Dish Network Corporation Stock Price, News & Analysis

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) reported a significant increase in revenue for Q1 2021, totaling $4.50 billion, up from $3.22 billion in Q1 2020. Net income soared to $630 million compared to $73 million a year prior, leading to diluted earnings per share of $0.99, compared to $0.13 in the previous year. However, the company experienced a net decrease of 230,000 Pay-TV subscribers and 161,000 retail wireless subscribers during the quarter, raising concerns about customer retention.

DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH) will hold a conference call on April 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss its first quarter results. Participants can access the call by dialing (866) 548-4713 (U.S.) or (323) 794-2093 and using conference ID 6228572. A financial results news release will be made available prior to the call on DISH's Investor Relations website. The company has transformed into a U.S. wireless carrier and is developing the first virtualized, standalone 5G network.

On April 22, 2021, SLING TV launched an exclusive sports betting information channel in partnership with DraftKings. This new channel provides real-time game scores and betting odds, enhancing the viewing experience for SLING TV subscribers and SLING Free users. Following this launch, additional channels for baseball and hockey will also be introduced. This strategic move aims to integrate sports betting into the streaming platform, making SLING TV a pioneer in live TV streaming services.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been selected by DISH Network as its preferred cloud provider to construct a cloud-native 5G network, aiming to transform the consumption of 5G services. This collaboration allows DISH to deploy the first standalone, cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network in the U.S., starting with Las Vegas. AWS’s infrastructure will enable DISH to automate operations, optimize costs, and facilitate new application development. The deal emphasizes agility and responsiveness, with potential applications across various industries, including smart factories, healthcare, and gaming.

DISH has released a white paper emphasizing the security features of its cloud-native Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) as a key differentiator. The paper outlines DISH's commitment to prioritizing network, system, and end-user security in its 5G deployment. It discusses the importance of a trusted software supply chain and how DISH's 5G security offers greater agility and scalability compared to traditional networks. Strategic security partnerships are also highlighted as essential to DISH's security model.

Palo Alto Networks (NYSE: PANW) has been chosen by DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) to secure the U.S.' first cloud-native 5G OpenRAN network. DISH aims to integrate 5G-native security solutions from day one to transform wireless connectivity. Palo Alto will provide cutting-edge security services, including VM-series and CN-series Next-Generation Firewalls, and Prisma Cloud. This partnership is expected to enhance business transformation across various sectors leveraging the secure 5G network.

On April 1, 2021, DISH TV and SLING TV removed MASN and NBC Regional Sports Networks from their offerings, affecting customers in 10 states and Washington D.C. Brian Neylon, Group President of DISH TV, criticized the existing RSN model as outdated, stating it forces all customers to pay for channels that only a minority watch. DISH has proposed a new a la carte model for RSN subscriptions that would allow customers to only pay for channels they want. Despite their efforts, MASN and NBC have declined to adopt this proposal.

ASAPP, Inc. announced a multi-year agreement with DISH Network to implement the ASAPP Customer Experience Performance (CXP) platform. This initiative aims to enhance customer satisfaction through advanced AI-driven solutions, allowing DISH to maintain its superior service standards. DISH has been recognized as #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power for three years in a row. The ASAPP platform leverages AI technologies to optimize the customer experience, enabling efficient service across various channels.

DISH is launching the $1 Million Bracket Challenge, allowing DISH TV customers to compete for a chance to win $1 million by submitting a perfect NCAA tournament bracket. Customers can enter via the DISH Bracket Challenge app or dishanywhere.com until March 19 at 12 p.m. ET. This initiative is part of a collaboration with DraftKings to enhance customer engagement during the NCAA tournament.