Dish files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, continues operations
Dish, the company behind Dish TV and Sling TV, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but will continue operating. The restructuring plan includes winding down wireless operations after delays in selling $23 billion worth of 5G spectrum to AT&T.
Dish, the parent company of Dish TV and Sling TV, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to a press release, the company plans to operate normally during the process and expects to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
The bankruptcy filing allows the EchoStar-owned company to proceed with winding down its wireless operations. This follows delays in the planned sale of $23 billion worth of 5G spectrum to AT&T. Neither deal has closed yet, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Dish TV, Sling TV, and other associated brands will continue to operate as usual. Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile are not included in the bankruptcy process and will function without any changes.
The company cited insufficient liquidity to repay $2 billion in debt due July 1, attributed to the delayed spectrum sale. Last year, Dish abandoned its goal of becoming the fourth major U.S. carrier and announced plans to sell portions of its spectrum to AT&T and SpaceX.
EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen stated in the release that the company has been at the forefront of telecommunications for over 45 years and that these steps will position it for a stronger future. He assured that the company is operating as usual, delivering the same high-quality services customers expect.
