programming costs may increase beyond our current expectations and we may be unable to obtain or renew programming agreements on acceptable terms or at all. Existing programming agreements could be subject to cancellation. We may be denied access to sports and other programming. Foreign programming is

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      increasingly offered on other platforms. Our inability to obtain or renew attractive programming could cause our subscriber base and related revenue to decline and could cause our subscriber turnover to increase.
 
    We depend on Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) program access rules and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as Amended to secure nondiscriminatory access to programming produced by others, neither of which ensure that we have fair access to all programming that we need to remain competitive.
 
    Our industry is heavily regulated by the FCC. Those regulations could become more burdensome at any time, causing us to expend additional resources on compliance.
 
    We have made a substantial investment in 700 MHz wireless licenses. We will be required to make significant additional investments to commercialize these licenses and satisfy FCC build-out requirements.
 
    We may be required to raise and/or refinance indebtedness during unfavorable market conditions. Recent developments in the financial markets have made it more difficult for issuers of high yield indebtedness such as us to access capital markets at reasonable rates. We cannot predict with any certainty whether or not we will be impacted in the future by the current conditions, which may adversely affect our ability to refinance our indebtedness, including $1.5 billion of indebtedness that is subject to repayment or repurchase in the second half of 2008, or to secure additional financing to support our growth initiatives.
 
    A portion of our investment portfolio is invested in auction rate securities and mortgage backed securities. The markets associated with these investments have experienced zero or greatly reduced liquidity in recent months. Should the credit ratings of these securities deteriorate or the lack of liquidity in the marketplace continue, we may be required to record impairment charges.
 
    If we and EchoStar are unsuccessful in our appeal to the United States Supreme Court in the Tivo case, or in defending against Tivo’s motion for contempt or any subsequent claims that EchoStar’s alternative technology infringes Tivo’s patent, we could be prohibited from distributing DVRs supplied to us by EchoStar, or be required to modify or eliminate certain user-friendly DVR features that we currently offer to consumers. In that event we would be at a significant disadvantage to our competitors who could offer this functionality and, while we would attempt to provide that functionality using different technology and/or manufacturers other than EchoStar, the adverse affect on our business could be material. We could also have to pay substantial additional damages.
 
    If our EchoStar X satellite experienced a significant failure, we could lose the ability to deliver local network channels in many markets. If any of our other owned or leased satellites experienced a significant failure, we could lose the ability to provide other critical programming to the continental United States.
 
    Our satellite launches may be delayed or fail, or our owned or leased satellites may fail in orbit prior to the end of their scheduled lives causing extended interruptions of some of the channels we offer.
 
    We currently do not have commercial insurance covering losses incurred from the failure of satellite launches and/or in-orbit satellites we own or lease.
 
    Service interruptions arising from technical anomalies on satellites or on-ground components of our direct broadcast satellite system, or caused by war, terrorist activities or natural disasters, may cause customer cancellations or otherwise harm our business.
 
    We depend heavily on complex information technologies. Weaknesses in our information technology systems could have an adverse impact on our business. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel to maintain our information technology infrastructure.
 
    We may face actual or perceived conflicts of interest with EchoStar in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships, including: (i) cross officerships, directorships and stock ownership, (ii) intercompany transactions, (iii) intercompany agreements, including those that were entered into in connection with the Spin-off, and (iv) future business opportunities.
 
    We rely on key personnel including Charles W. Ergen, our chairman and chief executive officer, and other executives, certain of whom will for some period also have responsibilities with EchoStar through their positions at EchoStar or our management services agreement with EchoStar.

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    We may be unable to obtain needed retransmission consents, FCC authorizations or export licenses, and we may lose our current or future authorizations.
 
    We are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business.
 
    We may be subject to claims that we infringe on patent licenses. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain patent licenses or redesign our products to avoid patent infringement.
 
    We depend on telecommunications providers, independent retailers and others to solicit orders for DISH Network services. Certain of these resellers account for a significant percentage of our total new subscriber acquisitions. A number of these resellers are not exclusive to us and also offer competitors’ products and services. Loss of one or more of these relationships could have an adverse effect on our subscriber base and certain of our other key operating metrics because we may not be able to develop comparable alternative distribution channels.
 
    We are highly leveraged and subject to numerous constraints on our ability to raise additional debt.
 
    We may pursue acquisitions, business combinations, strategic partnerships, divestitures and other significant transactions that involve uncertainties. These transactions may require us to raise additional capital, which may not be available on acceptable terms, and could become substantial over time, involving a high degree of risk, and exposing us to significant financial losses if the underlying ventures are not successful.
 
    Weakness in the global or U.S. economy may harm our business generally, and adverse political or economic developments, including increased mortgage defaults as a result of subprime lending practices and increasing oil prices, may impact some of our markets.
 
    We periodically evaluate and test our internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Although our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007, and while no change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, if in the future we are unable to report that our internal control over financial reporting is effective (or if our auditors do not agree with our assessment of the effectiveness of, or are unable to express an opinion on, our internal control over financial reporting), we could lose investor confidence in our financial reports, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price and our business.
 
    We may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. In this connection, investors should consider the risks described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in other reports we file with the SEC.
In this report, the words “DISH Network,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. “EchoStar” refers to EchoStar Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                 
    As of  
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Assets
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,357,296     $ 1,180,818  
Marketable investment securities
    541,733       1,607,378  
Trade accounts receivable — other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $13,558 and $14,019, respectively
    690,131       699,101  
Trade accounts receivable — EchoStar
    51,134        
Inventories, net
    335,737       306,915  
Current deferred tax assets
    135,694       342,813  
700 MHz wireless spectrum deposit (Note 7)
    711,871        
Other current assets
    123,618       108,113  
Other current assets — EchoStar
    966        
 
           
Total current assets
    3,948,180       4,245,138  
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities
    170,805       172,520  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,537,115 and $3,591,594, respectively
    2,548,587       4,058,189  
FCC authorizations
    679,570       845,564  
Intangible assets, net
    5,717       218,875  
Goodwill
          256,917  
Marketable investment securities
    152,101        
Other noncurrent assets, net (Note 5)
    175,633       289,326  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 7,680,593     $ 10,086,529  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current Liabilities:
               
Trade accounts payable — other
  $ 128,277     $ 314,825  
Trade accounts payable — EchoStar
    278,478        
Deferred revenue and other
    860,298       857,846  
Accrued programming
    1,036,664       914,074  
Other accrued expenses
    599,553       587,942  
Current portion of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable
    10,832       50,454  
3% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2010
    500,000       500,000  
5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    4,414,102       4,225,141  
 
           
 
               
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
               
6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011
    25,000       25,000  
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016
    1,500,000       1,500,000  
7% Senior Notes due 2013
    500,000       500,000  
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (Note 8)
    750,000        
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion
    208,252       550,250  
Deferred tax liabilities
    43,258       386,493  
Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities
    331,742       259,656  
 
           
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion
    5,358,252       5,221,399  
 
           
Total liabilities
    9,772,354       9,446,540  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
               
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit):
               
Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 256,579,254 and 255,138,160 shares issued, 211,566,454 and 210,125,360 shares outstanding, respectively
    2,566       2,551  
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 238,435,208 shares issued and outstanding
    2,384       2,384  
Class C common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
           
Additional paid-in capital
    2,080,264       2,033,865  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (38,638 )     46,698  
Accumulated earnings (deficit)
    (2,777,284 )     (84,456 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (1,361,053 )     (1,361,053 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    (2,091,761 )     639,989  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 7,680,593     $ 10,086,529  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Revenue:
                               
Subscriber-related revenue
  $ 2,875,580     $ 2,676,230     $ 5,686,006     $ 5,228,293  
Equipment sales and other revenue
    28,785       83,778       53,837       176,700  
Equipment sales — EchoStar
    3,462             6,100        
Transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar
    7,163             13,441        
 
                       
Total revenue
    2,914,990       2,760,008       5,759,384       5,404,993  
 
                       
 
                               
Costs and Expenses:
                               
Subscriber-related expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 10)
    1,423,997       1,354,265       2,868,638       2,682,886  
Satellite and transmission expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 10):
                               
EchoStar
    77,697             155,950        
Other
    7,575       40,759       15,239       75,678  
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales
    30,359       60,075       62,173       122,831  
Subscriber acquisition costs:
                               
Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies — EchoStar (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 10)
    32,284       35,555       63,071       63,529  
Other subscriber promotion subsidies
    297,773       294,232       577,970       616,964  
Subscriber acquisition advertising
    41,359       46,621       105,331       97,000  
 
                       
Total subscriber acquisition costs
    371,416       376,408       746,372       777,493  
General and administrative — EchoStar
    12,670             26,440        
General and administrative
    122,321       142,915       238,082       300,202  
Depreciation and amortization (Note 10)
    248,247       343,932       520,614       664,051  
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
    2,294,282       2,318,354       4,633,508       4,623,141  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss)
    620,708       441,654       1,125,876       781,852  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Interest income
    13,372       28,411       27,473       61,843  
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (93,231 )     (96,662 )     (183,043 )     (216,162 )
Other
    (11,500 )     (16,139 )     (18,528 )     (17,975 )
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (91,359 )     (84,390 )     (174,098 )     (172,294 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    529,349       357,264       951,778       609,558  
Income tax (provision) benefit, net
    (193,464 )     (133,065 )     (357,310 )     (228,219 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 335,885     $ 224,199     $ 594,468     $ 381,339  
 
                       
 
                               
Denominator for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share — Class A and B common stock:
                               
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share — weighted-average common shares outstanding
    449,724       447,217       449,263       446,750  
 
                       
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share — weighted-average common shares outstanding
    460,853       456,282       460,682       455,815  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss) per share — Class A and B common stock:
                               
Basic net income (loss)
  $ 0.75     $ 0.50     $ 1.32     $ 0.85  
 
                       
Diluted net income (loss)
  $ 0.73     $ 0.50     $ 1.30     $ 0.85  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 594,468     $ 381,339  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    520,614       664,051  
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates
    1,069       2,649  
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments
    15,227       12,901  
Non-cash, stock-based compensation recognized
    7,801       11,258  
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
    15,207       183,887  
Other, net
    3,407       5,200  
Change in noncurrent assets
    5,372       4,684  
Change in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities
    72,086       (21,462 )
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net
    106,638       (55,041 )
 
           
Net cash flows from operating activities
    1,341,889       1,189,466  
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of marketable investment securities
    (428,057 )     (1,753,924 )
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities
    438,003       1,554,864  
Purchases of property and equipment
    (528,342 )     (740,095 )
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities
    (105 )     2,271  
Deposit for 700 MHz wireless spectrum acquisition
    (711,871 )      
FCC authorizations
          (57,463 )
Purchase of strategic investments included in noncurrent assets and other
          (51,906 )
Other
    (2,600 )     198  
 
           
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (1,232,972 )     (1,046,055 )
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Distribution of cash and cash equivalents to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off (Note 1)
    (690,866 )      
Proceeds from issuance of 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (Note 8)
    750,000        
Deferred debt issuance costs
    (5,033 )      
Redemption of 5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008
          (999,985 )
Repayment of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable
    (5,018 )     (20,245 )
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and Class A common stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    18,478       26,570  
Excess tax benefits recognized on stock option exercises
          4,020  
 
           
Net cash flows from financing activities
    67,561       (989,640 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    176,478       (846,229 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    1,180,818       1,923,105  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 1,357,296     $ 1,076,876  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 180,783     $ 206,299  
 
           
Capitalized interest
  $ 7,972     $ 6,967  
 
           
Cash received for interest
  $ 20,978     $ 49,932  
 
           
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 251,282     $ 49,753  
 
           
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock
  $ 19,374     $ 17,674  
 
           
Satellite financed under capital lease obligations
  $     $ 198,219  
 
           
Vendor financing
  $ 5,814     $  
 
           
Net assets contributed in connection with the Spin-off, excluding cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,635,680     $  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.   Organization and Business Activities
Principal Business
DISH Network Corporation, formerly known as EchoStar Communications Corporation, is a holding company. Its subsidiaries (which together with DISH Network Corporation are referred to as “DISH Network,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our”) operate the DISH Network® television service, which provides a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) subscription television service in the United States and had 13.790 million subscribers as of June 30, 2008.
We have deployed substantial resources to develop the “DISH Network DBS System.” The DISH Network DBS System consists of our licensed Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) authorized DBS and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, digital broadcast operations, customer service facilities, in-home service and call center operations and certain other assets utilized in our operations. Our principal business strategy is to continue developing our subscription television service in the United States to provide consumers with a fully-competitive alternative to others in the multi-channel video programming distribution (“MVPD”) industry.
Spin-off of EchoStar Corporation and Technology and Certain Infrastructure Assets
On January 1, 2008, we completed a tax-free distribution of our technology and set-top box business and certain infrastructure assets (the “Spin-off”) into a separate publicly-traded company, EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”). DISH Network and EchoStar now operate separately, 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 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors. The two entities consist of the following:
    DISH Network Corporation — which retained its subscription television business, the DISH Network®, and
 
    EchoStar Corporation — which sells equipment, including set-top boxes and related components, to DISH Network and international customers, and provides digital broadcast operations and satellite services to DISH Network and other customers.
The spin-off of EchoStar did not result in the discontinuance of any of our ongoing operations as the cash flows related to, among other things, purchases of set-top boxes, transponder leasing and digital broadcasting services that we purchase from EchoStar continue to be included in our operations.
Our shareholders of record on December 27, 2007 received one share of EchoStar common stock for every five shares of each class of DISH Network common stock they held as of the record date.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities that were distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off. The distribution was accounted for at historical cost given the nature of the distribution.
         
    January 1,  
    2008  
    (In thousands)  
Assets
       
Current Assets:
       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 690,866  
Marketable investment securities
    841,401  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    38,054  
Inventories, net
    31,000  
Current deferred tax assets
    8,459  
Other current assets
    32,351  
 
     
Total current assets
    1,642,131  
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities
    3,150  
Property and equipment, net
    1,516,604  
FCC authorizations
    165,994  
Intangible assets, net
    214,544  
Goodwill
    256,917  
Other noncurrent assets, net
    93,707  
 
     
Total assets
  $ 3,893,047  
 
     
 
       
Liabilities
       
Current Liabilities:
       
Trade accounts payable
  $ 5,825  
Deferred revenue and other accrued expenses
    38,460  
Current portion of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable
    40,533  
 
     
Total current liabilities
    84,818  
 
     
 
       
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
       
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion
    341,886  
Deferred tax liabilities
    139,797  
 
     
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion
    481,683  
 
     
Total liabilities
    566,501  
 
     
 
       
Net assets distributed
  $ 3,326,546  
 
     

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
2.   Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements prepared under GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 10-K/A”).
Principles of Consolidation
We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which we have controlling influence. Non-majority owned 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, the cost method is used. For entities that are considered variable interest entities we apply the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities — An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46R”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for uncollectible accounts, inventory allowances, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair values of financial instruments, fair value of options granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, capital leases, asset impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, retailer commissions, programming expenses, subscriber lives and royalty obligations. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
Net income (loss)
  $ 335,885     $ 224,199     $ 594,468     $ 381,339  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    87       2,012       (1,577 )     2,616  
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
    (10,318 )     470       (59,209 )     6,081  
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)
          2,055       (4,523 )     (1,995 )
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit
    (1,999 )     (673 )     19,224       (1,465 )
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 323,655     $ 228,063     $ 548,383     $ 386,576  
 
                       
“Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” presented on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and below consists of the accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes.
         
    Accumulated  
    Other  
    Comprehensive  
    Income  
    (In thousands)  
Balance, December 31, 2007
  $ 46,698  
Distribution of accumulated other comprehensive income to EchoStar, net of tax (Note 1)
    (39,251 )
Foreign currency translation
    (1,577 )
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
    (63,732 )
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit
    19,224  
 
     
Balance, June 30, 2008
  $ (38,638 )
 
     
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS 128”) requires entities to present both basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options were exercised and convertible securities were converted to common stock.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
The potential dilution from our subordinated notes convertible into common stock was computed using the “if converted method.” The potential dilution from stock options exercisable into common stock was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A common stock. The following table reflects the basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. Earnings per share amounts for all periods are presented below in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 128.
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Numerator:
                               
Numerator for basic net income (loss) per share — Net income (loss)
  $ 335,885     $ 224,199     $ 594,468     $ 381,339  
Interest on subordinated notes convertible into common shares, net of related tax effect
    2,461       2,460       4,922       4,920  
 
                       
Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per common share
  $ 338,346     $ 226,659     $ 599,390     $ 386,259  
 
                       
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per common share — weighted-average common shares outstanding
    449,724       447,217       449,263       446,750  
Dilutive impact of options outstanding
    2,348       1,800       2,638       1,800  
Dilutive impact of subordinated notes convertible into common shares
    8,781       7,265       8,781       7,265  
 
                       
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share — weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding
    460,853       456,282       460,682       455,815  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss) per share — Class A and B common stock:
                               
Basic net income (loss)
  $ 0.75     $ 0.50     $ 1.32     $ 0.85  
 
                       
Diluted net income (loss)
  $ 0.73     $ 0.50     $ 1.30     $ 0.85  
 
                       
 
                               
Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of:
                               
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010 (Note 8) *
    8,299       6,866       8,299       6,866  
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011 (Note 8)
    482       399       482       399  
* AT&T recently exercised its right to redeem the 3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010. The information in the table above reflects that this note was still convertible as of June 30, 2008.
As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, there were options to purchase 3.6 million and 1.4 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding, respectively, not included in the above denominator as their effect is antidilutive. Vesting of options and rights to acquire shares of our Class A common stock granted pursuant to our long-term incentive plans is contingent upon meeting certain long-term goals which have not yet been achieved. As a consequence, the following are not included in the diluted EPS calculation:
                 
    As of June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Performance-based options
    9,568       10,312  
Restricted performance units
    577       685  
 
           
Total
    10,145       10,997  
 
           
In addition, the foregoing diluted EPS calculation does not include approximately 0.3 million shares of Class A common stock, the vesting of which is subject to our achievement of a certain long-term subscriber goal, which has not yet been achieved.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), for all financial instruments and non-financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS 157 establishes a new framework for measuring fair value and expands related disclosures. Broadly, the SFAS 157 framework requires fair value to be determined 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. SFAS 157 establishes market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs.
    Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
 
    Level 2, defined as observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets; and
 
    Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available.
Investments in debt and equity securities
We have invested in auction rate securities (“ARS”) and mortgage backed securities (“MBS”), which are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Recent events in the credit markets have reduced or eliminated current liquidity for certain of our ARS and MBS investments. The fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a combination of comparable instruments and liquidity assumptions. These analyses consider, among other items, the collateral underlying the investments, credit ratings, and liquidity. These securities were also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics.
As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for our ARS investments, which we attribute primarily to the liquidity of the securities, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $16 million, net of tax, to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2008, we reclassified a portion of these investments totaling $141 million to non-current assets to reflect a longer expected holding period for these assets that results from the current and possible continued illiquidity.
As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for our MBS investments, which we attribute primarily to the liquidity of the securities, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $7 million, net of tax, to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2008, we reclassified a portion of these investments totaling $11 million to non-current assets to reflect a longer expected holding period for these assets that results from the current and possible continued illiquidity.
Any future change in fair value related to our ARS and MBS investments that we deem to be temporary would be recorded to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).” If we determine that any declines below our reported cost basis are other than temporary, we would record a charge to earnings, as appropriate.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
Our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Fair Value                    
    As of                    
Assets   June 30, 2008     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Marketable investment securities
  $ 752,836     $ 516,016     $ 79,644     $ 157,176  
Other investment securities
    6,597                   6,597  
 
                       
Total assets at fair value
  $ 759,433     $ 516,016     $ 79,644     $ 163,773  
 
                       
Changes in Level 3 instruments are as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Level 3  
            Marketable     Other  
            Investment     Investment  
Other Investment Securities   Total     Securities     Securities  
Balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 211,999     $ 200,595     $ 11,404  
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) included in earnings
    (4,807 )           (4,807 )
Net realized/unrealized gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income
    (41,650 )     (41,650 )      
Purchases, issuances and settlements, net
    (1,769 )     (1,769 )      
 
                 
Balance as of June 30, 2008
  $ 163,773     $ 157,176     $ 6,597  
 
                 
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
In addition to filing federal income tax returns, we and our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in all states that impose an income tax and in a small number of foreign jurisdictions where we have insignificant operations. We are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years beginning in 1996 due to the carryover of previously incurred net operating losses. As of June 30, 2008, no taxing authority has proposed any significant adjustments to our tax positions. We have no significant current tax examinations in process.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
         
Balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 20,160  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    46,690  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    106,098  
 
     
Balance as of June 30, 2008
  $ 172,948  
 
     
Accrued interest on tax positions is recorded as a component of interest expense and penalties in “Other income (expense)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded $1 million and $7 million in interest and penalty expense to earnings, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties was $10 million at June 30, 2008.
We have $163 million in unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, could favorably affect our effective tax rate. Of this amount, $103 million may be reduced within the next twelve months, if our filing for a change in accounting method is successful, and thus would not affect our effective tax rate.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
New Accounting Pronouncements
Revised Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R replaces SFAS 141 and establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, including goodwill, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 141R to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements for providing sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
3.   Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Incentive Plans
In connection with the Spin-off, as provided in our existing stock incentive plans and consistent with the Spin-off exchange ratio, each DISH Network stock option was converted into two options as follows:
    an adjusted DISH Network stock option for the same number of shares that were exercisable under the original DISH Network stock option, with an exercise price equal to the exercise price of the original DISH Network stock option multiplied by 0.831219.
 
    a new EchoStar stock option for one-fifth of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original DISH Network stock option, with an exercise price equal to the exercise price of the original DISH Network stock option multiplied by 0.843907.
Similarly, each holder of DISH Network restricted stock units retained his or her DISH Network restricted stock units and received one EchoStar restricted stock unit for every five DISH Network restricted stock units that they held.
Consequently, the fair value of the DISH Network stock award and the new EchoStar stock award immediately following the Spin-off was equivalent to the fair value of such stock award immediately prior to the Spin-off.
We maintain stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. Awards under these plans include both performance and non-performance based equity incentives. As of June 30, 2008, we had outstanding under these plans options to acquire 20.5 million shares of our Class A common stock and 1.7 million restricted stock awards. Stock options granted through June 30, 2008 were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value of our Class A common stock at the date of grant and with a maximum term of ten years. While historically we have issued options subject to vesting, typically at the rate of 20% per year, some

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
options have been granted with immediate vesting. As of June 30, 2008, we had 64.0 million shares of our Class A common stock available for future grant under our stock incentive plans.
As of June 30, 2008, the following stock incentive awards were outstanding:
                                 
    As of June 30, 2008  
    Dish Network Awards     EchoStar Awards  
            Restricted             Restricted  
    Stock     Stock     Stock     Stock  
Stock Incentive Awards Outstanding   Options     Units     Options     Units  
Held by DISH Network employees
    14,895,058       468,329       3,214,186       93,314  
Held by EchoStar employees
    5,578,570       1,188,332       N/A       N/A  
 
                       
Total
    20,473,628       1,656,661       3,214,186       93,314  
 
                       
We are responsible for fulfilling all stock incentive awards related to DISH Network common stock and EchoStar is responsible for fulfilling all stock incentive awards related to EchoStar common stock, regardless of whether such stock incentive awards are held by our or EchoStar’s employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R, our stock-based compensation expense, resulting from awards outstanding at the Spin-off date, is based on the stock incentive awards held by our employees regardless of whether such awards were issued by DISH Network or EchoStar. Accordingly, stock-based compensation that we expense with respect to EchoStar stock incentive awards is included in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Stock Award Activity
Our stock option activity (including performance and non-performance based options) for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was as follows:
                 
    For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,  
            Weighted-  
            Average  
            Exercise  
    Options     Price  
Total options outstanding, beginning of period
    20,938,403     $ 22.61  
Granted
    1,141,000       28.77  
Exercised
    (774,843 )     22.58  
Forfeited and cancelled
    (830,932 )     27.18  
 
             
Total options outstanding, end of period
    20,473,628       22.78  
 
             
Performance based options outstanding, end of period *
    9,568,000       16.43  
 
             
Exercisable at end of period
    6,405,122       28.78  
 
             
* These options, which are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period,” were issued pursuant to two separate long-term, performance-based stock incentive plans, which are discussed below. Vesting of these options is contingent upon meeting certain long-term goals which management has determined are not probable as of June 30, 2008.
We realized $2 million and $9 million of tax benefits from stock options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Based on the closing market price of our Class A common stock on June 30, 2008, the aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding stock options was $168 million. Of that amount, options with an aggregate intrinsic value of $28 million were exercisable at the end of the period.

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
Our restricted stock award activity (including performance and non-performance based options) for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was as follows:
                 
    For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,  
            Weighted-  
    Restricted     Average  
    Stock     Grant Date  
    Awards     Fair Value  
Total restricted stock awards outstanding, beginning of period
    1,717,078     $ 29.24  
Granted
           
Exercised
    (20,000 )     30.16  
Forfeited and cancelled
    (40,417 )     31.65  
 
             
Total restricted stock awards outstanding, end of period
    1,656,661       29.24  
 
             
Restricted performance units outstanding, end of period *
    576,661       25.97  
 
             
* These restricted performance units, which are included in the caption “Total restricted stock awards outstanding, end of period,” were issued pursuant to a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan, which is discussed below. Vesting of these restricted performance units is contingent upon meeting a long-term goal which management has determined is not probable as of June 30, 2008.
Long-Term Performance-Based Plans
In February 1999, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “1999 LTIP”) within the terms of our 1995 Stock Incentive Plan. The 1999 LTIP provided stock options to key employees which vest over five years at the rate of 20% per year. Exercise of the options is also contingent on the Company achieving a company-specific goal in relation to an industry-related metric prior to December 31, 2008.
In January 2005, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2005 LTIP”) within the terms of our 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2005 LTIP provides stock options and restricted performance units, either alone or in combination, which vest over seven years at the rate of 10% per year during the first four years, and at the rate of 20% per year thereafter. Exercise of the options is also subject to a performance condition that a company-specific subscriber goal is achieved prior to March 31, 2015.
Contingent compensation related to the 1999 LTIP and the 2005 LTIP will not be recorded in our financial statements unless and until management concludes achievement of the performance condition is probable. Given the competitive nature of our business, small variations in subscriber churn, gross subscriber addition rates and certain other factors can significantly impact subscriber growth. Consequently, while it was determined that achievement of either of the goals was not probable as of June 30, 2008, that assessment could change with respect to either goal at any time. In accordance with SFAS 123R, if all of the awards under each plan were vested and each goal had been met during the six months ended June 30, 2008, we would have recorded total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for our employees as indicated in the table below. If the goals are met and there are unvested options at that time, the vested amounts would be expensed immediately in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, with the unvested portion recognized ratably over the remaining vesting period. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, if we had determined each goal was probable, we would have recorded non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for our employees as indicated in the table below.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
                                 
    Total     Vested Portion  
    1999 LTIP     2005 LTIP     1999 LTIP     2005 LTIP  
    (In thousands)  
DISH Network awards held by DISH Network employees
  $ 21,609     $ 50,265     $ 19,772     $ 10,877  
EchoStar awards held by DISH Network employees
    4,387       10,206       4,015       2,209  
 
                       
Total
  $ 25,996     $ 60,471     $ 23,787     $ 13,086  
 
                       
Of the 20.5 million options outstanding under our stock incentive plans as of June 30, 2008, the following options were outstanding pursuant to the 1999 LTIP and the 2005 LTIP:
                 
    As of  
    June 30, 2008  
               
            Weighted-  
            Average  
Long-Term Performance-Based Plans   Stock Options     Exercise Price  
1999 LTIP
    5,098,000     $ 8.71  
2005 LTIP
    4,470,000     $ 25.22  
Further, pursuant to the 2005 LTIP, there were also 576,661 outstanding restricted performance units as of June 30, 2008 with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $25.97. No awards were granted under the 1999 LTIP or 2005 LTIP during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
Stock-Based Compensation
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, net of related tax effects, for all of our employees is shown in the following table for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and was allocated to the same expense categories as the base compensation for such employees:
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Subscriber-related
  $ 118     $ 130     $ 287     $ 306  
Satellite and transmission
          93             220  
General and administrative
    2,533       3,354       4,588       6,509  
 
                       
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation
  $ 2,651     $ 3,577     $ 4,875     $ 7,035  
 
                       
As of June 30, 2008, our total unrecognized compensation cost related to our non-performance based unvested stock options was $35 million and includes compensation expense that we will recognize for EchoStar stock options held by our employees as a result of the Spin-off. This cost is based on an estimated future forfeiture rate of approximately 4.5% per year and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately three years. Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant effect on share-based compensation expense since the effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
The fair value of each award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Risk-free interest rate
    3.42 %     4.99% - 5.19 %     2.74% - 3.42 %     4.46% - 5.19 %
Volatility factor
    21.86 %     20.43% - 24.26 %     19.98% - 21.86 %     20.42% - 24.26 %
Expected term of options in years
    6.0       6.0 - 10.0       6.0 - 6.1       6.0 - 10.0  
Weighted-average fair value of options granted
  $ 8.72     $ 14.11 - $21.01     $ 7.64 - $8.72     $ 13.63 - $21.01  
We do not currently plan to pay additional dividends on our common stock, and therefore the dividend yield percentage is set at zero for all periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded 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 model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. Therefore, we do not believe that the existing models provide as reliable a single measure of the fair value of stock-based compensation awards as a market-based model would.
We will continue to evaluate the assumptions used to derive the estimated fair value of options for our stock as new events or changes in circumstances become known.
4.   Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
                 
    As of  
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Finished goods — DBS
  $ 193,639     $ 170,463  
Raw materials
    83,930       70,103  
Work-in-process — used
    72,996       67,542  
Work-in-process — new
    4,534       13,546  
 
           
Subtotal
    355,099       321,654  
Inventory allowance
    (19,362 )     (14,739 )
 
           
Inventories, net
  $ 335,737     $ 306,915  
 
           
5.   Investment Securities
Marketable Investment Securities
     We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. We adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair value of a marketable investment security which are estimated to be “other than temporary” are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount, the historical volatility of the price of each security and any market and company specific factors related to each security. Generally, absent specific factors to the contrary, declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a continuous period of less than six months are considered to be temporary. Declines in the fair

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
value of investments for a continuous period of six to nine months are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist which would indicate that such declines are other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a continuous period greater than nine months are considered other than temporary and are recorded as charges to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary.
As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the fair values of our marketable investment securities and strategic marketable investment securities were as follows:
                 
    As of  
    June 30,     December 31,  
Marketable investment securities   2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Marketable investment securities
  $ 468,189     $ 1,030,565  
Marketable investment securities — strategic
    73,544       576,813  
 
           
Current marketable investment securities
    541,733       1,607,378  
Long-term marketable investment securities
    152,101        
 
           
Total marketable investment securities
  $ 693,834     $ 1,607,378  
 
           
The decline in our marketable investment securities from December 31, 2007 was primarily due to the distribution of marketable investment securities to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off (see Note 1).
Our strategic marketable investment securities are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. If the fair value of our strategic marketable investment securities portfolio does not remain above cost basis or if we become aware of any market or company specific factors that indicate that the carrying value of certain of our securities is impaired, we may be required to record charges to earnings in future periods equal to the amount of the decline in fair value.
As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had accumulated unrealized gains (losses) net of related tax effect of $48 million in losses and $30 million in gains, respectively, as a part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit).” During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we did not record any charge to earnings for other than temporary declines in the fair value of our marketable investment securities. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we recognized realized net gains on marketable investment securities of $2 million and $10 million, respectively.
Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position. The following table reflects the length of time that the individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category. The unrealized losses on our investment in corporate securities represent investments in the common stock of two companies in the communications industry. At June 30, 2008, the losses on our investments in bonds primarily represent investments in auction rate, mortgage and asset-backed securities. We are not aware of any specific factors which indicate the unrealized loss in these investments is due to anything other than temporary market fluctuations or liquidity concerns. In addition, we have the ability and intent to hold our investments in these bonds until maturity when the issuers are required to redeem them at their full face value.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
                                                         
            As of June 30, 2008  
    Primary     Less than Six Months     Six to Nine Months     Nine Months or More  
Investment   Reason for     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
Category   Unrealized Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss  
                            (In thousands)                  
Government and corporate bonds
  Temporary market
fluctuations
  $ 78,122     $ (124 )   $ 313,157     $ (22,376 )   $ 148,908     $ (26,221 )
Corporate equity securities
  Temporary market
fluctuations
    16,738       (535 )     40,315       (32,722 )            
 
                                           
Total
          $ 94,860     $ (659 )   $ 353,472     $ (55,098 )   $ 148,908     $ (26,221 )
 
                                           
                                                         
            As of December 31, 2007  
                            (In thousands)                  
Government and corporate bonds
  Temporary market fluctuations   $ 361,347     $ (7,168 )   $ 163,230     $ (1,909 )   $     $  
Corporate equity securities
  Temporary market fluctuations     186,352       (16,192 )     2,124       (1,027 )            
 
                                           
Total
          $ 547,699     $ (23,360 )   $ 165,354     $ (2,936 )   $     $  
 
                                           
Other Investment Securities
We also have several strategic investments in certain equity securities which are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our other investment securities consist of the following:
                 
    As of  
    June 30,     December 31,  
Other Investment Securities   2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Cost method
  $ 68,391     $ 108,355  
Equity method
    36,148       68,127  
Fair value method
    6,597       11,404  
 
           
Total
  $ 111,136     $ 187,886  
 
           
Generally, we account for our unconsolidated equity investments under either the equity method or cost method of accounting. Because these equity securities are generally not publicly traded, it is not practical to regularly estimate the fair value of the investments; however, these investments are subject to an evaluation for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans and current financial statements, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, cash flow concerns, material litigation, violations of debt covenants and changes in business strategy. The fair value of these equity investments is not estimated unless there are identified changes in circumstances that may indicate an impairment exists and these changes are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.
We also have a strategic investment in non-public preferred stock, public common stock and convertible debt of a foreign public company. The debt, which is convertible into the issuer’s publicly traded common shares, is accounted for under the fair value method with changes in fair value reported each period as unrealized gains or losses in “Other” income or expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We estimate the fair value of the convertible debt using certain assumptions and judgments in applying a discounted cash flow analysis and the Black-Scholes option pricing model including the fair market value of the underlying common stock price as of that date. During 2006, we converted a portion of the convertible debt to public common shares and determined that we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer. Consequently, we account for the common share component of this investment under the equity method of accounting. As a result of our change to equity method accounting, we evaluate the common share component of this investment on a quarterly

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
basis to determine whether there has been a decline in the value that is other than temporary. Because the shares are publicly traded, this quarterly evaluation considers the fair market value of the common shares in addition to the other factors described above for equity and cost method investments. When impairments occur related to our foreign investments, any “Cumulative translation adjustment” associated with these investments will remain in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until the investments are sold or otherwise liquidated; at which time, they will be released into our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The changes in the fair value and impairments of our other investment securities consist of the following:
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
Other Investment Securities   2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Unrealized gains (losses), net
  $ (175 )   $ 1,143     $ (4,807 )   $ (2,024 )
Impairments
    (12,903 )     (19,570 )     (12,903 )     (19,570 )
 
                       
Total
  $ (13,078 )   $ (18,427 )   $ (17,710 )   $ (21,594 )
 
                       
Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly traded depends on the success of those companies’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital 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. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $13 million charge to earnings for an other than temporary decline in the carrying value of one of our strategic investments. As of June 30, 2008, this investment was recorded at its fair value of approximately $22 million on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, we became aware of certain factors which may cause us to further impair the carrying value of this investment in future periods.
Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities
As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, restricted cash and marketable investment securities included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit. Additionally, restricted cash and marketable investment securities as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 included $104 million and $101 million in escrow related to our litigation with Tivo, respectively.
6.   Satellites
We presently utilize eleven satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. Of these eleven satellites, four are owned by us and we lease capacity on six satellites from EchoStar. We account for the satellites leased from EchoStar as operating leases with terms of up to two years. (See Note 12 for further discussion of our satellite leases with EchoStar.) Each of the owned satellites had an original estimated minimum useful life of at least 12 years. We also lease one satellite from a third party, which is accounted for as a capital lease pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, “Accounting for Leases” (“SFAS 13”). The capital lease is depreciated over the fifteen year term of the satellite service agreement.
Operation of our subscription television service requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions require that we continue to expand our offering of new programming, particularly by launching more HD local markets and offering more HD national channels. 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 satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other 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 have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
While we believe that overall our satellite fleet is generally in good condition, during 2008 and prior periods, certain satellites in our fleet have experienced anomalies, some of which have had a significant adverse impact on their commercial operation. There can be no assurance that future anomalies will not cause further losses which could impact commercial operation, or the remaining lives, of the satellites. See discussion of evaluation of impairment in “Long-Lived Satellite Assets” below. Recent developments with respect to our satellites are discussed below.
EchoStar I. EchoStar I, a 7000 class satellite, designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed”), is currently functioning properly in orbit. However, similar Lockheed Series 7000 class satellites have experienced total in-orbit failure, including our own EchoStar II, discussed below. While no telemetry or other data indicates EchoStar I would be expected to experience a similar failure, Lockheed has been unable to conclude these and other Series 7000 satellites will not experience similar failures.
EchoStar II. On July 14, 2008, our EchoStar II satellite experienced a failure that rendered the satellite a total loss. EchoStar II had been operating from the 148 degree orbital location primarily as a back-up satellite, but had provided local network channel service to Alaska and six other small markets. All programming and other services previously broadcast from EchoStar II were restored to Echostar I, the primary satellite at the 148 degree location, within several hours after the failure. EchoStar II, which was launched in September 1996, had a book value of approximately $6 million as of June 30, 2008.
EchoStar V. EchoStar V was originally designed with a minimum 12-year design life. Momentum wheel failures in prior years, together with relocation of the satellite between orbital locations, resulted in increased fuel consumption, as previously disclosed. These issues have not impacted commercial operation of the satellite. However, as a result of these anomalies and the relocation of the satellite, during 2005, we reduced the remaining estimated useful life of this satellite. Prior to 2008, EchoStar V also experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of ten solar array strings. During first quarter 2008, the satellite lost two additional solar array strings. The solar array anomalies have not impacted commercial operation of the satellite to date. Since EchoStar V will be fully depreciated in October 2008, the solar array failures (which will result in a reduction in the number of transponders to which power can be provided in later years), have not reduced the remaining useful life of the satellite.
EchoStar XI. On July 15, 2008, our EchoStar XI satellite was successfully launched into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Following in-orbit testing, EchoStar XI will be located at the 110 degree orbital location, where it is expected to provide additional high-powered capacity to support expansion of our programming services, including high definition programming.
EchoStar XV. On April 14, 2008, Space Systems/Loral, Inc. began the construction of EchoStar XV, a direct broadcast satellite expected to launch during 2010. This satellite will enable better bandwidth utilization, provide back-up protection for our existing offerings, and could allow us to offer other value-added services.
AMC-14. In connection with the Spin-off, we distributed our AMC-14 satellite lease agreement with SES Americom (“SES”) to EchoStar with the intent to lease the entire capacity of the satellite from EchoStar. On March 14, 2008, a Proton launch vehicle carrying the SES AMC-14 satellite experienced an anomaly which left the satellite in a lower orbit than planned. On April 11, 2008, SES announced that it has declared to insurers that the AMC-14 satellite is now considered a total loss, due to a lack of viable options to reposition the satellite to its proper geostationary orbit. We did not incur any financial liability as a result of the AMC-14 satellite being declared a total loss.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
Long-Lived Satellite Assets
We account for impairments of long-lived satellite assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). SFAS 144 requires a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Based on the guidance under SFAS 144, we evaluate our owned and capital leased satellites for recoverability as one asset group. While certain of the anomalies discussed above, and previously disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of an individual satellite, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite and considering the asset grouping, these anomalies (none of which caused a loss of service to subscribers for an extended period) are not considered to be significant events that would require evaluation for impairment recognition pursuant to the guidance under SFAS 144. Unless and until a specific satellite is abandoned or otherwise determined to have no service potential, the net carrying amount related to the satellite would not be written off.
7.   Intangible Assets
As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, our identifiable intangibles subject to amortization consisted of the following:
                                 
    As of  
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Intangible     Accumulated     Intangible     Accumulated  
    Assets     Amortization     Assets     Amortization  
            (In thousands)          
Contract-based
  $     $     $ 192,845     $ (60,754 )
Customer and reseller relationships
                96,898       (70,433 )
Technology-based
    5,814       97       69,797       (9,478 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 5,814     $ 97     $ 359,540     $ (140,665 )
 
                       
As of January 1, 2008, intangible assets with a net book value of $215 million were distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off (see Note 1). Amortization of our intangible assets was less than $1 million and $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Amortization was $4 million and $18 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
We participated in the auction of 700 MHz wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 73 (the “Auction”). On March 20, 2008, the FCC disclosed that a subsidiary of ours was the provisional winning bidder of 168 E Block licenses in the Auction totaling $712 million and representing coverage of 76% of the U.S. population. While the bidding in the Auction has ended, the FCC has not yet awarded any of the licenses to winning bidders nor is there any prescribed timeframe for the FCC to review the qualifications of the various winning bidders and award licenses. We will be required to make significant additional investments to commercialize these licenses and satisfy FCC build-out requirements.
8.   Long-Term Debt
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010
Our 3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2010 (“AT&T Note”), which was sold to AT&T in a privately negotiated transaction, has an aggregate principal amount of $500 million and is convertible into 8,298,775 shares of our Class A common stock at the option of AT&T (an effective conversion price of $60.25 per share). The number of shares was adjusted from 6,866,245 shares of our Class A common stock during the first quarter 2008 in connection with the Spin-off and as required by the terms of the AT&T Note.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
We have received notice from AT&T that it has elected to require us to repurchase on September 2, 2008 the full principal amount of the AT&T Note together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon. We expect to repay these obligations through cash on hand or through debt refinancing.
3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011
Our 3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011, which was sold to CenturyTel Service Group, LLC (“CTL”) in a privately negotiated transaction, has an aggregate principal amount of $25 million and is convertible into 481,881 shares of our Class A common stock at the option of CTL (an effective conversion price of $51.88 per share). The number of shares was adjusted from 398,724 shares of our Class A common stock during the first quarter 2008 in connection with the Spin-off and as required by the terms of the Note.
73/4% Senior Notes due 2015
On May 27, 2008, we sold $750 million aggregate principal amount of our seven-year, 73/4% Senior Notes due May 31, 2015. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 73/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on May 31 and November 30 of each year, commencing on November 30, 2008. The net proceeds that we received from the sale of the notes are intended to be used for general corporate purposes.
The 73/4% 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. Prior to May 31, 2011, we may also redeem up to 35% of each of the 73/4% Senior Notes at specified premiums with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.
The 73/4% Senior Notes are:
    general unsecured senior obligations of EDBS;
 
    ranked equally in right of payment with all of EDBS’ 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 indenture related to the 73/4% Senior Notes contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of EDBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:
    incur additional debt;
 
    pay dividends or make distribution on EDBS’ capital stock or repurchase EDBS’ 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 and sell assets.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indenture, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s 73/4% 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.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
Capital Lease Obligations
Future minimum lease payments under our capital lease obligations remaining after the Spin-off, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of June 30, 2008, are as follows (in thousands):
         
For the Years Ended December 31,        
2008 (remaining six months)
  $ 24,000  
2009
    48,000  
2010
    48,000  
2011
    48,000  
2012
    48,000  
2013
    48,000  
Thereafter
    400,000  
 
     
Total minimum lease payments
    664,000  
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments
    (359,721 )
 
     
Net minimum lease payments
    304,279  
Less: Amount representing interest
    (114,819 )
 
     
Present value of net minimum lease payments
    189,460  
Less: Current portion
    (8,137 )
 
     
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations
  $ 181,323  
 
     
9.   Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Future maturities of our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows:
                                                                 
    Payments due by period  
    Total     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter  
                            (In thousands)                          
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 6,275,000     $ 1,500,000     $ 2,500     $     $ 1,000,000     $     $ 500,000     $ 3,250,000  
Satellite-related obligations
    1,253,147       360,553       176,344       88,894       52,044       52,044       52,044       471,224  
Capital lease obligations
    189,460       3,993       8,445       9,097       9,800       10,556       11,371       136,198  
Operating lease obligations
    115,790       23,372       39,821       19,455       13,451       7,451       4,366       7,874  
Purchase obligations
    1,514,279       1,167,175       253,603       43,651       14,859       15,334       15,827       3,830  
Mortgages and other notes payable
    29,624       913       3,350       3,343       3,527       3,724       3,230       11,537  
 
                                               
Total
  $ 9,377,300     $ 3,056,006     $ 481,563     $ 164,440     $ 1,118,681     $ 89,109     $ 586,838     $ 3,880,663  
 
                                               
In certain circumstances the dates on which we are obligated to make these payments could be delayed. These amounts will increase to the extent we procure insurance for our satellites or contract for the construction, launch or lease of additional satellites.
Guarantees
In connection with the Spin-off, we distributed certain satellite lease agreements to EchoStar. We remain the guarantor under those capital leases for payments totaling approximately $557 million over the next eight years. In addition, during the first quarter of 2008, EchoStar entered into a satellite transponder service agreement with a third party for $537 million in payments through 2024, which we subleased from EchoStar and have also guaranteed. As of June 30, 2008, we have not recorded a liability on the balance sheet for any of these guarantees.

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Separation Agreement
In connection with the Spin-off, we have entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar, which provides for, among other things, the division of liability resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed liability for any acts or omissions that relate to its business whether such acts or omissions occurred before or after the Spin-off. Certain exceptions are provided, including for intellectual property related claims generally, whereby EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions that occurred following the Spin-off. Therefore, we have indemnified EchoStar for any potential liability or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the effective date of the Spin-off.
Contingencies
Acacia
During 2004, Acacia Media Technologies (“Acacia”) filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an intellectual property holding company which seeks to license the patent portfolio that it has acquired. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992 (the ‘992 patent), 5,253,275 (the ‘275 patent), 5,550,863 (the ‘863 patent), 6,002,720 (the ‘720 patent) and 6,144,702 (the ‘702 patent). The ‘992, ‘863, ‘720 and ‘702 patents have been asserted against us.
The patents relate to various systems and methods related to the transmission of digital data. The ‘992 and ‘702 patents have also been asserted against several Internet content providers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. During 2004 and 2005, the Court issued Markman rulings which found that the ‘992 and ‘702 patents were not as broad as Acacia had contended, and that certain terms in the ‘702 patent were indefinite. The Court issued additional claim construction rulings on December 14, 2006, March 2, 2007, October 19, 2007, and February 13, 2008. On March 12, 2008, the Court issued an order outlining a schedule for filing dispositive invalidity motions based on its claim constructions. Acacia has agreed to stipulate that all claims in the suit are invalid according to several of the Court’s claim constructions and argues that the case should proceed immediately to the Federal Circuit on appeal. The Court, however, is permitting us to file additional invalidity motions.
Acacia’s various patent infringement cases have been consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the 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 user-friendly 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.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
In 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. (“Broadcast Innovation”) filed a lawsuit against us, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in Federal District Court in Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the ‘094 patent) and 4,992,066 (the ‘066 patent). The ‘094 patent relates to certain methods and devices for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The ‘066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay television system on removable cards. We examined these patents and believe that they are not infringed by any of our products or services. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.

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During 2004, the judge issued an order finding the ‘066 patent invalid. Also in 2004, the Court ruled the ‘094 patent invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and Comcast. In 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned the ‘094 patent finding of invalidity and remanded the case back to the District Court. During June 2006, Charter filed a reexamination request with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Court has stayed the case pending reexamination. Our case remains stayed pending resolution of the Charter case.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the 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 user-friendly 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.
Channel Bundling Class Action
On September 21, 2007, a purported class of cable and satellite subscribers filed an antitrust action against us in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The suit also names as defendants DirecTV, Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Inc., Time Warner Cable, NBC Universal, Viacom, Fox Entertainment Group, and Walt Disney Company. The suit alleges, among other things, that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to provide customers with access only to bundled channel offerings as opposed to giving customers the ability to purchase channels on an “a la carte” basis. We filed a motion to dismiss, which the Court denied in July 2008. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Datasec
During April 2008, Datasec Corporation (“Datasec”) sued us and DirecTV Corporation in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,075,969 (the ‘969 patent). The ‘969 patent was issued in 2000 to inventor Bruce Lusignan, and is entitled “Method for Receiving Signals from a Constellation of Satellites in Close Geosynchronous Orbit.”
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to modify our system architecture. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Distant Network Litigation
During October 2006, a District Court in Florida entered a permanent nationwide injunction prohibiting us from offering distant network channels to consumers effective December 1, 2006. Distant networks are ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox network channels which originate outside the community where the consumer who wants to view them, lives. We have turned off all of our distant network channels and are no longer in the distant network business. Termination of these channels resulted in, among other things, a small reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and free cash flow, and a temporary increase in subscriber churn. The plaintiffs in that litigation allege that we are in violation of the Court’s injunction and have appealed a District Court decision finding that we are not in violation. On July 7, 2008, the Eleventh Circuit rejected the plaintiffs’ appeal and affirmed the decision of the District Court.

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Enron Commercial Paper Investment
During October 2001, we received approximately $40 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November 2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enron’s commercial paper. The complaint alleges that Enron’s October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations. We typically invest in commercial paper and notes which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of our investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and low risk. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Finisar Corporation
Finisar Corporation (“Finisar”) obtained a $100 million verdict in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against DirecTV for patent infringement. Finisar alleged that DirecTV’s electronic program guide and other elements of its system infringe United States Patent No. 5,404,505 (the ‘505 patent).
In July 2006, we, together with NagraStar LLC, filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Finisar that asks the Court to declare that they and we do not infringe, and have not infringed, any valid claim of the ‘505 patent. Trial is not currently scheduled. The District Court has stayed our action until the Federal Circuit has resolved DirecTV’s appeal. During April 2008, the Federal Circuit reversed the judgment against DirecTV and ordered a new trial. We are evaluating the Federal Circuit’s decision to determine the impact on our action.
We intend to vigorously prosecute this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to modify our system architecture. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Global Communications
On April 19, 2007, Global Communications, Inc. (“Global”) filed a patent infringement action against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,947,702 (the ‘702 patent). This patent, which involves satellite reception, was issued in September 2005. On October 24, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our request for reexamination of the ‘702 patent and issued an Office Action finding that all of the claims of the ‘702 patent were invalid. Based on the PTO’s decision, we have asked the District Court to stay the litigation until the reexamination proceeding is concluded. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe the ‘702 patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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Katz Communications
On June 21, 2007, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. (“Katz”) filed a patent infringement action against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit alleges infringement of 19 patents owned by Katz. The patents relate to interactive voice response, or IVR, technology. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of 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 user-friendly 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.
Personalized Media Communications
In February 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. filed suit against us, EchoStar and Motorola, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,694,490 (the ‘490 patent), 5,109,414 (the ‘414 patent), 4,965,825 (the ‘825 patent), 5,233,654 (the ‘654 patent), 5,335,277 (the ‘277 patent), and 5,887,243 (the ‘243 patent), all of which were issued to John Harvey and James Cuddihy as named inventors. The ‘490 patent, the ‘414 patent, the ‘825 patent, the ‘654 patent and the ‘277 patent are defined as the Harvey Patents. The Harvey Patents are entitled “Signal Processing Apparatus and Methods.” The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that our DBS system receives program content at broadcast reception and satellite uplinking facilities and transmits such program content, via satellite, to remote satellite receivers. The lawsuit further alleges that we infringe the Harvey Patents by transmitting and using a DBS signal specifically encoded to enable the subject receivers to function in a manner that infringes the Harvey Patents, and by selling services via DBS transmission processes which infringe the Harvey Patents.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of 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 user-friendly 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.
Retailer Class Actions
During 2000, lawsuits were filed by retailers in Colorado state and federal court attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting the Courts declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs, and other compensation. We have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The federal court action has been stayed during the pendency of the state court action. We filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The Court granted limited discovery which ended during 2004. The plaintiffs claimed we did not provide adequate disclosure during the discovery process. The Court agreed, and denied our motion for summary judgment as a result. The final impact of the Court’s ruling cannot be fully assessed at this time. During April 2008, the Court granted plaintiff’s class certification motion. Trial has been set for April 2009. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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Superguide
During 2000, Superguide Corp. (“Superguide”) filed suit against us, DirecTV, Thomson and others in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,038,211 (the ‘211 patent), 5,293,357 (the ‘357 patent) and 4,751,578 (the ‘578 patent) which relate to certain electronic program guide functions, including the use of electronic program guides to control VCRs. Superguide sought injunctive and declaratory relief and damages in an unspecified amount.
On summary judgment, the District Court ruled that none of the asserted patents were infringed by us. These rulings were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. During 2004, the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court’s findings and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. In 2005, Superguide indicated that it would no longer pursue infringement allegations with respect to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and those patents have now been dismissed from the suit. The District Court subsequently entered judgment of non-infringement in favor of all defendants as to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and ordered briefing on Thomson’s license defense as to the ‘578 patent. During December 2006, the District Court found that there were disputed issues of fact regarding Thomson’s license defense, and ordered a trial solely addressed to that issue. That trial took place in March 2007. In July 2007, the District Court ruled in favor of Superguide. As a result, Superguide will be able to proceed with its infringement action against us, DirecTV and Thomson. In June 2008, we moved for summary judgment asking the Court to find, among other things, that the ‘578 patent is invalid.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe the ‘578 patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guide and related 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.
Tivo Inc.
On January 31, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the April 2006 jury verdict concluding that certain of our digital video recorders, or DVRs, infringed a patent held by Tivo. In its decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed the jury’s verdict of infringement on Tivo’s “software claims,” upheld the award of damages from the district court, and ordered that the stay of the district court’s injunction against us, which was issued pending appeal, will dissolve when the appeal becomes final. The Federal Circuit, however, found that we did not literally infringe Tivo’s “hardware claims,” and remanded such claims back to the district court for further proceedings. We are appealing the Federal Circuit’s ruling to the United States Supreme Court.
In addition, we have developed and deployed ‘next-generation’ DVR software to our customers’ DVRs. This improved software is fully operational and has been automatically downloaded to current customers (our “alternative technology”). We have formal legal opinions from outside counsel that conclude that our alternative technology does not infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, either the hardware or software claims of Tivo’s patent. Tivo has filed a motion for contempt alleging that we are in violation of the Court’s injunction. We have vigorously opposed the motion arguing that the Court’s injunction does not apply to DVRs that have received our alternative technology, that our alternative technology does not infringe Tivo’s patent, and that we are in compliance with the Injunction. The Court has set September 4, 2008 as the hearing date for Tivo’s motion for contempt.

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In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (“SFAS 5”), we recorded a total reserve of $130 million on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the jury verdict, supplemental damages and pre-judgment interest awarded by the Texas court. This amount also includes the estimated cost of any software infringement prior to implementation of our alternative technology, plus interest subsequent to the jury verdict.
If we are unsuccessful in our appeal to the United States Supreme Court, or in defending against Tivo’s motion for contempt or any subsequent claim that our alternative technology infringes Tivo’s patent, we could be prohibited from distributing DVRs, or be required to modify or eliminate certain user-friendly DVR features that we currently offer to consumers. In that event we would be at a significant disadvantage to our competitors who could offer this functionality and, while we would attempt to provide that functionality through other manufacturers, the adverse affect on our business could be material. We could also have to pay substantial additional damages.
Voom
On May 28, 2008, Voom HD Holdings (“Voom”) filed a complaint against us in New York Supreme Court. The suit alleges breach of contract arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement we had with Voom for the carriage of certain Voom HD channels on DISH Network. In January 2008, Voom sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the agreement. The Court denied Voom’s motion, finding, among other things, that Voom was not likely to prevail on the merits of its case. Voom is claiming over $1 billion in damages. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Other
In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
10.   Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following:
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Equipment leased to customers
  $ 209,761     $ 215,322     $ 422,039     $ 422,001  
Satellites*
    23,564       61,189       50,015       120,233  
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other*
    13,620       55,881       41,857       98,719  
Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization*
    97       9,102       4,428       18,239  
Buildings and improvements*
    1,205       2,438       2,275       4,859  
 
                       
Total depreciation and amortization
  $ 248,247     $ 343,932     $ 520,614     $ 664,051  
 
                       
*The period-over-period decreases in depreciation and amortization expense are primarily a result of the distribution of depreciable assets to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off (see Note 1).
Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or equipment leased to customers.

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11.   Segment Reporting
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”) establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to stockholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) of an enterprise. Total assets by segment have not been specified because the information is not available to the chief operating decision-maker. The “All Other” category consists of revenue and net income (loss) from other operating segments for which the disclosure requirements of SFAS 131 do not apply. Based on the standards set forth in SFAS 131, following the January 1, 2008 Spin-off discussed in Note 1, we operate in only one reportable segment, the DISH Network segment, which provides a DBS subscription television service in the United States.
                                 
    For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Revenue:
                               
DISH Network
  $ 2,914,990     $ 2,701,601     $ 5,759,384     $ 5,285,388  
ETC
          34,010             69,585  
All other
          29,819             64,460  
Eliminations
          (5,422 )           (14,440 )
 
                       
Total revenue
  $ 2,914,990     $ 2,760,008     $ 5,759,384     $ 5,404,993  
 
                       
Net income (loss):
                               
DISH Network
  $ 335,885     $ 229,006     $ 594,468     $ 386,410  
ETC
          (3,574 )           (9,240 )
All other
          (1,233 )           4,169  
 
                       
Total net income (loss)
  $ 335,885     $ 224,199     $ 594,468     $ 381,339  
 
                       
Geographic Information
Revenues are attributed to geographic regions based upon the location where the sale originated. United States revenue includes transactions with both United Sates and international customers. Following the January 1, 2008 Spin-off discussed in Note 1, we operate in only one geographic region.
                         
    United              
    States     International     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Long-lived assets, including FCC authorizations
       
As of June 30, 2008
  $ 3,233,874     $     $ 3,233,874  
 
                 
As of December 31, 2007
  $ 5,182,587     $ 196,958     $ 5,379,545  
 
                 
 
                       
Revenue
                       
For the six months ended June 30, 2008
  $ 5,759,384     $     $ 5,759,384  
 
                 
For the six months ended June 30, 2007
  $ 5,359,678     $ 45,315     $ 5,404,993  
 
                 

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12.   Related Party Transactions with EchoStar
Following the Spin-off, EchoStar has operated as a separate public company and we have no continued ownership interest in EchoStar. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Charles W. Ergen.
EchoStar is our primary supplier of set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations and our key supplier of transponder leasing. Generally all agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off are based on pricing at cost plus an additional amount equal to an agreed percentage of EchoStar’s cost (unless noted differently below), which will vary depending on the nature of the products and services provided. Prior to the Spin-off, these products were provided and services were performed internally at cost. The terms of our agreements with EchoStar provide for an arbitration mechanism in the event we are unable to reach agreement with EchoStar as to the additional amounts payable for products and services, under which the arbitrator will determine the additional amounts payable by reference to the fair market value of the products and services supplied.
We and EchoStar also entered into certain transitional services agreements pursuant to which we will obtain certain services and rights from EchoStar, EchoStar will obtain certain services and rights from us, and we and EchoStar have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. The following is a summary of the terms of the principle agreements that we have entered into with EchoStar that have an impact on our results of operations.
“Equipment sales — EchoStar”
    Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. We entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with EchoStar under which EchoStar has the right to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories from us for a two-year period. EchoStar may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason upon sixty days written notice to us. We may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire us.
“Transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar”
    Transition Services Agreement. We entered into a transition services agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we, or one of our subsidiaries, provide certain transitional services to EchoStar. Under the transition services agreement, EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from us: finance, information technology, benefits administration, travel and event coordination, human resources, human resources development (training), program management, internal audit and corporate quality, legal, accounting and tax, and other support services.
 
      The transition services agreement has a term of no longer than two years. We may terminate the transition services agreement with respect to a particular service for any reason upon thirty days prior written notice.
 
    Real Estate Lease Agreements. We entered into lease agreements with EchoStar so that we can continue to operate certain properties that were distributed to EchoStar in the Spin-off. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:
Inverness Lease Agreement. The lease for 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado, is for a period of two years.
Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado, is for a period of two years with annual renewal options for up to three additional years.

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(Unaudited)
Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado, is for a period of two years with annual renewal options for up to three additional years.
    Management Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a management services agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we make certain of our officers available to provide services (which are primarily legal and accounting services) to EchoStar. Specifically, Bernard L. Han, R. Stanton Dodge and Paul W. Orban remain employed by us, but also serve as EchoStar’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Senior Vice President and Controller, respectively. In addition, Carl E. Vogel is employed as our Vice Chairman but also provides services to EchoStar as an advisor. EchoStar will make payments to us based upon an allocable portion of the personnel costs and expenses incurred by us with respect to such officers (taking into account wages and fringe benefits). These allocations will be based upon the estimated percentages of time to be spent by our executive officers performing services for EchoStar under the management services agreement. EchoStar will also reimburse us for direct out-of-pocket costs incurred by us for management services provided to EchoStar. We and EchoStar evaluate all charges for reasonableness at least annually and make any adjustments to these charges as we and EchoStar mutually agree upon.
 
      The management services agreement will continue in effect until the first anniversary of the Spin-off, and will be renewed automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier (1) by EchoStar at any time upon at least 30 days’ prior written notice, (2) by us at the end of any renewal term, upon at least 180 days’ prior notice; and (3) by us upon written notice to EchoStar, following certain changes in control.
“Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar”
    Broadcast Agreement. We entered into a broadcast agreement with EchoStar, whereby EchoStar provides broadcast services including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, thereby enabling us to deliver satellite television programming to subscribers. The broadcast agreement has a term of two years; however, we have the right, but not the obligation, to extend the agreement annually for successive one-year periods for up to two additional years. We may terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon sixty days written notice to EchoStar. If we terminate teleport services for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we shall pay EchoStar a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the remainder of the expected cost of providing the teleport services.
 
    Satellite Capacity Agreements. We have entered into satellite capacity agreements with EchoStar on a transitional basis. Pursuant to these agreements, we lease satellite capacity on satellites owned or leased by EchoStar. Certain DISH Network subscribers currently point their satellite antenna at these satellites and this agreement is designed to facilitate the separation of us and EchoStar by allowing a period of time for these DISH Network subscribers to be moved to satellites owned or leased by us following the Spin-off. The fees for the services to be provided under the satellite capacity agreements are based on spot market prices for similar satellite capacity and will depend upon, among other things, the orbital location of the satellite and the frequency on which the satellite provides services. Generally, each satellite capacity agreement will terminate upon the earlier of: (a) the end of life or replacement of the satellite; (b) the date the satellite fails; (c) the date that the transponder on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (d) two years from the effective date of such agreement.
“Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies — EchoStar”
    Receiver Agreement. EchoStar is currently our sole supplier of set-top box receivers. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, we purchased set-top box and other equipment from EchoStar totaling $301 million and $673 million, respectively. Of these amounts, $32 million and $63 million, respectively, are included in “Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies — EchoStar” on

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The remaining amount is included in “Inventories, net” and “Property and equipment, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Under our receiver agreement with EchoStar, we have the right but not the obligation to purchase receivers, accessories, and other equipment from EchoStar for a two year period. Additionally, EchoStar will provide us with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the receiver agreement. We may terminate the receiver agreement for any reason upon sixty days written notice to EchoStar. We may also terminate the receiver agreement if certain entities were to acquire us. We also have the right, but not the obligation, to extend the receiver agreement annually for up to two years. The receiver agreement also includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties will indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters.
“General and administrative — Echostar”
    Product Support Agreement. We need EchoStar to provide product support (including certain engineering and technical support services and IPTV functionality) for all receivers and related accessories that EchoStar has sold and will sell to us. As a result, we entered into a product support agreement, under which we have the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support services in respect of such receivers and related accessories. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such receivers and related accessories, unless terminated earlier. We may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon sixty days prior written notice.
 
    Services Agreement. We entered into a services agreement with EchoStar under which we have the right, but not the obligation, to receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar. This agreement has a term of two years. We may terminate the services agreement with respect to a particular service for any reason upon sixty days prior written notice.
Tax Sharing Agreement
    We entered into a tax sharing agreement with EchoStar which governs our and EchoStar’s 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, will be borne by us, and we will indemnify EchoStar for such taxes. However, we will not be liable for and will not indemnify EchoStar for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code because of (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of EchoStar’s stock, stock options or assets, (ii) any action that EchoStar takes or fails to take or (iii) any action that EchoStar takes that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, EchoStar will be solely liable for, and will indemnify us for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement terminates 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.
Other EchoStar Transactions
    Nimiq 5 Agreement. On March 11, 2008, EchoStar entered into a transponder service agreement (the “Transponder Agreement”) with Bell ExpressVu Inc., in its capacity as General Partner of Bell ExpressVu Limited Partnership (“Bell ExpressVu”), which provides, among other things, for the provision by Bell ExpressVu to EchoStar of service on sixteen (16) BSS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 W.L. orbital location. The Nimiq 5 satellite is expected to be launched in the second half of 2009. Bell ExpressVu currently has the right to receive service on the entire communications capacity of the Nimiq 5 satellite pursuant to an agreement with Telesat Canada. On March 11, 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement with DISH Network L.L.C. (“DISH L.L.C.”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to which DISH L.L.C. will receive

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DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued

(Unaudited)
service from EchoStar on all of the BSS transponders covered by the Transponder Agreement (the “DISH Agreement”). DISH Network guaranteed certain obligations of EchoStar under the Transponder Agreement.
Under the terms of the Transponder Agreement, EchoStar will make certain up-front payments to Bell ExpressVu through the service commencement date on the Nimiq 5 satellite and thereafter will make certain monthly payments to Bell ExpressVu for the remainder of the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the Transponder Agreement, the service term will expire fifteen years following the actual service commencement date of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon expiration of this initial term, EchoStar has the option to continue to receive service on the Nimiq 5 satellite on a month-to-month basis. Upon a launch failure, in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, EchoStar has certain rights to receive service from Bell ExpressVu on a replacement satellite.
Under the terms of the DISH Agreement, DISH L.L.C. will make certain monthly payments to EchoStar commencing when the Nimiq 5 satellite is placed into service (the “In-Service Date”) and continuing through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the In-Service Date. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH L.L.C. has the option to renew the DISH Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon a launch failure, in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH L.L.C. has certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We have historically positioned the DISH Network as the leading low-cost provider of multi-channel pay TV services principally by offering lower cost programming packages. At the same time we have sought to offer high quality programming, cutting edge technology and superior customer service.
We invest significant amounts in subscriber acquisition and retention programs based on our expectation that long-term subscribers will be profitable. To attract subscribers, we subsidize the cost of equipment and installation and may also from time to time offer promotional pricing on programming and other services. We also seek to differentiate DISH Network through the quality of the equipment we provide to our subscribers, including our highly-rated digital video recorder (“DVR”) and high definition (“HD”) equipment, which we promote to drive subscriber growth and retention. Subscriber growth is also impacted, positively and negatively, by customer service and customer experience in ordering, installation and troubleshooting interactions.
During the second quarter of 2008, we experienced a net loss of 25,000 DISH Network subscribers. We believe this net loss resulted primarily from weak economic conditions, aggressive promotional offerings by our competition, the heavy marketing of HD service by our competition, the growth of fiber-based pay TV providers, signal theft and other forms of fraud, and operational inefficiencies at DISH Network. Most of these factors have affected both gross new subscriber additions as well as existing subscriber churn.
We believe opportunities exist to grow our subscriber base, but whether we will be able to achieve net subscriber growth is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described elsewhere in this quarterly report.
The Spin-off. Effective January 1, 2008, we completed the separation of the assets and businesses we owned and operated historically into two companies (the “Spin-off”):
    DISH Network, through which we retain our pay-TV business, and
    EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”), formerly known as EchoStar Holding Corporation, which operates the digital set top box business, and holds certain satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, real estate and other assets and related liabilities formerly held by DISH Network.
DISH Network and EchoStar now operate as separate public 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 our chief executive officer and chairman, Charles W. Ergen. In connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network entered into certain agreements with EchoStar to define responsibility for obligations relating to, among other things, set-top box sales, transition services, taxes, employees and intellectual property, which will have an impact in the future on several of our key operating metrics. We have entered into certain agreements with EchoStar subsequent to the Spin-off and we may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future.
We believe that the Spin-off will enable us to focus more directly on the business strategies relevant to the subscription television business, but we recognize that, particularly during 2008, we may experience disruptions and loss of synergies in our business due to the separation of the two businesses, which could in turn increase our costs.
EXPLANATION OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER ITEMS
Subscriber-related revenue. “Subscriber-related revenue” consists principally of revenue from basic, movie, local, pay-per-view, and international subscription television services, equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs and additional outlet fees from subscribers with multiple receivers, advertising services, fees earned from our DishHOME Protection Plan, equipment upgrade fees, HD programming and other subscriber revenue. Certain of the amounts included in “Subscriber-related revenue” are not recurring on a monthly basis.
Effective the third quarter of 2007, we reclassified certain revenue from programmers from “Equipment sales and other revenue” to “Subscriber-related revenue.” All prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Equipment sales and other revenue. “Equipment sales and other revenue” principally includes the unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other third-party distributors of our equipment and to DISH Network subscribers. During 2007, this category also included sales of non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components to international customers and satellite and transmission revenue, which related to assets that were distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off.
Effective the third quarter of 2007, we reclassified certain revenue from programmers from “Equipment sales and other revenue” to “Subscriber-related revenue.” All prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar. “Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar” includes revenue related to equipment sales, and transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar associated with the Spin-off.
Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” principally include programming expenses, costs incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, billing costs, refurbishment and repair costs related to receiver systems, subscriber retention and other variable subscriber expenses.
Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar. “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar” includes the cost of digital broadcast operations provided to us by EchoStar, which were previously performed internally, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control and other professional services. In addition, this category includes the cost of leasing satellite and transponder capacity on satellites that were distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off.
Satellite and transmission expenses — other. “Satellite and transmission expenses — other” includes third-party transponder leases and other related services. Prior to the Spin-off, “Satellite and transmission expenses — other” included costs associated with the operation of our digital broadcast centers, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, satellite and transponder leases, and other related services, which were previously performed internally.
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales. “Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales” principally includes the cost of unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers. In addition, this category includes costs related to equipment sales, transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar associated with the Spin-off.
During 2007, “Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales” also included costs associated with non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components sold to an international DBS service provider and to other international customers. As previously discussed, our set-top box business was distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off.
Subscriber acquisition costs. In addition to leasing receivers, we generally subsidize installation and all or a portion of the cost of our receiver systems in order to attract new DISH Network subscribers. Our “Subscriber acquisition costs” include the cost of our receiver systems sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment, the cost of receiver systems sold directly by us to subscribers, net costs related to our promotional incentives, and costs related to installation and acquisition advertising. We exclude the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers from “Subscriber acquisition costs.”
SAC. Management believes subscriber acquisition cost measures are commonly used by those evaluating companies in the multi-channel video programming distribution industry. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating the “average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation,” or SAC, and we believe presentations of SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. Our SAC is calculated as “Subscriber acquisition costs,” plus the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers, divided by gross subscriber additions. We include all the costs of acquiring subscribers (e.g., subsidized and capitalized equipment) as our management believes it is a more comprehensive measure of how much we are spending to acquire subscribers. We also include all new DISH Network subscribers in our calculation, including DISH Network subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” consists primarily of employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems, accounting and finance, including non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. It also includes outside professional fees (e.g., legal, information systems and accounting services) and other items associated with facilities and administration. Following the Spin-off, the general and administrative expenses associated with the business and assets distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off will no longer be reflected in our “General and administrative expenses.”
Interest expense. “Interest expense” primarily includes interest expense, prepayment premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our senior debt and convertible subordinated debt securities (net of capitalized interest) and interest expense associated with our capital lease obligations.
“Other” income (expense). The main components of “Other” income and expense are unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value of non-marketable strategic investments accounted for at fair value, equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates, gains and losses realized on the sale of investments, and impairment of marketable and non-marketable investment securities.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA is defined as “Net income (loss)” plus “Interest expense” net of “Interest income,” “Taxes” and “Depreciation and amortization.” This “non-GAAP measure” is reconciled to net income (loss) in our discussion of “Results of Operations” below.
DISH Network subscribers. We include customers obtained through direct sales, and through third-party retail networks and other distribution relationships, in our DISH Network subscriber count. We also provide DISH Network service to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts. For certain of these commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by an amount approximately equal to the retail price of our America’s Top 100 programming package (but taking into account, periodically, price changes and other factors), and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our DISH Network subscriber count.
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”). We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating ARPU and believe presentations of ARPU may not be calculated consistently by other companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, by dividing average monthly “Subscriber-related revenues” for the period (total “Subscriber-related revenue” during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by our average DISH Network subscribers for the period. Average DISH Network subscribers are calculated for the period by adding the average DISH Network subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers for each month are calculated by adding the beginning and ending DISH Network subscribers for the month and dividing by two.
Subscriber churn rate/subscriber turnover. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriber churn rate and believe presentations of subscriber churn rates may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate percentage monthly subscriber churn by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminate service during each month by total DISH Network subscribers as of the beginning of that month. We calculate average subscriber churn rate for any period by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminated service during that period by the average number of DISH Network subscribers subject to churn during the period, and further dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers subject to churn during the period are calculated by adding the DISH Network subscribers as of the beginning of each month in the period and dividing by the total number of months in the period.
Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as “Net cash flows from operating activities” less “Purchases of property and equipment,” as shown on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007.
                                 
    For the Three Months        
    Ended June 30,     Variance  
    2008     2007     Amount     %  
    (In thousands)  
Statements of Operations Data
                               
Revenue:
                               
Subscriber-related revenue
  $ 2,875,580     $ 2,676,230     $ 199,350       7.4  
Equipment sales and other revenue
    28,785       83,778       (54,993 )     (65.6 )
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue - EchoStar
    10,625             10,625       NM  
 
                       
Total revenue
    2,914,990       2,760,008       154,982       5.6  
 
                       
 
                               
Costs and Expenses:
                               
Subscriber-related expenses
    1,423,997       1,354,265       69,732       5.1  
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    49.5 %     50.6 %                
Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar
    77,697             77,697       NM  
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    2.7 %     0.0 %                
Satellite and transmission expenses — Other
    7,575       40,759       (33,184 )     (81.4 )
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    0.3 %     1.5 %                
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales
    30,359       60,075       (29,716 )     (49.5 )
Subscriber acquisition costs
    371,416       376,408       (4,992 )     (1.3 )
General and administrative
    134,991       142,915       (7,924 )     (5.5 )
% of Total revenue
    4.6 %     5.2 %                
Depreciation and amortization
    248,247       343,932       (95,685 )     (27.8 )
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
    2,294,282       2,318,354       (24,072 )     (1.0 )
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss)
    620,708       441,654       179,054       40.5  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Interest income
    13,372       28,411       (15,039 )     (52.9 )
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (93,231 )     (96,662 )     3,431       3.5  
Other
    (11,500 )     (16,139 )     4,639       28.7  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (91,359 )     (84,390 )     (6,969 )     (8.3 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    529,349       357,264       172,085       48.2  
Income tax (provision) benefit, net
    (193,464 )     (133,065 )     (60,399 )     (45.4 )
Effective tax rate
    36.5 %     37.2 %                
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 335,885     $ 224,199     $ 111,686       49.8  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Data:
                               
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions)
    13.790       13.585       0.205       1.5  
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions)
    0.752       0.850       (0.098 )     (11.5 )
DISH Network subscriber additions (losses), net (in millions)
    (0.025 )     0.170       (0.195 )     (114.7 )
Average monthly subscriber churn rate
    1.87 %     1.68 %     0.19 %     11.3  
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”)
  $ 69.38     $ 66.06     $ 3.32       5.0  
Average subscriber acquisition cost per subscriber (“SAC”)
  $ 699     $ 645     $ 54       8.4  
EBITDA
  $ 857,455     $ 769,447     $ 88,008       11.4  

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
DISH Network subscribers. As of June 30, 2008, we had approximately 13.790 million DISH Network subscribers compared to approximately 13.585 million subscribers at June 30, 2007, an increase of 1.5%. DISH Network added approximately 752,000 gross new subscribers for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to approximately 850,000 gross new subscribers during the same period in 2007. We believe our gross new subscriber additions have been and are likely to continue to be negatively impacted by weak economic conditions, aggressive promotional offerings by our competition, the heavy marketing of HD service by our competition, the growth of fiber-based pay TV providers, signal theft and other forms of fraud, and operational inefficiencies at DISH Network.
DISH Network lost approximately 25,000 net subscribers for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to adding approximately 170,000 net new subscribers during the same period in 2007. This decrease primarily resulted from the decrease in gross new subscribers discussed above, an increase in our subscriber churn rate, and churn on a larger subscriber base. Our percentage monthly subscriber churn for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was 1.87%, compared to 1.68% for the same period in 2007. We believe our subscriber churn rate has been and is likely to continue to be negatively impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors described above as impacting gross subscriber additions.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to lower our subscriber churn rate, or that our subscriber churn rate will not increase. We are focused on improving customer service and other areas of our operations, reducing signal theft and other forms of fraud, and launching new HD service and markets. However, given the increasingly competitive nature of our industry, it may not be possible to reduce churn without significantly increasing our spending on customer retention incentives, which would have a negative effect on our earnings and free cash flow.
Our gross new subscribers, our net change in subscribers, and our entire subscriber base are negatively impacted when existing and new competitors offer attractive promotions or attractive product and service alternatives, including, among other things, video services bundled with broadband and other telecommunications services, better priced or more attractive programming packages, including broader HD programming, and a larger number of HD and standard definition local channels, and more compelling consumer electronic products and services, including DVRs, video on demand services and receivers with multiple tuners. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers over the Internet.
Even if our subscriber churn rate remains constant or declines, we will be required to attract increasing numbers of new DISH Network subscribers simply to retain and sustain our historical net subscriber growth rates.
In addition, for the six months ended June 30, 2008, approximately 15 percent of our gross subscriber additions were generated through our distribution relationship with AT&T. On June 30, 2008, AT&T notified us that it intends to terminate our current distribution agreement effective as of December 31, 2008. Our ability to maintain or grow our subscriber base will be adversely affected if we do not enter into a new agreement with AT&T and we are not able to develop comparable alternative distribution channels. Even if we were to enter into a new agreement with AT&T, we could still be materially adversely affected if AT&T or other telecommunication providers de-emphasize or discontinue selling our services or if they continue or increase their promotion of competing services.
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Network “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $2.876 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $199 million or 7.4% compared to the same period in 2007. This increase was directly attributable to DISH Network subscriber growth and the increase in “ARPU” discussed below.
ARPU. Monthly average revenue per subscriber was $69.38 during the three months ended June 30, 2008 versus $66.06 during the same period in 2007. The $3.32 or 5.0% increase in ARPU was primarily attributable to price increases in February 2008 on some of our most popular programming packages, increased advertising services revenue, increased penetration of HD programming, including the availability of HD local channels, higher equipment rental fees resulting from increased penetration of our equipment leasing programs, fees for DVRs and other hardware related fees. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenues from installation and other services related to our original agreement with AT&T.
Equipment sales and other revenue. “Equipment sales and other revenue” totaled $29 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $55 million or 65.6% compared to the same period during 2007. The decrease in “Equipment sales and other revenue” primarily resulted from the distribution of our set-top box business and certain other revenue-generating assets to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, our set-top box sales to international customers and revenue generated from assets distributed to EchoStar accounted for $56 million of our “Equipment sales and other revenue.”
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar. “Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar” totaled $11 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008. As previously discussed, “Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar” resulted from our transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar associated with the Spin-off.
Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $1.424 billion during the three months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $70 million or 5.1% compared to the same period 2007. The increase in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to higher aggregate programming payments driven in part by the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers, and higher in-home service, refurbishment and repair costs for our receiver systems associated with increased penetration of our equipment lease programs. “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 49.5% and 50.6% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
2007, respectively. The decrease in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from an increase in ARPU described above, a decrease, as a percentage of revenue, in programming costs and costs associated with our original agreement with AT&T, partially offset by an increase in our in-home service, refurbishment and repair costs associated with increased penetration of our equipment lease programs.
In the normal course of business, we enter into various contracts with programmers to provide content. Our programming contracts generally require us to make payments based on the number of subscribers to which the respective content is provided. Consequently, our programming expenses will increase to the extent we are successful in growing our subscriber base. In addition, because programmers continue to raise the price of content, our “Subscriber-related expenses” as a percentage of “Subscriber-related revenue” could materially increase absent corresponding price increases in our DISH Network programming packages.
Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar. “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar” totaled $78 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008. As previously discussed, “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar” resulted from costs associated with the services provided to us by EchoStar, including the satellite and transponder capacity leases on satellites distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, and digital broadcast operations previously provided internally at cost.
Satellite and transmission expenses — other. “Satellite and transmission expenses — other” totaled $8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a $33 million decrease compared to the same period in 2007. As previously discussed, prior to the Spin-off, “Satellite and transmission expenses — other” included costs associated with the operation of our digital broadcast centers, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, satellite and transponder leases, and other related services. Effective January 1, 2008, these digital broadcast operation services are provided to us by EchoStar and are included in “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar.”
Satellite and transmission expenses are likely to increase further to the extent we increase the size of our owned and leased satellite fleet, obtain in-orbit satellite insurance, increase our leased uplinking capacity and launch additional HD local markets and other new programming services.
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales. “Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales” totaled $30 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $30 million or 49.5% compared to the same period in 2007. The decrease primarily resulted from the elimination of the cost of sales related to the distribution of our set-top box business and certain other revenue-generating assets to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, partially offset by additional costs related to our transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, the costs associated with our sales of set-top boxes to international customers and revenue generated from assets distributed to EchoStar accounted for $37 million of our “Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales.”
Subscriber acquisition costs. “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled $371 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $5 million or 1.3% compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in gross new subscribers, partially offset by an increase in SAC discussed below and in a slight decrease in penetration of our equipment lease programs for new subscribers.
SAC. SAC was $699 during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $645 during the same period in 2007, an increase of $54, or 8.4%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers selecting higher priced advanced products, such as receivers with multiple tuners, HD receivers, and standard definition and HD DVRs, and an increase in promotional incentives paid to our independent retailer network. Additionally, our equipment costs were higher during the three months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the Spin-off of our set-top box business to EchoStar. Set-top boxes were historically designed in-house and procured at our cost. We now acquire this equipment from EchoStar at its cost plus an agreed-upon margin. These increases were partially offset by the increase in the redeployment benefits of our equipment lease program for new subscribers.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
During the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers totaled approximately $155 million and $172 million, respectively. This decrease in capital expenditures under our lease program for new subscribers resulted primarily from lower subscriber growth and an increase in redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers, partially offset by higher equipment costs resulting from higher priced advanced products and the mark-up on set-top boxes as a result of the Spin-off, discussed above.
Capital expenditures resulting from our equipment lease program for new subscribers have been, and we expect will continue to be, partially mitigated by, among other things, the redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers. However, to remain competitive we will have to upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the costs associated with these upgrades may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render a portion of our existing equipment obsolete, we would be unable to redeploy all returned equipment and consequently would realize less benefit from the SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.
Our SAC calculation does not reflect any benefit from payments we received in connection with equipment not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers and returned equipment that is made available for sale rather than being redeployed through our lease program. During the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, these amounts totaled $31 million and $22 million, respectively.
Several years ago, we began deploying receivers that utilize 8PSK modulation technology and receivers that utilize MPEG-4 compression technology. These technologies, when fully deployed, will allow more programming channels to be carried over our existing satellites. A majority of our customers today, however, do not have receivers that use MPEG-4 compression and a smaller but still significant percentage do not have receivers that use 8PSK modulation. We may choose to invest significant capital to accelerate the conversion of customers to MPEG-4 and/or 8PSK in order to realize the bandwidth benefits sooner. The bandwidth benefits from MPEG-4 and 8PSK can be independently achieved. In addition, given that most of our HD content is broadcast in MPEG-4 and 8PSK, any growth in HD penetration will naturally accelerate our transition to these newer technologies and may cause our subscriber acquisition and retention costs to increase.
Our “Subscriber acquisition costs,” both in aggregate and on a per new subscriber activation basis, may materially increase in the future to the extent that we transition to newer technologies, introduce more aggressive promotions or provide greater equipment subsidies. See further discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Subscriber Retention and Acquisition Costs.”
General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” totaled $135 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $8 million or 5.5% compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to the reduction in headcount resulting from the Spin-off. “General and administrative expenses” represented 4.6% and 5.2% of “Total revenue” during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in the ratio of the expenses to “Total revenue” was primarily attributable to the decrease in expenses as a result of the Spin-off, discussed previously.
Depreciation and amortization. “Depreciation and amortization” expense totaled $248 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $96 million or 27.8% compared to the same period in 2007. The decrease in “Depreciation and amortization” expense was primarily a result of the distribution to EchoStar of several satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, real estate and other assets in connection with the Spin-off. In addition, this decrease resulted from a write-off of costs associated with discontinued software development projects in 2007.
Interest income. “Interest income” totaled $13 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $15 million compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease principally resulted from lower cash and marketable investment securities balances as a result of the cash and cash equivalents distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, and payments related to our 700 MHz wireless spectrum acquisition, as well as lower total percentage returns earned on our cash and marketable investment securities during the second quarter of 2008.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. “Interest expense” totaled $93 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $3 million or 3.5% compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease primarily resulted from the reduction in interest expense associated with the contribution of satellite capital leases to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, offset by an increase in interest expense related to the issuance of debt during 2008.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA was $857 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $88 million or 11.4% compared to the same period in 2007. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.
                 
    For the Three Months  
    Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
EBITDA
  $ 857,455     $ 769,447  
Less:
               
Interest expense (income), net
    79,859       68,251  
Income tax provision (benefit), net
    193,464       133,065  
Depreciation and amortization
    248,247       343,932  
 
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 335,885     $ 224,199  
 
           

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the MVPD industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Income tax (provision) benefit, net. Our income tax provision was $193 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $60 million compared to the same period in 2007. The increase in the provision was primarily related to the increase in “Income (loss) before income taxes,” partially offset by a decrease in the effective state tax rate.
Net income (loss). Net income was $336 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $112 million compared to $224 million for the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to the changes in revenue and expenses discussed above.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007.
                                 
    For the Six Months        
    Ended June 30,     Variance  
    2008     2007     Amount     %  
    (In thousands)  
Statements of Operations Data
                               
Revenue:
                               
Subscriber-related revenue
  $ 5,686,006     $ 5,228,293     $ 457,713       8.8  
Equipment sales and other revenue
    53,837       176,700       (122,863 )     (69.5 )
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue - EchoStar
    19,541             19,541       NM  
 
                       
Total revenue
    5,759,384       5,404,993       354,391       6.6  
 
                       
 
                               
Costs and Expenses:
                               
Subscriber-related expenses
    2,868,638       2,682,886       185,752       6.9  
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    50.5 %     51.3 %                
Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar
    155,950             155,950       NM  
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    2.7 %     0.0 %                
Satellite and transmission expenses — Other
    15,239       75,678       (60,439 )     (79.9 )
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    0.3 %     1.4 %                
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales
    62,173       122,831       (60,658 )     (49.4 )
Subscriber acquisition costs
    746,372       777,493       (31,121 )     (4.0 )
General and administrative
    264,522       300,202       (35,680 )     (11.9 )
% of Total revenue
    4.6 %     5.6 %                
Depreciation and amortization
    520,614       664,051       (143,437 )     (21.6 )
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
    4,633,508       4,623,141       10,367       0.2  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss)
    1,125,876       781,852       344,024       44.0  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Interest income
    27,473       61,843       (34,370 )     (55.6 )
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (183,043 )     (216,162 )     33,119       15.3  
Other
    (18,528 )     (17,975 )     (553 )     (3.1 )
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (174,098 )     (172,294 )     (1,804 )     (1.0 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    951,778       609,558       342,220       56.1  
Income tax (provision) benefit, net
    (357,310 )     (228,219 )     (129,091 )     (56.6 )
Effective tax rate
    37.5 %     37.4 %                
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 594,468     $ 381,339     $ 213,129       55.9  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Data:
                               
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions)
    13.790       13.585       0.205       1.5  
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions)
    1.483       1.740       (0.257 )     (14.8 )
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions)
    0.010       0.480       (0.470 )     (97.9 )
Average monthly subscriber churn rate
    1.78 %     1.57 %     0.21 %     13.4  
Average monthly revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”)
  $ 68.66     $ 65.12     $ 3.54       5.4  
Average subscriber acquisition cost per subscriber (“SAC”)
  $ 704     $ 654     $ 50       7.6  
EBITDA
  $ 1,627,962     $ 1,427,928     $ 200,034       14.0  

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Network “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $5.686 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $458 million or 8.8% compared to the same period in 2007. This increase was directly attributable to DISH Network subscriber growth and the increase in “ARPU” discussed below.
ARPU. Monthly average revenue per subscriber was $68.66 during the six months ended June 30, 2008 versus $65.12 during the same period in 2007. The $3.54 or 5.4% increase in ARPU was primarily attributable to price increases in February 2008 and 2007 on some of our most popular programming packages, increased advertising services revenue, higher equipment rental fees resulting from increased penetration of our equipment leasing programs, increased penetration of HD programming, including the availability of HD local channels, fees for DVRs and other hardware related fees. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenues from installation and other services related to our original agreement with AT&T.
Equipment sales and other revenue. “Equipment sales and other revenue” totaled $54 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $123 million or 69.5% compared to the same period during 2007. The decrease in “Equipment sales and other revenue” primarily resulted from the distribution of our set-top box business and certain other revenue-generating assets to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, our set-top box sales to international customers and revenue generated from assets distributed to EchoStar accounted for $102 million of our “Equipment sales and other revenue.”
Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar. “Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar” totaled $20 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008. As previously discussed, “Equipment sales, transitional services and other revenue — EchoStar” resulted from our transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar associated with the Spin-off.
Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $2.869 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $186 million or 6.9% compared to the same period in 2007. The increase in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to higher aggregate programming costs driven in part by the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers, and higher in-home service, refurbishment and repair costs for our receiver systems associated with increased penetration of our equipment lease programs. “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 50.5% and 51.3% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from an increase in ARPU described above, a decrease, as a percentage of revenue, in programming costs and costs associated with our original agreement with AT&T, partially offset by an increase in our in-home service, refurbishment and repair costs associated with increased penetration of our equipment lease programs.
Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar. “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar” totaled $156 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008. As previously discussed, “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar” resulted from costs associated with the services provided to us by EchoStar, including the satellite and transponder capacity leases on satellites distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, and digital broadcast operations previously provided internally at cost.
Satellite and transmission expenses — other. “Satellite and transmission expenses — other” totaled $15 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a $60 million decrease compared to the same period in 2007. As previously discussed, prior to the Spin-off, “Satellite and transmission expenses — other” included costs associated with the operation of our digital broadcast centers, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, signal processing, conditional access management, telemetry, tracking and control, satellite and transponder leases, and other related services. Effective January 1, 2008, these digital broadcast operation services are provided to us by EchoStar and are included in “Satellite and transmission expenses — EchoStar.”

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales. “Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales” totaled $62 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $61 million or 49.4% compared to the same period in 2007. The decrease primarily resulted from the elimination of the cost of sales related to the distribution of our set-top box business and certain other revenue-generating assets to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, partially offset by additional costs related to our transitional services and other agreements with EchoStar. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, the costs associated with our sales of set-top boxes to international customers and revenue generated from assets distributed to EchoStar accounted for $68 million of our “Equipment, transitional services and other cost of sales.”
Subscriber acquisition costs. “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled $746 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $31 million or 4.0% compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in gross new subscribers, partially offset by an increase in SAC discussed below and in a decrease in penetration of our equipment lease programs for new subscribers.
SAC. SAC was $704 during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $654 during the same period in 2007, an increase of $50, or 7.6%. This increase was primarily attributable to more DISH Network subscribers selecting higher priced advanced products, such as receivers with multiple tuners, HD receivers, and standard definition and HD DVRs, and an increase in promotional incentives paid to our independent retailer network. Additionally, our equipment costs were higher during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the Spin-off of our set-top box business to EchoStar. Set-top boxes were historically designed in-house and procured at our cost. We now acquire this equipment from EchoStar at its cost plus an agreed-upon margin. These increases were partially offset by the increase in the redeployment benefits of our equipment lease program for new subscribers.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the amount of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers totaled $298 million and $361 million, respectively. This decrease in capital expenditures under our lease program for new subscribers resulted primarily from lower subscriber growth and an increase in redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers, partially offset by higher equipment costs resulting from higher priced advanced products and the mark-up on set-top boxes as a result of the Spin-off, discussed above.
Our SAC calculation does not reflect any benefit from payments we received in connection with equipment not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers and returned equipment that is made available for sale rather than being redeployed through our lease program. During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, these amounts totaled $62 million and $37 million, respectively.
General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” totaled $265 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $36 million or 11.9% compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to the reduction in headcount resulting from the Spin-off. “General and administrative expenses” represented 4.6% and 5.6% of “Total revenue” during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in the ratio of the expenses to “Total revenue” was primarily attributable to the decrease in expenses as a result of the Spin-off, discussed previously.
Depreciation and amortization. “Depreciation and amortization” expense totaled $521 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $143 million or 21.6% compared to the same period in 2007. The decrease in “Depreciation and amortization” expense was primarily a result of several satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, real estate and other assets distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off and the write-off of costs associated with discontinued software development projects in 2007.
Interest income. “Interest income” totaled $27 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $34 million compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease principally resulted from lower cash and marketable investment securities balances as a result of the cash and cash equivalents distributed to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off and payments related to our 700 MHz wireless spectrum acquisition, as well as lower total percentage returns earned on our cash and marketable investment securities during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. “Interest expense” totaled $183 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $33 million or 15.3% compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease primarily resulted from the reduction in interest expense associated with the 2007 debt redemption and the contribution of satellite capital leases to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off, offset by an increase in interest expense related to the issuance of debt during 2008.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA was $1.628 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $200 million or 14.0% compared to the same period in 2007. The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements.
                 
    For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
EBITDA
  $ 1,627,962     $ 1,427,928  
Less:
               
Interest expense (income), net
    155,570       154,319  
Income tax provision (benefit), net
    357,310       228,219  
Depreciation and amortization
    520,614       664,051  
 
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 594,468     $ 381,339  
 
           
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the MVPD industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Income tax (provision) benefit, net. Our income tax provision was $357 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $129 million compared to the same period in 2007. The increase in the provision was primarily related to the increase in “Income (loss) before income taxes.”
Net income (loss). Net income was $594 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $213 million compared to $381 million for the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to the changes in revenue and expenses discussed above.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investment Securities
We consider all liquid investments purchased within 90 days of their maturity to be cash equivalents. See “Item 3. — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for further discussion regarding our marketable investment securities. Our restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities as of June 30, 2008 totaled $2.222 billion, including $171 million of restricted cash and marketable investment securities, compared to $2.961 billion, including $173 million of restricted cash and marketable investment securities as of December 31, 2007. The $739 million decrease in restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities was primarily related to the contribution of approximately $1.4 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off and payments totaling $712 million relating to our 700 MHz wireless spectrum acquisition, partially offset by the issuance of debt during 2008 and the cash flow generated during the period discussed below.
We have invested in auction rate securities (“ARS”) and mortgage backed securities (“MBS”), which are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Recent events in the credit markets have reduced or eliminated current liquidity for certain of our ARS and MBS investments. The fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a combination of comparable instruments and liquidity assumptions. These analyses consider, among other items, the collateral underlying the investments, credit ratings, and liquidity. These securities were also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics. As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for our ARS investments, which we attribute primarily to the liquidity of the securities, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $16 million, net of tax, to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2008, we reclassified a portion of these investments totaling $141 million to non-current assets to reflect a longer expected holding period for these assets that results from the current and possible continued illiquidity.
As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for our MBS investments, which we attribute primarily to the liquidity of the securities, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $7 million, net of tax, to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2008, we reclassified a portion of these investments totaling $11 million to non-current assets to reflect a longer expected holding period for these assets that results from the current and possible continued illiquidity.
We participated in the auction of 700 MHz wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 73 (the “Auction”). On March 20, 2008, the FCC disclosed that a subsidiary of ours was the provisional winning bidder of 168 E Block licenses in the Auction totaling $712 million and representing coverage of 76% of the U.S. population. While the bidding in the Auction has ended, the FCC has not yet awarded any of the licenses to winning bidders nor is there any prescribed timeframe for the FCC to review the qualifications of the various winning bidders and award licenses. We will be required to make significant additional investments to commercialize these licenses and satisfy FCC build-out requirements.
We are obligated to repay or refinance up to $1.5 billion in long-term indebtedness during 2008. Our $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 53/4% Senior Notes due 2008 will mature in October 2008. We have received notice from AT&T that it has elected to require us to repurchase on September 2, 2008 the full principal amount of the AT&T Note together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon. We expect to repay these obligations through cash on hand or through debt refinancing. We cannot predict with any certainty whether or not we will be impacted in the future by the current conditions in credit markets, which may adversely affect our ability to refinance our indebtedness, including our indebtedness which is subject to repayment or repurchase in 2008 or to secure additional financing to support our growth initiatives.
The following discussion highlights our free cash flow and cash flow activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow as “Net cash flows from operating activities” less “Purchases of property and equipment,” as shown on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We believe free cash flow is an important liquidity metric because it measures, during a given period, the amount of cash generated that is available to repay debt obligations, make investments, fund acquisitions and for certain other activities. Free cash flow is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for “Operating income,” “Net income,” “Net cash flows from operating activities” or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Since free cash flow includes investments in operating assets, we believe this non-GAAP liquidity measure is useful in addition to the most directly comparable GAAP measure — “Net cash flows from operating activities.”
During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, free cash flow was significantly impacted by changes in operating assets and liabilities as shown in the “Net cash flows from operating activities” section of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included herein. Operating asset and liability balances can fluctuate significantly from period to period and there can be no assurance that free cash flow will not be negatively impacted by material changes in operating assets and liabilities in future periods, since these changes depend upon, among other things, management’s timing of payments and control of inventory levels and cash receipts. In addition to fluctuations resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, free cash flow can vary significantly from period to period depending upon, among other things, subscriber growth, subscriber revenue, subscriber churn, subscriber acquisition costs, including amounts capitalized under our equipment lease programs, operating efficiencies, increases or decreases in purchases of property and equipment and other factors.
The following table reconciles free cash flow to “Net cash flows from operating activities.”
                 
    For the Six Months  
    Ended June 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Free cash flow
  $ 813,547     $ 449,371  
Add back:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    528,342       740,095  
 
           
Net cash flows from operating activities
  $ 1,341,889     $ 1,189,466  
 
           
The $364 million increase in free cash flow during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 resulted from an increase in “Net cash flows from operating activities” of $152 million, or 12.8%, and a decrease in “Purchases of property and equipment” of $212 million, or 28.6%. The increase in “Net cash flows from operating activities” was primarily attributable to an increase in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $256 million, including a $227 million increase in net amounts payable to EchoStar, an increase in accrued expenses of $174 million and an increase in other long-term liabilities of $94 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $174 million and an increase in prepaid income taxes of $46 million. The increase in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities was partially offset by a decline in net income of $99 million, adjusted to exclude non-cash changes in “Depreciation and amortization” expense, and “Deferred tax expense (benefit).” The decrease in “Purchases of property and equipment” during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 was primarily attributable to a decline in expenditures for satellite construction and for equipment under our subscriber lease programs. Our future capital expenditures could increase or decrease depending on the strength of the economy, strategic opportunities or other factors.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we exhausted our federal net operating losses and currently pay cash taxes to the U.S. Government at the statutory rate of 35% of taxable income.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Subscriber Turnover
Our percentage monthly subscriber churn for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was 1.78%, compared to 1.57% for the same period in 2007. We believe our subscriber churn rate has been and is likely to continue to be negatively impacted by weak economic conditions, aggressive promotional offerings by our competition, the heavy marketing of HD service by our competition, the growth of fiber-based pay TV providers, signal theft and other forms of fraud, and operational inefficiencies at DISH Network.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to lower our subscriber churn rate, or that our subscriber churn rate will not increase. We are focused on improving customer service and other areas of our operations, reducing signal theft and other forms of fraud, and launching new HD service and markets. However, given the increasingly competitive nature of our industry, it may not be possible to reduce churn without significantly increasing our spending on customer retention incentives, which would have a negative effect on our earnings and free cash flow.
Our entire subscriber base is negatively impacted when existing and new competitors offer attractive promotions or attractive product and service alternatives, including, among other things, video services bundled with broadband and other telecommunications services, better priced or more attractive programming packages, including broader HD programming, and a larger number of HD and standard definition local channels, and more compelling consumer electronic products and services, including DVRs, video on demand services and receivers with multiple tuners. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers over the Internet. Additionally, certain of our promotions allow consumers with relatively lower credit scores to become subscribers, and these subscribers typically churn at a higher rate. However, these subscribers are also acquired at a lower cost resulting in a smaller economic loss upon disconnect.
Operation of our subscription television service requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions require that we continue to expand our offering of new programming, particularly by launching more HD local markets and offering more HD national channels. 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 satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other 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 have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Even if our subscriber churn rate remains constant or declines, we will be required to attract increasing numbers of new DISH Network subscribers simply to retain or sustain our historical net subscriber growth rates.
In addition, for the six months ended June 30, 2008, approximately 15 percent of our gross subscriber additions were generated through our distribution relationship with AT&T. On June 30, 2008, AT&T notified us that it intends to terminate our current distribution agreement effective as of December 31, 2008. Our ability to maintain or grow our subscriber base will be adversely affected if we do not enter into a new agreement with AT&T and we are not able to develop comparable alternative distribution channels. Even if we were to enter into a new agreement with AT&T, we could still be materially adversely affected if AT&T or other telecommunication providers de-emphasize or discontinue selling our services or if they continue or increase their promotion of competing services.
Increases in theft of our signal, or our competitors’ signals, could in addition to reducing new subscriber activations, also cause subscriber churn to increase. We use microchips embedded in credit card-sized access cards, called “smart cards,” or security chips in our receiver systems to control access to authorized programming content. However, our signal encryption has been compromised by theft of service, and even though we continue to respond to compromises of our encryption system with security measures intended to make signal theft of our programming more difficult, theft of our signal is increasing. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in reducing or controlling theft of our service.
During 2005, we replaced our smart cards in order to reduce theft of our service. However, the smart card replacement did not fully secure our system, and we have since implemented software patches and other security measures to help protect our service. Nevertheless, these security measures are short-term fixes and we remain susceptible to additional signal theft. Therefore, we have developed a plan to replace our existing smart cards and/or security chips to re-secure our signals for a longer term which will commence later this year and is expected to take approximately nine to twelve months to complete. While our existing smart cards installed in 2005 remain under warranty, we could incur operational period costs in excess of $50 million in connection with our smart card replacement program.
Subscriber Acquisition and Retention Costs
Our subscriber acquisition and retention costs can vary significantly from period to period which can in turn cause significant variability to our “Net income (loss)” and “Free cash flow” between periods. Our “Subscriber acquisition costs,” SAC and “Subscriber-related expenses” may materially increase to the extent that we introduce more aggressive promotions in the future if we determine they are necessary to respond to competition, or for other reasons.
Capital expenditures resulting from our equipment lease program for new subscribers have been, and we expect will continue to be, partially mitigated by, among other things, the redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers. However, to remain competitive we will have to upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the associated costs may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render a portion of our existing equipment obsolete, we would be unable to redeploy all returned equipment and would realize less benefit from the SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.
Several years ago, we began deploying receivers that utilize 8PSK modulation technology and receivers that utilize MPEG-4 compression technology. These technologies, when fully deployed, will allow more programming channels to be carried over our existing satellites. A majority of our customers today, however, do not have receivers that use MPEG-4 compression and a smaller but still significant percentage do not have receivers that use 8PSK modulation. We may choose to invest significant capital to accelerate the conversion of customers to MPEG-4 and/or 8PSK in order to realize the bandwidth benefits sooner. The bandwidth benefits from MPEG-4 and 8PSK can be independently achieved. In addition, given that most of our HD content is broadcast in MPEG-4 and 8PSK, any growth in HD penetration will naturally accelerate our transition to these newer technologies and may cause our subscriber acquisition and retention costs to increase.
While we may be able to generate increased revenue from such conversions, the deployment of equipment including new technologies will increase the cost of our consumer equipment, at least in the short-term. Our expensed and capitalized subscriber acquisition and retention costs will increase to the extent we subsidize those costs for new and existing subscribers. These increases may be mitigated to the extent we successfully redeploy existing receivers and implement other equipment cost reduction strategies.
In an effort to reduce subscriber turnover, we offer existing subscribers a variety of options for upgraded and add on equipment. We generally lease receivers and subsidize installation of receiver systems under these subscriber retention programs. As discussed above, we will have to upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes. As a consequence, our retention costs, which are included in “Subscriber-related expenses,” and our capital expenditures related to our equipment lease program for existing subscribers, will increase, at least in the short-term, to the extent we subsidize the costs of those upgrades and replacements. Our capital expenditures related to subscriber retention programs could also increase in the future to the extent we increase penetration of our equipment lease program for existing subscribers, if we introduce other more aggressive promotions, if we offer existing subscribers more aggressive promotions for HD receivers or receivers with other enhanced technologies, or for other reasons.
Cash necessary to fund retention programs and total subscriber acquisition costs are expected to be satisfied from existing cash and marketable investment securities balances and cash generated from operations to the extent available. We may, however, decide to raise additional capital in the future to meet these requirements. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all, if needed in the future.
Obligations and Future Capital Requirements
Future maturities of our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows:
                                                                 
    Payments due by period  
    Total     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 6,275,000     $ 1,500,000     $ 2,500     $     $ 1,000,000     $     $ 500,000     $ 3,250,000  
Satellite-related obligations
    1,253,147       360,553       176,344       88,894       52,044       52,044       52,044       471,224  
Capital lease obligations
    189,460       3,993       8,445       9,097       9,800       10,556       11,371       136,198  
Operating lease obligations
    115,790       23,372       39,821       19,455       13,451       7,451       4,366       7,874  
Purchase obligations
    1,514,279       1,167,175       253,603       43,651       14,859       15,334       15,827       3,830  
Mortgages and other notes payable
    29,624       913       3,350       3,343       3,527       3,724       3,230       11,537  
 
                                               
Total
  $ 9,377,300     $ 3,056,006     $ 481,563     $ 164,440     $ 1,118,681     $ 89,109     $ 586,838     $ 3,880,663  
 
                                               
We expect that our future working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements will be satisfied from existing cash and marketable investment securities balances, cash generated from operations or through new additional capital. However, current dislocations in the credit markets, which have significantly impacted the availability and pricing of financing, particularly in the high yield debt and leveraged credit markets, may significantly constrain our ability to obtain financing to support our growth initiatives. These developments in the credit markets may have a significant effect on our cost of financing and our liquidity position and may, as a result, cause us to defer or abandon profitable business strategies that we would otherwise pursue if financing were available on acceptable terms.
Our ability to generate positive future operating and net cash flows is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to retain existing DISH Network subscribers. There can be no assurance we will be successful in executing our business plan. The amount of capital required to fund our future working capital and capital expenditure needs will vary, depending on, among other things, the rate at which we acquire new subscribers and the cost of subscriber acquisition and retention, including capitalized costs associated with our new and existing subscriber equipment lease programs. The amount of capital required will also depend on the levels of investment necessary to support

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
possible strategic initiatives including our plans to expand our national and local HD offering. Our capital expenditures will vary depending on the number of satellites leased or under construction at any point in time. Our working capital and capital expenditure requirements could increase materially in the event of, among other factors, increased competition for subscription television customers, significant satellite failures, or general economic downturn. These factors could require that we raise additional capital in the future. There can be no assurance that we could raise all required capital or that required capital would be available on acceptable terms.
From time to time we evaluate opportunities for strategic investments or acquisitions that may complement our current services and products, enhance our technical capabilities, improve or sustain our competitive position, or otherwise offer growth opportunities. We may make investments in or partner with others to expand our business into mobile and portable video, data and voice services. Future material investments or acquisitions may require that we obtain additional capital, assume third party debt or other long-term obligations. Also, the plan to repurchase our Class A common stock extends through December 31, 2008, which could require that we raise additional capital. The maximum dollar value of shares that may still be purchased under the plan is $1.0 billion. There can be no assurance that we could raise all required capital or that required capital would be available on acceptable terms.
Interest on Long-Term Debt
As of June 30, 2008, expected future cash interest payments related to our debt are summarized in the table below.
                                                                 
    Payments due by period  
    Total     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
Long-term debt
  $ 2,147,383     $ 202,271     $ 330,750     $ 330,750     $ 330,487     $ 266,250     $ 266,250     $ 420,625  
Capital lease obligations
    114,819       7,005       13,551       12,899       12,197       11,440       10,625       47,102  
Mortgages and other notes payable
    10,016       802       1,822       1,549       1,365       1,169       962       2,347  
 
                                               
Total
  $ 2,272,218     $ 210,078     $ 346,123     $ 345,198     $ 344,049     $ 278,859     $ 277,837     $ 470,074  
 
                                               

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments
As of June 30, 2008, our restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities had a fair value of $2.222 billion. Of that amount, a total of $2.148 billion was invested in: (a) cash; (b) debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies; (c) commercial paper and corporate notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; (d) instruments with similar risk, duration and credit quality characteristics to the commercial paper described above; and (e) auction rate securities (“ARS”), mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities. The primary purpose of these investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to, among other things, fund operations, make strategic investments and expand the business. Consequently, the size of this portfolio fluctuates significantly as cash is received and used in our business.
At June 30, 2008, all of the $2.148 billion was invested in fixed or variable rate instruments. The value of these investments can be impacted by interest rate fluctuations, but while an increase in interest rates would ordinarily adversely impact the fair value of fixed and variable rate investments, we normally hold these investments to maturity. Further, the value could be lowered by credit losses should economic conditions worsen, as discussed below. Consequently, neither interest rate fluctuations nor other market risks typically result in significant realized gains or losses to this portfolio.
Our restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities had an average annual return for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of 3.4%. A decrease in interest rates does have the effect of reducing our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds would be re-invested at lower rates as the instruments mature. A hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates would result in a decrease of approximately $6 million in annual interest income.
We have invested in ARS and MBS, which are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Recent events in the credit markets have reduced or eliminated current liquidity for certain of our ARS and MBS investments. The fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a combination of comparable instruments and liquidity assumptions. These analyses consider, among other items, the collateral underlying the investments, credit ratings, and liquidity. These securities were also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics.
As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for our ARS investments, which we attribute primarily to the liquidity of the securities, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $16 million, net of tax, to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2008, we reclassified a portion of these investments totaling $141 million to non-current assets to reflect a longer expected holding period for these assets that results from the current and possible continued illiquidity.
As a result of the temporary declines in fair value for our MBS investments, which we attribute primarily to the liquidity of the securities, we have recorded an unrealized loss of $7 million, net of tax, to “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2008, we reclassified a portion of these investments totaling $11 million to non-current assets to reflect a longer expected holding period for these assets that results from the current and possible continued illiquidity.
Included in our marketable investment securities portfolio balance is debt and equity of public companies we hold for strategic and financial purposes. As of June 30, 2008, we held strategic and financial debt and equity investments of public companies with a fair value of $74 million. These investments are highly speculative and are concentrated in a small number of companies. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, our strategic investments experienced volatility, which is likely to continue. The fair value of our strategic and financial debt and equity investments can be significantly impacted by the risk of adverse changes in securities markets, as well as risks related to the performance of the companies whose securities we have invested in, risks associated with specific industries, and other factors. These investments are subject to significant fluctuations in fair value due to the volatility of the securities markets and of the underlying businesses. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in the price of our public strategic debt and equity investments would result in approximately a $7 million decrease in the fair value of that portfolio.

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK — Continued
We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. We adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair value of a marketable investment security which are estimated to be “other than temporary” are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount, the historical volatility of the price of each security and any market and company specific factors related to each security. Generally, absent specific factors to the contrary, declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a continuous period of less than six months are considered to be temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments for a continuous period of six to nine months are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist which would indicate that such declines are other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a continuous period greater than nine months are considered other than temporary and are recorded as charges to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary.
As of June 30, 2008, we had accumulated unrealized losses net of related tax effect of $48 million as a part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit).” During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we did not record any charge to earnings for other than temporary declines in the fair value of our marketable investment securities. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2008, we recognized realized and unrealized net gains on marketable investment securities of $2 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, our strategic investments have experienced and continue to experience volatility. If the fair value of our strategic marketable investment securities portfolio does not remain above cost basis or if we become aware of any market or company specific factors that indicate that the carrying value of certain of our securities is impaired, we may be required to record charges to earnings in future periods equal to the amount of the decline in fair value.
We also have several strategic investments in certain equity securities which are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our other investment securities consist of the following:
         
    As of  
    June 30,  
Other Investment Securities
  2008  
    (In thousands)  
Cost method
  $ 68,391  
Equity method
    36,148  
Fair value method
    6,597  
 
     
Total
  $ 111,136  
 
     
Generally, we account for our unconsolidated equity investments under either the equity method or cost method of accounting. Because these equity securities are generally not publicly traded, it is not practical to regularly estimate the fair value of the investments; however, these investments are subject to an evaluation for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans and current financial statements, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, cash flow concerns, material litigation, violations of debt covenants and changes in business strategy. The fair value of these equity investments is not estimated unless there are identified changes in circumstances that may indicate an impairment exists and these changes are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.
We also have a strategic investment in non-public preferred stock, public common stock and convertible debt of a foreign public company. The debt, which is convertible into the issuer’s publicly traded common shares, is accounted for under the fair value method with changes in fair value reported each period as unrealized gains or losses in “Other” income or expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We estimate the fair value of the convertible debt using certain assumptions and judgments in applying a discounted cash flow analysis and the Black-Scholes option pricing model including the fair market value of the underlying common stock price as of that date. During 2006, we converted a portion of the convertible debt to public common shares and determined

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK — Continued
that we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer. Consequently, we account for the common share component of this investment under the equity method of accounting. As a result of our change to equity method accounting, we evaluate the common share component of this investment on a quarterly basis to determine whether there has been a decline in the value that is other than temporary. Because the shares are publicly traded, this quarterly evaluation considers the fair market value of the common shares in addition to the other factors described above for equity and cost method investments. When impairments occur related to our foreign investments, any “Cumulative translation adjustment” associated with these investments will remain in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until the investments are sold or otherwise liquidated; at which time, they will be released into our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The changes in the fair value and impairments of our other investment securities consist of the following:
         
    For the Six  
    Months Ended  
Other Investment Securities   June 30, 2008
    (In thousands)  
Unrealized gains (losses), net
  $ (4,807 )
Impairments
    (12,903 )
 
     
Total
  $ (17,710 )
 
     
Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly traded depends on the success of those companies’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital 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.
As of June 30, 2008, we had fixed-rate debt, mortgages and other notes payable of $6.305 billion on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We estimated the fair value of this debt to be approximately $6.055 billion using quoted market prices for our publicly traded debt, which constitutes approximately 90% of our debt, and an analysis based on certain assumptions discussed below for our private debt. In completing our analysis for our private debt, 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 credit spreads, volatility, and the impact of these factors on the value of the notes. The fair value of our debt is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. A hypothetical 10% decrease in assumed interest rates would increase the fair value of our debt by approximately $182 million. To the extent interest rates increase, our costs of financing would increase at such time as we are required to refinance our debt. As of June 30, 2008, a hypothetical 10% increase in assumed interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $41 million.
In general, we do not use derivative financial instruments for hedging or speculative purposes, but we may do so in the future.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Separation Agreement
In connection with the Spin-off, we have entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar, which provides for, among other things, the division of liability resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed liability for any acts or omissions that relate to its business whether such acts or omissions occurred before or after the Spin-off. Certain exceptions are provided, including for intellectual property related claims generally, whereby EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions that occurred following the Spin-off. Therefore, we have indemnified EchoStar for any potential liability or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the effective date of the Spin-off.
Acacia
During 2004, Acacia Media Technologies (“Acacia”) filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an intellectual property holding company which seeks to license the patent portfolio that it has acquired. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992 (the ‘992 patent), 5,253,275 (the ‘275 patent), 5,550,863 (the ‘863 patent), 6,002,720 (the ‘720 patent) and 6,144,702 (the ‘702 patent). The ‘992, ‘863, ‘720 and ‘702 patents have been asserted against us.
The patents relate to various systems and methods related to the transmission of digital data. The ‘992 and ‘702 patents have also been asserted against several Internet content providers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. During 2004 and 2005, the Court issued Markman rulings which found that the ‘992 and ‘702 patents were not as broad as Acacia had contended, and that certain terms in the ‘702 patent were indefinite. The Court issued additional claim construction rulings on December 14, 2006, March 2, 2007, October 19, 2007, and February 13, 2008. On March 12, 2008, the Court issued an order outlining a schedule for filing dispositive invalidity motions based on its claim constructions. Acacia has agreed to stipulate that all claims in the suit are invalid according to several of the Court’s claim constructions and argues that the case should proceed immediately to the Federal Circuit on appeal. The Court, however, is permitting us to file additional invalidity motions.
Acacia’s various patent infringement cases have been consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the 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 user-friendly 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.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
In 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. (“Broadcast Innovation”) filed a lawsuit against us, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in Federal District Court in Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the ‘094 patent) and 4,992,066 (the ‘066 patent). The ‘094 patent relates to certain methods and devices for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The ‘066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay television system on removable cards. We examined these patents and believe that they are not infringed by any of our products or services. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.
During 2004, the judge issued an order finding the ‘066 patent invalid. Also in 2004, the Court ruled the ‘094 patent invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and Comcast. In 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned the ‘094 patent finding of invalidity and remanded the case back to the District Court. During June 2006, Charter filed a reexamination request with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Court has stayed the case pending reexamination. Our case remains stayed pending resolution of the Charter case.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION — Continued
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the 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 user-friendly 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.
Channel Bundling Class Action
On September 21, 2007, a purported class of cable and satellite subscribers filed an antitrust action against us in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The suit also names as defendants DirecTV, Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Inc., Time Warner Cable, NBC Universal, Viacom, Fox Entertainment Group, and Walt Disney Company. The suit alleges, among other things, that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to provide customers with access only to bundled channel offerings as opposed to giving customers the ability to purchase channels on an “a la carte” basis. We filed a motion to dismiss, which the Court denied in July 2008. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Datasec
During April 2008, Datasec Corporation (“Datasec”) sued us and DirecTV Corporation in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,075,969 (the ‘969 patent). The ‘969 patent was issued in 2000 to inventor Bruce Lusignan, and is entitled “Method for Receiving Signals from a Constellation of Satellites in Close Geosynchronous Orbit.”
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to modify our system architecture. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Distant Network Litigation
During October 2006, a District Court in Florida entered a permanent nationwide injunction prohibiting us from offering distant network channels to consumers effective December 1, 2006. Distant networks are ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox network channels which originate outside the community where the consumer who wants to view them, lives. We have turned off all of our distant network channels and are no longer in the distant network business. Termination of these channels resulted in, among other things, a small reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and free cash flow, and a temporary increase in subscriber churn. The plaintiffs in that litigation allege that we are in violation of the Court’s injunction and have appealed a District Court decision finding that we are not in violation. On July 7, 2008, the Eleventh Circuit rejected the plaintiffs’ appeal and affirmed the decision of the District Court.
Enron Commercial Paper Investment
During October 2001, we received approximately $40 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November 2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enron’s commercial paper. The complaint alleges that Enron’s October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations. We typically invest in commercial paper and notes which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of our investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and low risk. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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Finisar Corporation
Finisar Corporation (“Finisar”) obtained a $100 million verdict in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against DirecTV for patent infringement. Finisar alleged that DirecTV’s electronic program guide and other elements of its system infringe United States Patent No. 5,404,505 (the ‘505 patent).
In July 2006, we, together with NagraStar LLC, filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Finisar that asks the Court to declare that they and we do not infringe, and have not infringed, any valid claim of the ‘505 patent. Trial is not currently scheduled. The District Court has stayed our action until the Federal Circuit has resolved DirecTV’s appeal. During April 2008, the Federal Circuit reversed the judgment against DirecTV and ordered a new trial. We are evaluating the Federal Circuit’s decision to determine the impact on our action.
We intend to vigorously prosecute this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to modify our system architecture. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Global Communications
On April 19, 2007, Global Communications, Inc. (“Global”) filed a patent infringement action against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,947,702 (the ‘702 patent). This patent, which involves satellite reception, was issued in September 2005. On October 24, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted our request for reexamination of the ‘702 patent and issued an Office Action finding that all of the claims of the ‘702 patent were invalid. Based on the PTO’s decision, we have asked the District Court to stay the litigation until the reexamination proceeding is concluded. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe the ‘702 patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly 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.
Katz Communications
On June 21, 2007, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. (“Katz”) filed a patent infringement action against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit alleges infringement of 19 patents owned by Katz. The patents relate to interactive voice response, or IVR, technology. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of 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 user-friendly 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.
Personalized Media Communications
In February 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. filed suit against us, EchoStar and Motorola, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 4,694,490 (the ‘490 patent), 5,109,414 (the ‘414 patent), 4,965,825 (the ‘825 patent), 5,233,654 (the ‘654 patent), 5,335,277 (the ‘277 patent), and 5,887,243 (the ‘243 patent), all of which were issued to John Harvey and James Cuddihy as named inventors. The ‘490 patent, the ‘414 patent, the ‘825 patent, the ‘654 patent and the ‘277 patent are defined as the Harvey Patents. The Harvey Patents are entitled “Signal Processing Apparatus and Methods.” The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that our DBS system receives program content at broadcast reception and satellite uplinking facilities and transmits such program content, via satellite, to remote satellite receivers. The lawsuit further alleges that we infringe the Harvey Patents by transmitting and using a DBS signal specifically encoded to enable the subject receivers to function in a manner that infringes the Harvey Patents, and by selling services via DBS transmission processes which infringe the Harvey Patents.

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We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe any of 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 user-friendly 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.
Retailer Class Actions
During 2000, lawsuits were filed by retailers in Colorado state and federal court attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting the Courts declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs, and other compensation. We have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The federal court action has been stayed during the pendency of the state court action. We filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The Court granted limited discovery which ended during 2004. The plaintiffs claimed we did not provide adequate disclosure during the discovery process. The Court agreed, and denied our motion for summary judgment as a result. The final impact of the Court’s ruling cannot be fully assessed at this time. During April 2008, the Court granted plaintiff’s class certification motion. Trial has been set for April 2009. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Superguide
During 2000, Superguide Corp. (“Superguide”) filed suit against us, DirecTV, Thomson and others in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,038,211 (the ‘211 patent), 5,293,357 (the ‘357 patent) and 4,751,578 (the ‘578 patent) which relate to certain electronic program guide functions, including the use of electronic program guides to control VCRs. Superguide sought injunctive and declaratory relief and damages in an unspecified amount.
On summary judgment, the District Court ruled that none of the asserted patents were infringed by us. These rulings were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. During 2004, the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court’s findings and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. In 2005, Superguide indicated that it would no longer pursue infringement allegations with respect to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and those patents have now been dismissed from the suit. The District Court subsequently entered judgment of non-infringement in favor of all defendants as to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and ordered briefing on Thomson’s license defense as to the ‘578 patent. During December 2006, the District Court found that there were disputed issues of fact regarding Thomson’s license defense, and ordered a trial solely addressed to that issue. That trial took place in March 2007. In July 2007, the District Court ruled in favor of Superguide. As a result, Superguide will be able to proceed with its infringement action against us, DirecTV and Thomson. In June 2008, we moved for summary judgment asking the Court to find, among other things, that the ‘578 patent is invalid.
We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe the ‘578 patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guide and related 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.
Tivo Inc.
On January 31, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the April 2006 jury verdict concluding that certain of our digital video recorders, or DVRs, infringed a patent held by Tivo. In its decision, the Federal Circuit affirmed the jury’s verdict of infringement on Tivo’s “software claims,” upheld the award of damages from the district court, and ordered that the stay of the district court’s injunction against us, which was issued pending appeal, will dissolve when the appeal becomes final. The Federal Circuit,

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however, found that we did not literally infringe Tivo’s “hardware claims,” and remanded such claims back to the district court for further proceedings. We are appealing the Federal Circuit’s ruling to the United States Supreme Court.
In addition, we have developed and deployed ‘next-generation’ DVR software to our customers’ DVRs. This improved software is fully operational and has been automatically downloaded to current customers (our “alternative technology”). We have formal legal opinions from outside counsel that conclude that our alternative technology does not infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, either the hardware or software claims of Tivo’s patent. Tivo has filed a motion for contempt alleging that we are in violation of the Court’s injunction. We have vigorously opposed the motion arguing that the Court’s injunction does not apply to DVRs that have received our alternative technology, that our alternative technology does not infringe Tivo’s patent, and that we are in compliance with the Injunction. The Court has set September 4, 2008 as the hearing date for Tivo’s motion for contempt.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (“SFAS 5”), we recorded a total reserve of $130 million on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the jury verdict, supplemental damages and pre-judgment interest awarded by the Texas court. This amount also includes the estimated cost of any software infringement prior to implementation of our alternative technology, plus interest subsequent to the jury verdict.
If we are unsuccessful in our appeal to the United States Supreme Court, or in defending against Tivo’s motion for contempt or any subsequent claim that our alternative technology infringes Tivo’s patent, we could be prohibited from distributing DVRs, or be required to modify or eliminate certain user-friendly DVR features that we currently offer to consumers. In that event we would be at a significant disadvantage to our competitors who could offer this functionality and, while we would attempt to provide that functionality through other manufacturers, the adverse affect on our business could be material. We could also have to pay substantial additional damages.
Voom
On May 28, 2008, Voom HD Holdings (“Voom”) filed a complaint against us in New York Supreme Court. The suit alleges breach of contract arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement we had with Voom for the carriage of certain Voom HD channels on DISH Network. In January 2008, Voom sought a preliminary injunction to prevent us from terminating the agreement. The Court denied Voom’s motion, finding, among other things, that Voom was not likely to prevail on the merits of its case. Voom is claiming over $1 billion in damages. We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Other
In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for 2007 includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors. The information presented below updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and information disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for 2007.
Recently AT&T notified us that it intends to terminate our current distribution agreement.
In addition, for the six months ended June 30, 2008, approximately 15 percent of our gross subscriber additions were generated through our distribution relationship with AT&T. On June 30, 2008, AT&T notified us that it intends to terminate our current distribution agreement effective as of December 31, 2008. Our ability to maintain or grow our subscriber base will be adversely affected if we do not enter into a new agreement with AT&T and we are not able to develop comparable alternative distribution channels. Even if we were to enter into a new agreement with AT&T, we could still be materially adversely affected if AT&T or other telecommunication providers de-emphasize or discontinue selling our services or if they continue or increase their promotion of competing services.
We currently depend on EchoStar for a substantial portion of our satellite services and substantially all of our digital broadcast operations.
EchoStar is currently our key provider of transponder leasing and our sole provider of digital broadcast operation services. These services are provided pursuant to contracts that generally expire on January 1, 2010. While we have certain rights to renew digital broadcast operation services, EchoStar will have no obligation to provide us transponder leasing after that date. Therefore, if we are unable to extend these contracts on similar terms with EchoStar, or we are unable to obtain similar contracts from third parties after that date, there could be a significant adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.
We have made a substantial investment in 700 MHz wireless licenses and will be required to make significant additional investments to commercialize these licenses.
We participated in the auction of 700 MHz wireless spectrum designated by the FCC as Auction 73. On March 20, 2008, the FCC disclosed that a subsidiary of ours was the provisional winning bidder of 168 E Block licenses, or the “700 MHz Licenses,” in Auction 73 representing coverage of 76% of the U.S. population for a total bid of $712 million. The FCC has not yet issued us the licenses.
We expect to invest significant additional amounts to develop services and infrastructure to effectively utilize the spectrum and provide services to our customers. We will also need to comply with the technical and operational rules and regulations adopted by the FCC for this spectrum, including specific build-out requirements. Part or all of our licenses can be terminated for failure to satisfy these requirements. Specifically, we will be required to meet interim build-out benchmarks by February 17, 2013. Failure to meet an interim benchmark requirement will cause a two year reduction in our license term (from 10 years to 8 years) and may result in enforcement action, including forfeitures, and the loss of right to operate in any unserved areas.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these investments and profitably deploy the spectrum represented by the 700 MHz Licenses.
Furthermore, the market values of wireless licenses may vary significantly in the future. In particular, valuation swings could occur if:
    consolidation in the wireless industry allows or requires wireless carriers to sell significant portions of their wireless spectrum holdings, which could in turn reduce the value of our spectrum holdings; or
    a sudden large sale of spectrum by one or more wireless providers occurs.
In addition, the price of wireless licenses could decline as a result of the FCC’s pursuit of policies, including auctions, designed to increase the number of wireless licenses available in each of our markets. For example, the 700 MHz Licenses that we acquired were only recently made available by the FCC. If the market value of our 700 MHz Licenses were to decline significantly, the value of our 700 MHz Licenses could be subject to non-cash

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impairment charges. We assess potential impairments to our indefinite-lived intangible assets, including our 700 MHz Licenses annually, and when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment condition may exist. Estimates of the fair value of our 700 MHz Licenses are based primarily on available market prices, including successful bid prices in FCC auctions and selling prices observed in wireless license transactions.
A portion of our short-term investment portfolio is invested in auction rate securities and as a result of unsuccessful auctions, a portion of our portfolio has restricted liquidity. If the credit ratings of these securities we hold deteriorate or the lack of liquidity in the marketplace becomes prolonged, we may be required to adjust the carrying value of these investments through an impairment charge.
A portion of our investment portfolio is invested in auction rate securities and mortgage backed securities. The markets associated with these investments have experienced zero or greatly reduced liquidity in recent months. We currently deem the declines in fair value associated with these securities to be not other than temporary and have reflected them in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Should the credit ratings of these securities deteriorate or the lack of liquidity in the marketplace become prolonged, we may deem any declines in fair value to be other than temporary and would then record them as impairment charges on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We may be required to raise and refinance indebtedness during unfavorable market conditions.
During 2008, we will have up to $1.5 billion in debt come up for repayment or repurchase, including $500 million of debt that will come up for repayment or repurchase in the third quarter of 2008 and $1.0 billion of debt that will come up for repayment or repurchase in the fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, our business plans may require that we raise additional debt to capitalize on our business opportunities. Recent developments in the financial markets have made it more difficult for issuers of high yield indebtedness such as us to access capital markets at reasonable interest rates. We cannot predict with any certainty whether or not we will be impacted in the future by the current adverse credit market conditions which may adversely affect our ability to refinance our indebtedness, including our indebtedness which is subject to repayment or repurchase in 2008 or to secure additional financing to support our growth initiatives.
We have limited satellite capacity and satellite failures or launch delays could adversely affect our business.
Operation of our subscription television service requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions require that we continue to expand our offering of new programming, particularly by launching more HD local markets and offering more HD national channels. 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 satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other 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 have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For instance, our EchoStar II satellite experienced a substantial failure that appears to have rendered the satellite a total loss. EchoStar II had been operating from the 148 degree orbital location primarily as a back-up satellite, but had provided local network channel service to Alaska and six other small markets. As a result of this failure we had to relocate all programming and other services previously broadcast from EchoStar II to Echostar I, the primary satellite at the 148 degree location.

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We are subject to digital HD “carry-one-carry-all” requirements that will cause capacity constraints.
In order to provide any analog local broadcast signal in any market today, we are required to retransmit all qualifying analog broadcast signals in that market (“carry-one-carry-all”). The digital transition in February 2009 will require all full-power broadcasters to cease transmission using analog signals and switch over to digital signals. The switch to digital will provide broadcasters significantly greater capacity to provide high definition and multi-cast programming. During March 2008, the FCC adopted new digital carriage rules that require DBS providers to phase in carry-one-carry-all obligations with respect to the carriage of broadcasters’ HD signals by February 2013. The carriage of additional HD signals on our DBS system could cause us to experience significant capacity constraints and limit the number of local markets that we can serve. The broadcast digital transition will also require resource-intensive efforts by us to transition all broadcast signals from analog to digital at the hundreds of local facilities we utilize across the nation to receive local channels and transmit them to our uplink facilities.
In addition, the FCC is now considering whether to require DBS providers to carry broadcast stations in both standard definition and high definition starting in 2010, in accordance with the phased-in HD carry-one, carry-all requirements adopted by the FCC. If we were required to carry multiple versions of each broadcast station, we would have to dedicate more of our finite satellite capacity to each broadcast station, which may force us to reduce the number of local markets served and limit our ability to meet competitive needs. We cannot predict the outcome or timing of that proceeding.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information regarding purchases of our Class A common stock from April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008.
                                 
    Total             Total Number of     Maximum Approximate  
    Number of             Shares Purchased as     Dollar Value of Shares  
    Shares     Average     Part of Publicly     that May Yet be  
    Purchased     Price Paid     Announced Plans or     Purchased Under the  
Period   (a)     per Share     Programs     Plans or Programs (b)  
  (In thousands, except share data)  
April 1 - April 30, 2008
        $           $ 1,000,000  
May 1 - May 31, 2008
        $           $ 1,000,000  
June 1 - June 30, 2008
        $           $ 1,000,000  
 
                       
Total
        $           $ 1,000,000  
 
                       
 
(a)   During the period from April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008, we did not repurchase any of our Class A common stock pursuant to our repurchase program.
 
(b)   Our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A common stock on August 9, 2004. Prior to 2007, we purchased a total of 13.6 million shares of our Class A common stock for $374 million under this plan. During November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the maximum dollar value of shares that may be repurchased under the plan, such that we are currently authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion of our outstanding shares through and including December 31, 2008. Purchases under our repurchase program may be made through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, subject to market conditions and other factors. We may elect not to purchase the maximum amount of shares allowable under this program and we may also enter into additional share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors.

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Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The following matters were voted upon at the annual meeting of our shareholders held on June 5, 2008:
  a.   The election of James DeFranco, Cantey Ergen, Charles W. Ergen, Steven R. Goodbarn, Gary S. Howard, David K. Moskowitz, Tom A. Ortolf, and Carl E. Vogel as directors to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders; and
  b.   Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, and
  c.   A shareholder proposal to amend DISH Network’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
Matters (a) and (b) above were approved while matter (c) was rejected. The voting results were as follows:
                                 
    Votes  
            Against/             Broker  
    For     Withheld     Abstain     Non-Votes  
Election as directors:
                               
James DeFranco
    2,524,187,713       46,229,476              
Cantey Ergen
    2,520,939,600       49,477,589              
Charles W. Ergen
    2,526,125,396       44,291,793              
Steven R. Goodbarn
    2,565,555,474       4,861,716              
Gary S. Howard
    2,565,557,247       4,859,943              
David K. Moskowitz
    2,525,014,005       45,403,184              
Tom A. Ortolf
    2,565,540,169       4,877,021              
Carl E. Vogel
    2,524,188,901       46,228,288              
 
                               
Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008
    2,569,516,556       819,992       80,641        
 
                               
Shareholder Proposal to Amend DISH Network’s Equal Opportunity Policy
    59,124,924       2,489,630,428       4,520,375        

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Item 6. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits.
     
4.1*
  Indenture, dated as of May 27, 2008, relating to the 73/4% Senior Notes due 2015 issued by EchoStar DBS Corporation, among EchoStar DBS Corporation, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of Dish Network filed on May 28, 2008).
 
   
4.2*
  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2008, among EchoStar DBS Corporation, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the current report on Form 8-K of Dish Network filed on May 28, 2008).
 
   
31.1o
  Section 302 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
31.2o
  Section 302 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
   
32.1o
  Section 906 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
32.2o
  Section 906 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
o   Filed herewith.
 
*   Incorporated by reference.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
DISH NETWORK CORPORATION
 
   
By:
  /s/ Charles W. Ergen
 
   
 
  Charles W. Ergen
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
 
   
By:
  /s/ Bernard L. Han
 
   
 
  Bernard L. Han
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 4, 2008

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Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit No.    
4.1*
  Indenture, dated as of May 27, 2008, relating to the 73/4% Senior Notes due 2015 issued by EchoStar DBS Corporation, among EchoStar DBS Corporation, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of Dish Network filed on May 28, 2008).
 
   
4.2*
  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2008, among EchoStar DBS Corporation, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the current report on Form 8-K of Dish Network filed on May 28, 2008).
 
   
31.1o
  Section 302 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
31.2o
  Section 302 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
   
32.1o
  Section 906 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
32.2o
  Section 906 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
o   Filed herewith.
 
*   Incorporated by reference.