EchoStar, led by Charlie Ergen, reported a decline in pay-TV subscribers for the fourth quarter of 2024, losing 253,000 subscribers. This marks an improvement over the 314,000 subscribers lost in Q4 2023.
At the end of 2024, EchoStar’s total pay-TV subscriber base stood at 7.78 million, including:
- 5.69 million Dish TV subscribers
- 2.09 million Sling TV subscribers
Hamid Akhavan, EchoStar’s CEO and president, said, “Overall, we made improvements in all of our lines of business and achieved our plan of ending the year delivering positive free cash flow. In addition, we had notable developments in our wireless business.”
EchoStar’s fourth-quarter revenue fell from $4.16 billion in Q4 2023 to $3.97 billion in the same period of 2024. However, the company reported an operating income before depreciation and amortization of $397 million, a significant improvement compared to a loss of $370 million in Q4 2023.
✔ Pay-TV subscriber losses slowed down compared to last year
✔ Total subscribers at 7.78 million (Dish TV + Sling TV)
✔ Revenue declined to $3.97 billion, but operating income improved
✔ Company achieved positive free cash flow
With EchoStar continuing to navigate challenges in the pay-TV market, the company is focusing on wireless expansion and financial stability heading into 2025.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation is a global provider of satellite communications, pay-TV services, and wireless technology. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the company has played a major role in advancing satellite broadband and television services.