As of today, Echostar is now the parent company of DISH Network. The companies had been separate, despite having a lot of common ownership, since 2008. Echostar itself was founded all the way back in 1980, and was the parent company of DISH Network throughout most of its history. And, it is once again.
Closely tied together
The two companies have remained closely tied together during the last 17 years despite being two separate entities. Both have been largely owned and partially controlled by satellite titan Charlie Ergen. In the early days of the two being separate, Echostar continued to manufacture satellite receivers and operated the Sling streaming service. However, in 2017 all of that was transferred over to DISH Network. This left Echostar free to focus on future 5G endeavors, something the company is still pursuing.
With today’s merger, the combined company strengthens it position and should be able to see some gains in efficiency. I’m sure that the new company’s management, led by President and CEO Hamid Akhavan, is planning to streamline at all levels to make sure that Echostar meets profitability goals. Visionary Charlie Ergen, by the way, holds the title of Executive Chairman of the Board.
With this merger, Echostar now operates some of the country’s most recognizable brands, including Boost Mobile, Boost Infinite, Sling TV and DISH TV, as well as EchoStar, Hughes® and JUPITER™ satellite services, HughesON™ managed services and HughesNet® satellite internet. All of these services are available at Solid Signal, of course.
DISH or Dish Network?
Despite things being laid out in the original 2008 merger, there’s still some confusion as to when to use the names “DISH” and “DISH Network.” For the last 17 years, the corporate entity has been known as Dish Network, sometimes styled as DISH Network. DISH Network manufactures the hardware and has operational responsibility. However, the service itself has been branded as DISH or, more recently, DISH TV.
The real fact of the matter is that it doesn’t matter if you use either term conversationally, everyone knows what service you’re talking about. If you’re a stickler though, you might want to use the term DISH for the service and DISH Network for the company.
Want to know more about DISH and Solid Signal?
Solid Signal is a DISH Premier Local Retailer. This means that we have the full power of the DISH Network operation behind us. We’re independently owned, though. We offer DISH TV as well as many other services through our Signal Connect arm, as well as DISH Network-manufactured products at SolidSignal.com.
If you’re ready to upgrade your DISH setup, we’re here for it! If you want to get DISH in your RV or boat, look no further. We have done more marine and RV activations in the last 20 years than anyone else in the industry! The reason is simple. It’s all about our superior customer service. Our team will spend the time you need getting things right.
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For more information on the Echostar and DISH Network deal, check out their press release.
