We hosted a call on Monday that covered our analysis of the impact of the FCC inquiries on spectrum values, and how this could change if the Company files for Chapter 11 protection. We hosted the call with Jeff Carlisle who is perhaps the leading expert on matters that sit at the intersection of telecom policy and bankruptcy. We got more questions than we could answer in the time we had, and so we covered the questions we didn’t get to in this note.
Today EchoStar filed an 8-K announcing that they would not make a scheduled interest payment on DBS secured and unsecured bonds. As with the skipped interest payment at EchoStar, this triggers a 30-day grace period after which DBS will be in default. A default at DBS would also trigger a default at Dish Network Corp., based on cross-default protections in Dish Network Corp. bonds. Our quick thoughts in this (very) brief note.
Since Friday’s announcement that SATS is not making an interest payment, triggering a 30-day period that could lead to a SATS voluntary Chapter 11 proceeding, we have been in numerous talks with investors about the most notorious bankruptcy case involving the FCC and a telecom company, NextWave. In this note we quickly summarize the key lessons of that case for investors analyzing the potential implications of a SATS bankruptcy proceeding.
As previously discussed, earlier this month, the FCC opened two proceedings that could adversely affect SATS. The opening round of filings in those proceedings ended earlier this week. In this note we review the filings to update our analysis of the likely outcome.
There are two inquiries underway: one on the validity of the buildout extension; one exploring potential sharing in the MSS spectrum. In the first inquiry, only three parties filed in opposition – VTel, SpaceX, and SFP. The SFP filing alleges that EchoStar used “slight-of-hand” to meet buildout commitments. In the second inquiry, there were several filings from satellite companies that would like access to the spectrum (as one might expect). Our quick reaction in this brief note.
EchoStar filed an 8-K this morning claiming that the recent FCC public notices concerning its licenses have created uncertainty, limiting its ability to continue the buildout. In addition, they disclosed strong adds in April, which is consistent with comments made by Verizon today and others at recent events. Our quick thoughts in this (very) brief note.
Earlier in the week we outlined the paths that the FCC is likely to take regarding SATS spectrum and how it could impact the monetization of those assets. Our analysis did not, however, discuss how the FCC Wireless Bureau public notice could affect the spectrum assets for which SATS has certified that it has met the FCC obligations but for which the FCC has not yet confirmed the certification. In this quick update, we address how the FCC process might affect SATS’ rights regarding that spectru...
We have rearchitected the model in light of evidence of the company no longer using DBS as a source of cash for the wireless business and given changes in how the various subsidiaries are being funded following the debt raise late last year. It appears that DBS is building up cash to pay off debt in July of next year. This may require EchoStar to raise new debt in the fourth quarter of 2026 rather than during 2027. We also cover a small but interesting collateral swap between Dish Network & Echo...
Dorchester Minerals, L.P. Announces Retirement and Appointment to the Board of Managers DALLAS, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dorchester Minerals, L.P. (the “Partnership”) (NASDAQ-DMLP). As previously announced, Ron Trout retired as an Independent Manager of the Partnership after the conclusion of his term, which ended immediately following the 2025 Annual Meeting. Casey McManemin, Chairman of the Board, stated “I would like to thank Ron for 17 years of dedicated service to the Board of Managers. His business acumen and insights have made a meaningful contribution to the Board.” In ...
Last week, the dominant story in our space involved the escalation of the battle between SATS and SpaceX as well as the threat to the SATS’ spectrum licenses through two FCC investigations that Chairman Carr initiated. In this note we focus on the twists and turns of those investigations and update our thoughts on the core questions that will help investors understand the path(s) forward, with endgames that can affect not just SATS but others who utilize and seek new spectrum.
A few weeks ago, we analyzed the latest front in the long running battle between DISH and SpaceX. That battle has escalated, with a WSJ story describing a letter from FCC Chair Carr to DISH that appears to take SpaceX’s side and two FCC public notices that appear sympathetic to SpaceX as well. In this note, we update our analysis to reflect the letter, the public notices, and what happens going forward.
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