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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Form 10-Q

Commission file number 333-31929

EchoStar DBS Corporation

(303) 723-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X      No    .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  X      No    .

As of November 12, 2003, Registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 1,015 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value.

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.

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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We make “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this document. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect” or “anticipate” will occur, and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not be correct, even though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that any future transactions or events described herein will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You should read this document completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Whether actual events or results will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following:

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we face intense and increasing competition from the satellite and cable television industry, new competitors may enter the subscription television business, and new technologies may increase competition;

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DISH Network subscriber growth may decrease, subscriber turnover may increase and subscriber acquisition costs may increase;

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satellite programming signals have been pirated and will continue to be pirated in the future; pirating could cause us to lose subscribers and revenue or result in higher costs to us;

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programming costs may increase beyond our current expectations; we may be unable to obtain or renew programming agreements on acceptable terms or at all; existing programming agreements could be subject to cancellation;

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weakness in the global or U.S. economy may harm our business generally, and adverse local political or economic developments may occur in some of our markets;

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the regulations governing our industry may change;

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our satellite launches may be delayed or fail, or our satellites may fail in orbit prior to the end of their scheduled lives;

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we currently do not have traditional commercial insurance covering losses incurred from the failure of satellite launches and/or in orbit satellites and we may be unable to settle outstanding claims with insurers;

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service interruptions arising from technical anomalies on satellites or on-ground components of our DBS system, or caused by war, terrorist activities or natural disasters, may cause customer cancellations or otherwise harm our business;

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we may be unable to obtain needed retransmission consents, Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) authorizations or export licenses, and we may lose our current or future authorizations;

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we are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business;

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we may be unable to obtain patent licenses from holders of intellectual property or redesign our products to avoid patent infringement;

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sales of digital equipment and related services to international direct-to-home service providers may decrease;

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we are highly leveraged and subject to numerous constraints on our ability to raise additional debt;

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acquisitions, business combinations, strategic partnerships, divestitures and other significant transactions may involve additional uncertainties;

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terrorist attacks, consequences of the war in Iraq, and the possibility of war or hostilities relating to other countries, and changes in international political conditions as a result of these events may continue to affect the U.S. and the global economy and may increase other risks; and

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we may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. In this connection, investors should consider the risks described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in other reports we file with the SEC.

In this document “we,” “our,” “us,” and “EDBS” refer to EchoStar DBS Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. “EchoStar” and “ECC” refer to Echostar Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Organization and Business Activities

EchoStar DBS Corporation (“EDBS”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and/or “our”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation (“EchoStar” or “ECC”), a publicly traded company listed on the Nasdaq National Market. EDBS was formed under Colorado law in January 1996. EchoStar has placed ownership of eight of its nine in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses into subsidiaries of the Company.

Principal Business

Unless otherwise stated herein, or the context otherwise requires, references herein to EchoStar shall include ECC, EDBS and all direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof. The operations of EchoStar include two interrelated business units:

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The DISH Network — which provides a direct broadcast satellite subscription television service we refer to as “DBS” in the United States; and

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EchoStar Technologies Corporation (“ETC”) — which designs and develops DBS set-top boxes, antennae and other digital equipment for the DISH Network. We refer to this equipment collectively as “EchoStar receiver systems.” ETC also designs, develops and distributes similar equipment for international satellite service providers.

Since 1994, EchoStar has deployed substantial resources to develop the “EchoStar DBS System.” The EchoStar DBS System consists of EchoStar’s FCC-allocated DBS spectrum, nine in-orbit satellites (“EchoStar I” through “EchoStar IX”), EchoStar receiver systems, digital broadcast operations centers, customer service facilities, and other assets utilized in our operations. EchoStar’s principal business strategy is to continue developing its subscription television service in the United States to provide consumers with a fully competitive alternative to cable television service.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and disclosures thereto included in EDBS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)

Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows:

Accumulated other comprehensive income presented on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets consists of the accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

We have elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations in accounting for our stock-based compensation plans. Under APB 25, we generally do not recognize compensation expense on the issuance of stock under our stock incentive plans because the option terms are typically fixed and typically the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, “Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation,” (“FAS No. 123”) which established an alternative method of expense recognition for stock-based compensation awards to employees based on fair values. We elected to not adopt FAS No. 123 for expense recognition purposes.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by FAS No. 123 and Financial Accounting Standard No. 148, “Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure,” (“FAS No. 148”). Pro forma information has been determined as if we had accounted for our stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method prescribed by FAS No. 123. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting period of the options. A value is not attributed to options that employees forfeit because they fail to satisfy specified service or performance related conditions. The following table, as required by FAS No. 148, illustrates the effect on net income if we had accounted for our stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method prescribed by FAS No. 123 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)

For purposes of this pro forma presentation, the fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price characteristics, which are significantly different from those of traded options. Because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of stock-based compensation awards.

Non-cash, stock-based compensation

During 1999, we adopted an incentive plan under our 1995 Stock Incentive Plan that provided certain key employees with incentives including stock options. The table below shows the amount of compensation expense recognized under this performance-based plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2003. The expense decrease from the prior year for both the three and nine months is primarily attributable to stock option forfeitures resulting from employee terminations. The remaining deferred compensation of $2.9 million as of September 30, 2003, which will be reduced by future forfeitures, if any, will be recognized over the remaining vesting period, ending on March 31, 2004.

We report all non-cash compensation based on stock option appreciation as a single expense category in our accompanying statements of operations. The following table indicates the other expense categories in our statements of operations that would be affected if non-cash, stock-based compensation was allocated to the same expense categories as the base compensation for key employees who participate in the 1999 incentive plan.

In addition, options to purchase 7.8 million shares were outstanding under our long term incentive plan as of September 30, 2003. These options were granted with exercise prices at least equal to the market value of the underlying shares on the dates they were issued during 1999, 2000 and 2001. The weighted-average exercise price of these options is $8.97. Vesting of these options is contingent upon meeting certain longer-term goals which have not yet been achieved. Consequently, no compensation was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 related to these long-term options. We will record the related compensation at the achievement, if ever, of the performance goals. Such compensation, if recorded, would likely result in material non-cash, stock-based compensation expense in our statements of operations.

3. Marketable Investment Securities

We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale marketable investment securities to fair market value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of stockholders’ deficit, net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair market value of a marketable investment security which are estimated to be “other than temporary” must be recognized in the statement of operations, thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the market value of these securities are other than temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying value of these securities, the historical volatility of the price of each security and any market and company

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)

specific factors related to each security. Generally, absent specific factors to the contrary, declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a period of less than six months are considered to be temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments for a period of six to nine months are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist which would indicate that such declines are other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for greater than nine months are considered other than temporary and are recorded as charges to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary.

As of September 30, 2003, we recorded unrealized gains of approximately $0.2 million as a separate component of stockholder’s deficit. If the fair market value of our marketable securities portfolio does not remain above cost basis or if we become aware of any market or company specific factors that indicate that the carrying values of certain of our securities are impaired, we may be required to record additional charges to earnings in future periods equal to the amount of the decline in fair value.

4. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

5. Satellites

EchoStar I and II

EchoStar I and EchoStar II are both Series 7000 class satellites designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation. While both of those satellites are currently functioning properly in orbit, a similar Lockheed Series 7000 class satellite owned by Loral Skynet recently experienced total in-orbit failure. While we currently do not have sufficient information available to reach any conclusions as to whether other satellites of the Series 7000 class might be at increased risk of suffering a similar malfunction, no telemetry or other data indicates EchoStar I or EchoStar II would be expected to experience a similar failure. EchoStar I and II are currently located at the 148 west orbital location.

EchoStar III

During June 2003, a transponder pair on EchoStar III failed, resulting in a temporary interruption of service. Operation of the satellite was quickly restored. Including the six transponder pairs that malfunctioned in prior years, these anomalies have resulted in the failure of a total of fourteen transponders on the satellite to date. While originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at any given time, the satellite was equipped with a total of 44 transponders to provide redundancy, and can now operate a maximum of 30 transponders. A total of 19 transponders are currently in operation on EchoStar III, including 11 licensed to us and 8 licensed to a third party.

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(Unaudited)

EchoStar V

During 2000, 2001 and 2002, EchoStar V experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of three solar array strings, and during January 2003, EchoStar V experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of an additional solar array string. The satellite has a total of approximately 96 solar array strings and approximately 92 are required to assure full power availability for the estimated 12-year design life of the satellite. In addition, during January 2003, EchoStar V experienced an anomaly in a spacecraft electronic component which affects the ability to receive telemetry from certain on-board equipment. Other methods of communication have been established to alleviate the effects of the failed component. An investigation of the solar array and electronic component anomalies, none of which have impacted commercial operation of the satellite, is continuing. Until the root cause of these anomalies is finally determined, there can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause further losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.

EchoStar VIII

During 2002, two of the thrusters on EchoStar VIII experienced anomalous events and are not currently in use. During March 2003, an additional thruster on EchoStar VIII experienced an anomalous event and is not currently in use. The satellite is equipped with a total of 12 thrusters that help control spacecraft location, attitude, and pointing and is currently operating using a combination of the other nine thrusters. This workaround requires more frequent maneuvers to maintain the satellite at its specified orbital location, which are less efficient and therefore result in accelerated fuel use. In addition, the workaround will require certain gyroscopes to be utilized for aggregate periods of time substantially in excess of their originally qualified limits. However, neither of these workarounds are expected to reduce the estimated design life of the satellite to less than 12 years. An investigation of the thruster anomalies including the development of additional workarounds for long term operations is continuing. None of these events has impacted commercial operation of the satellite to date. Until the root cause of these anomalies has been finally determined, there can be no assurance that these or future anomalies will not cause further losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.

EchoStar VIII is equipped with two solar arrays which convert solar energy into power for the satellite. Those arrays rotate continuously to maintain optimal exposure to the sun. During June and July 2003, EchoStar VIII experienced anomalies that temporarily halted rotation of one of the solar arrays. The array is currently fully functional, but rotating in a mode recommended by the satellite manufacturer which allows full rotation but is different than the originally prescribed mode. An investigation of the solar array anomalies, none of which have impacted commercial operation of the satellite, is continuing. Until the root cause of these anomalies is finally determined, there can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.

During September 2003, a single battery cell on EchoStar VIII exhibited reduced capacity. There are 72 battery cells on EchoStar VIII and all loads can be maintained for the full design life of the satellite with up to two battery cells fully failed. An investigation of the battery cell anomaly, which has not impacted commercial operation of the satellite, is underway. Until the root cause of the anomaly is determined, there can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.

EchoStar IX

EchoStar IX was successfully launched to the 121 degree orbital location on August 7, 2003. Its 32 licensed Ku-band transponders are expected to provide additional video service choices for DISH Network subscribers utilizing a specially-designed dish beginning during the fourth quarter of 2003. EchoStar IX is also equipped with two Ka-band transponders which we intend to utilize to confirm the commercial viability of direct-to-home Ka-band video and data services. EchoStar IX is currently owned by a subsidiary of ECC which is not owned by EDBS. Therefore, EchoStar IX is not reflected on our balance sheet as of September 30, 2003.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
(Unaudited)

Satellite Insurance

As a result of the failure of EchoStar IV solar arrays to fully deploy and the failure of 38 transponders to date, a maximum of 6 of the 44 transponders (including spares) on EchoStar IV are available for use at this time. In addition to transponder and solar array failures, EchoStar IV has experienced anomalies affecting its thermal systems and propulsion system. There can be no assurance that further material degradation, or total loss of use, of EchoStar IV will not occur in the immediate future. EchoStar IV is currently located at the 157 degree orbital location.

In September 1998, EchoStar filed a $219.3 million insurance claim for a total loss under the launch insurance policies covering EchoStar IV. The satellite insurance consists of separate substantially identical policies with different carriers for varying amounts that, in combination, create a total insured amount of $219.3 million. The insurance carriers include La Reunion Spatiale; AXA Reinsurance Company (n/k/a AXA Corporate Solutions Reinsurance Company), United States Aviation Underwriters, Inc., United States Aircraft Insurance Group; Assurances Generales De France I.A.R.T. (AGF); Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London; Great Lakes Reinsurance (U.K.) PLC; British Aviation Insurance Group; If Skaadeforsikring (previously Storebrand); Hannover Re (a/k/a International Hannover); The Tokio Marine & Fire Insurance Company, Ltd.; Marham Space Consortium (a/k/a Marham Consortium Management); Ace Global Markets (a/k/a Ace London); M.C. Watkins Syndicate; Goshawk Syndicate Management Ltd.; D.E. Hope Syndicate 10009 (Formerly Busbridge); Amlin Aviation; K.J. Coles & Others; H.R. Dumas & Others; Hiscox Syndicates, Ltd.; Cox Syndicate; Hayward Syndicate; D.J. Marshall & Others; TF Hart; Kiln; Assitalia Le Assicurazioni D’Italia S.P.A. Roma; La Fondiaria Assicurazione S.P.A., Firenze; Vittoria Assicurazioni S.P.A., Milano; Ras — Riunione Adriatica Di Sicurta S.P.A., Milano; Societa Cattolica Di Assicurazioni, Verano; Siat Assicurazione E Riassicurazione S.P.A., Genova; E. Patrick; ZC Specialty Insurance; Lloyds of London Syndicates 588 NJM, 1209 Meb AND 861 Meb; Generali France Assurances; Assurance France Aviation; and Ace Bermuda Insurance Ltd.

The insurance carriers offered EchoStar a total of approximately $88.0 million, or 40.0% of the total policy amount, in settlement of the EchoStar IV insurance claim. The insurers assert, among other things, that EchoStar IV was not a total loss, as that term is defined in the policy, and that EchoStar did not abide by the exact terms of the insurance policies. EchoStar strongly disagrees and filed arbitration claims against the insurers for breach of contract, failure to pay a valid insurance claim and bad faith denial of a valid claim, among other things. Due to individual forum selection clauses in certain of the policies, EchoStar is pursuing its arbitration claims against Ace Bermuda Insurance Ltd. in London, England, and its arbitration claims against all of the other insurance carriers in New York, New York. The New York arbitration commenced on April 28, 2003, and hearings are scheduled to resume in November 2003. The parties to the London arbitration have agreed to stay that proceeding pending a ruling in the New York arbitration. There can be no assurance that EchoStar will receive the amount claimed in either the New York or the London arbitrations or, if EchoStar does, that it will retain title to EchoStar IV with its reduced capacity.

At the time EchoStar filed its claim in 1998, we recognized an initial impairment loss of $106.0 million to write-down the carrying value of the satellite and related costs, and simultaneously recorded an insurance claim receivable for the same amount. We will have to reduce the amount of this receivable if a final settlement is reached for less than this amount. In addition, during 1999, we recorded an impairment loss of approximately $16.0 million as a charge to earnings to further write-down the carrying value of the satellite.

As a result of transponder, thermal and propulsion system anomalies only 6 transponders are currently available on EchoStar IV. We cannot predict with certainty how much longer we will be able to transmit programming from EchoStar IV.

The indentures related to certain of our senior notes contain restrictive covenants that require us to maintain satellite insurance with respect to at least half of the satellites we own or lease. As of September 30, 2003, eight of EchoStar’s nine in-orbit satellites were in service and owned by one of our direct subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2003, insurance coverage was therefore required for at least four of our eight satellites. The launch and/or in-orbit insurance policies for EchoStar I through EchoStar VIII have expired. We have been unable to obtain insurance on any of these satellites on

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terms acceptable to us. As a result, we are currently self-insuring these satellites. To satisfy insurance covenants related to our senior notes, we have reclassified an amount equal to the depreciated cost of four of our satellites from “Cash and cash equivalents” to “Cash reserved for satellite insurance” on our balance sheet. As of September 30, 2003, “Cash reserved for satellite insurance” totaled approximately $127.1 million. The reclassifications will continue until such time, if ever, as we can again insure our satellites on acceptable terms and for acceptable amounts or until the covenants requiring the insurance are no longer applicable.

6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

As of December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003, we had approximately $2.1 million of gross identifiable intangibles, with related accumulated amortization of approximately $1.3 million as of the end of each period, respectively. These identifiable intangibles primarily include acquired contracts. We estimate amortization of these intangible assets with an average finite useful life of approximately five years will aggregate approximately $200 thousand annually for the remaining useful life of these intangible assets of approximately four years. In addition, we had approximately $3.4 million of goodwill as of December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003.

7. Long-Term Debt

Redemption of 9 1/4% Senior Notes due 2006

Effective February 1, 2003, we redeemed all of our outstanding 9 1/4% Senior Notes due 2006. In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the full $375.0 million outstanding principal amount of the notes was repurchased at a redemption price of 104.625% of such amount, for a total redemption payment of approximately $392.3 million. The premium paid of approximately $17.3 million and unamortized debt issuance costs of approximately $3.3 million were recorded as charges to earnings.

Partial Redemption of 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009

Effective September 3, 2003, we redeemed $245.0 million principal amount of our 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009, fully exercising our optional partial redemption right. The outstanding principal amount of the notes after the redemption is $455.0 million. In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the full $245.0 million principal amount of the notes eligible for redemption was repurchased at a redemption price of 109.125% of such amount, for a total redemption payment of approximately $267.4 million. The premium paid of approximately $22.4 million and unamortized debt issuance costs of approximately $2.9 million were recorded as charges to earnings. Interest on the notes was paid through the September 3, 2003 redemption date.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

SES Americom

During March 2003, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, EchoStar Satellite Corporation (“ESC”), entered into a satellite service agreement with SES Americom for all of the capacity on a Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) satellite to be located at the 105 degree west orbital location. This satellite is scheduled to be launched during the second half of 2004. ESC also agreed to lease all of the capacity on an existing in-orbit FSS satellite at the 105 degree orbital location beginning August 1, 2003 and continuing in most circumstances until the new satellite is launched.

ESC intends to use the capacity on the satellites to offer a combination of satellite TV programming including local network channels in additional markets and expanded high definition programming, together with satellite-delivered,

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high-speed internet services. In connection with the SES agreement, ESC paid a $50.0 million deposit to SES Americom to partially fund construction of the new satellite. The ten-year satellite service agreement is renewable by ESC on a year to year basis following the initial term, and provides ESC with certain rights to replacement satellites at the 105 degree west orbital location. We are required to make monthly payments to SES Americom for both the existing in-orbit FSS satellite and also for the new satellite for the ten-year period following its launch.

During August 2003, we exercised our option under the SES agreement to also lease for an initial ten-year term all of the capacity on a new DBS satellite at an orbital location to be determined at a future date. We anticipate that this satellite will be launched during the fourth quarter of 2005.

EchoStar X

During July 2003, ECC entered into a contract for the construction of EchoStar X, a high-powered DBS satellite. Construction is expected to be completed during 2005. With spot-beam capacity, EchoStar X will provide back-up protection for our existing local channel offerings, and could allow DISH Network to offer other value-added services. EchoStar X is currently owned by a subsidiary of ECC which is not owned by EDBS. Therefore, EchoStar X is not reflected on our balance sheet as of September 30, 2003.

Satellite-Related Obligations

As a result of our recent agreements with SES Americom and for the construction of EchoStar X, our obligations for payments related to satellites have increased substantially. While in certain circumstances the dates on which we are obligated to make these payments could be delayed, the aggregate amount due under all of our existing satellite-related contracts including satellite construction and launch, satellite leases, in-orbit payments to satellite manufacturers and tracking, telemetry and control payments is expected to be approximately $30.0 million for the remainder of 2003, $45.0 million during 2004, $71.0 million during 2005, $104.0 million during 2006, $104.0 million during 2007 and a similar amount in subsequent years. These amounts will increase to the extent we procure insurance for our satellites or contract for the construction, launch or lease of additional satellites.

SBC Agreement

During July 2003, we announced an agreement with SBC Communications, Inc. to co-brand our DISH Network service with SBC Communications’ telephony, high-speed data and other communications services. SBC Communications will market the bundled service, including integrated order-entry, customer service and billing, which is expected to be available to consumers in early 2004.

Pursuant to the agreement, SBC Communications will purchase set-top box equipment from us to sell to bundled service customers. SBC Communications also may choose to outsource installation and certain customer service functions to us for a fee. As part of the agreement, SBC Communications will pay us development and implementation fees for, among other things, product development and integration.

Legal Proceedings

WIC Premium Television Ltd.

During July 1998, a lawsuit was filed by WIC Premium Television Ltd. (“WIC”), an Alberta corporation, in the Federal Court of Canada Trial Division, against General Instrument Corporation, HBO, Warner Communications, Inc., John Doe, Showtime, United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc., EchoStar, and certain EchoStar subsidiaries.

During September 1998, WIC filed another lawsuit in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta Judicial District of Edmonton against certain defendants, including EchoStar. WIC is a company authorized to broadcast certain copyrighted work, such as movies and concerts, to residents of Canada. WIC alleges that the defendants engaged in, promoted, and/or allowed satellite dish equipment from the United States to be sold in Canada and to Canadian residents and that some of the defendants allowed and profited from Canadian residents purchasing and viewing subscription television programming that is only authorized for viewing in the United States. The lawsuit seeks, among other things, interim and permanent injunctions prohibiting the defendants from importing satellite receivers into Canada and from activating satellite receivers located in Canada to receive programming, together with damages in excess of $175.0 million.

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The Court in the Alberta action denied EchoStar’s motion to dismiss, and EchoStar’s appeal of that decision. The Federal action has been dismissed. EchoStar intends to continue to vigorously defend the suit. During 2002, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the receipt in Canada of programming from United States pay television providers is prohibited. While EchoStar was not a party to that case, the ruling could adversely affect EchoStar’s defense. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Distant Network Litigation

Until July 1998, EchoStar obtained feeds of distant broadcast network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX) for distribution to its customers through PrimeTime 24. In December 1998, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a nationwide permanent injunction requiring that provider to shut off distant network channels to many of its customers, and henceforth to sell those channels to consumers in accordance with the injunction.

In October 1998, EchoStar filed a declaratory judgment action against ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. EchoStar asked the Court to find that its method of providing distant network programming did not violate the Satellite Home Viewer Act and hence did not infringe the networks’ copyrights. In November 1998, the networks and their affiliate association groups filed a complaint against EchoStar in Miami Federal Court alleging, among other things, copyright infringement. The Court combined the case that EchoStar filed in Colorado with the case in Miami and transferred it to the Miami Federal Court.

In February 1999, the networks filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Contempt Finding against DirecTV, Inc. in Miami related to the delivery of distant network channels to DirecTV customers by satellite. DirecTV settled that lawsuit with the networks. Under the terms of the settlement between DirecTV and the networks, some DirecTV customers were scheduled to lose access to their satellite-provided distant network channels by July 31, 1999, while other DirecTV customers were to be disconnected by December 31, 1999. Subsequently, substantially all providers of satellite-delivered network programming other than EchoStar agreed to this cut-off schedule, although EchoStar does not know if they adhered to this schedule.

In April 2002, EchoStar reached a private settlement with ABC, Inc., one of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. In November 2002, EchoStar reached a private settlement with NBC, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. EchoStar has also reached private settlements with a small number of independent stations and station groups. EchoStar was unable to reach a settlement with six of the original eight plaintiffs — CBS, Fox and the associations affiliated with each of the four networks.

The trial took place during April 2003 and the Court issued its final judgment in June 2003. The District Court found that with one exception EchoStar’s current distant network qualification procedures comply with the law. EchoStar has revised its procedures to comply with the District Court’s Order. Although the plaintiffs asked the District Court to enter an injunction precluding EchoStar from selling any local or distant network programming, the District Court refused. While the networks did not claim monetary damages and none were awarded, they are seeking attorney fees in excess of $6.0 million. In August 2003, CBS agreed to release and discharge EchoStar from any obligation to pay CBS’ proportionate share of any fee award. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the plaintiffs’ fee petition.

However, the District Court’s injunction requires EchoStar to use a computer model to requalify, as of June 2003, all of its subscribers who receive ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox programming by satellite from a market other than the city in which the subscriber lives. The Court also invalidated all waivers historically provided by network stations. These waivers, which have been provided by stations for the past several years through a third party automated system, allow subscribers who believe the computer model improperly disqualified them for distant network channels to none-the-less receive those channels by satellite. Further, even though the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act provides that certain subscribers who received distant network channels prior to October 1999 can continue to

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receive those channels through December 2004, the District Court terminated the right of EchoStar’s grandfathered subscribers to continue to receive distant network channels. EchoStar believes the District Court made a number of errors and has appealed the District Court’s decision. Plaintiffs have cross-appealed. The Court of Appeals granted EchoStar’s request to stay the injunction until EchoStar’s appeal is decided. The Court of Appeals also expedited consideration of EchoStar’s appeal and has set oral argument for the week of February 23, 2004. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on the merits of EchoStar’s appeal.

In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the injunction, and if EchoStar does not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, it will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, EchoStar cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers will cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. EchoStar could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and EchoStar is permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result in a reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and a temporary increase in churn.

Gemstar

During October 2000, Starsight Telecast, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (“Gemstar”), filed a suit for patent infringement against EchoStar and certain of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 4,706,121 (“the `121 Patent”) which relates to certain electronic program guide functions. EchoStar examined this patent and believes that it is not infringed by any of its products or services. This conclusion is supported by findings of the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) which are discussed below. The North Carolina case is stayed pending the appeal of the ITC action to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

In December 2000, EchoStar filed suit against Gemstar-TV Guide (and certain of its subsidiaries) in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado alleging violations by Gemstar of various federal and state anti-trust laws and laws governing unfair competition. The lawsuit seeks an injunction and monetary damages. Gemstar filed counterclaims alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,923,362 and 5,684,525 that relate to certain electronic program guide functions. EchoStar examined these patents and believes they are not infringed by any of its products or services. In August 2001, the Federal Multi-District Litigation panel combined this suit, for pre-trial purposes, with other lawsuits asserting antitrust claims against Gemstar, which had previously been filed by other parties. In January 2002, Gemstar dropped the counterclaims of patent infringement. During March 2002, the Court denied Gemstar’s motion to dismiss EchoStar’s antitrust claims. In January 2003, the Court denied a more recently filed Gemstar motion for summary judgment based generally on lack of standing. In its answer, Gemstar asserted new patent infringement counterclaims regarding United States Patent Nos. 4,908,713 (“the ‘713 patent”) and 5,915,068 (“the ‘068 patent”, which is expired). These patents relate to on-screen programming of VCRs. EchoStar has examined these patents and believe that they are not infringed by any of its products or services. Recently, the Court granted EchoStar’s motions to dismiss both the ‘713 patent and the ‘068 Patent for lack of standing.

In February 2001, Gemstar filed patent infringement actions against EchoStar in the District Court in Atlanta, Georgia and with the ITC. These suits allege infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,252,066, 5,479,268 and 5,809,204, all of which relate to certain electronic program guide functions. In addition, the ITC action alleged infringement of the `121 Patent which was also asserted in the North Carolina case previously discussed. In the Georgia district court case, Gemstar seeks damages and an injunction. The Georgia case was stayed pending resolution of the ITC action and remains stayed at this time. In December 2001, the ITC held a 15-day hearing before an administrative law judge. Prior to the hearing, Gemstar dropped its infringement allegations regarding United States Patent No. 5,252,066 with respect to which EchoStar had asserted substantial allegations of inequitable conduct. The hearing addressed, among other things, Gemstar’s allegations of patent infringement and respondents’ (SCI, Scientific Atlanta, Pioneer and

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EchoStar) allegations of patent misuse. During June 2002, the judge issued a Final Initial Determination finding that none of the patents asserted by Gemstar had been infringed. In addition, the judge found that Gemstar was guilty of patent misuse with respect to the `121 Patent and that the `121 Patent was unenforceable because it failed to name an inventor. The parties then filed petitions for the full ITC to review the judge’s Final Initial Determination. During August 2002, the full ITC adopted the judge’s findings regarding non-infringement and the unenforceability of the `121 Patent. The ITC did not adopt, but did not overturn, the judge’s findings of patent misuse. The ITC decision has been appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. If the Federal Circuit were to overturn the judge’s decision, such an adverse decision in this case could temporarily halt the import of EchoStar receivers and could require EchoStar to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guides and related features it currently offers to consumers. Based upon EchoStar’s review of these patents, and based upon the ITC’s decision, EchoStar continues to believe that these patents are not infringed by any of its products or services. EchoStar intends to continue to vigorously contest the ITC, North Carolina and Georgia suits and will, among other things, continue to challenge both the validity and enforceability of the asserted patents.

During 2000, Superguide Corp. (“Superguide”) also filed suit against EchoStar, DirecTV and others in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,038,211, 5,293,357 and 4,751,578 which relate to certain electronic program guide functions, including the use of electronic program guides to control VCRs. Superguide sought injunctive and declaratory relief and damages in an unspecified amount. It is EchoStar’s understanding that these patents may be licensed by Superguide to Gemstar. Gemstar was added as a party to this case and asserted these patents against EchoStar. EchoStar examined these patents and believes that they are not infringed by any of its products or services. A Markman ruling interpreting the patent claims was issued by the Court and in response to that ruling, EchoStar filed motions for summary judgment of non-infringement for each of the asserted patents. Gemstar filed a motion for summary judgment of infringement with respect to one of the patents. During July 2002, the Court issued a Memorandum of Opinion on the summary judgment motions. In its Opinion, the Court ruled that none of EchoStar’s products infringe the 5,038,211 and 5,293,357 patents. With respect to the 4,751,578 patent, the Court ruled that none of EchoStar’s current products infringed that patent and asked for additional information before it could rule on certain low-volume products that are no longer in production. During July 2002, the Court summarily ruled that the aforementioned low-volume products did not infringe any of the asserted patents. Accordingly, the Court dismissed the case and awarded EchoStar its court costs. Superguide and Gemstar are appealing this case to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. EchoStar will continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event the Federal Circuit ultimately determines that EchoStar infringes on any of the aforementioned patents, EchoStar may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require EchoStar to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guide and related features that it currently offers to consumers. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the appeals.

California Actions

A purported class action was filed against EchoStar in the California State Superior Court for Alameda County during May 2001 by Andrew A. Werby. The complaint related to late fees, among other things. The matter was settled with no material impact on EchoStar’s business.

A purported class action relating to the use of terms such as “crystal clear digital video,” “CD-quality audio,” and “on-screen program guide,” and with respect to the number of channels available in various programming packages was also filed against EchoStar in the California State Superior Court for Los Angeles County in 1999 by David Pritikin and by Consumer Advocates, a nonprofit unincorporated association. The complaint alleges breach of express warranty and violation of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Civil Code Sections 1750, et seq., and the California Business & Professions Code Sections 17500 & 17200. A hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and EchoStar’s motion for summary judgment was held during June 2002. At the hearing, the Court issued a preliminary ruling denying the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. However, before issuing a final ruling on class certification, the Court granted EchoStar’s motion for summary judgment with respect to all of the plaintiffs’ claims. Subsequently, EchoStar filed a motion for attorney’s fees which was denied by the Court.

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The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of the court’s granting of EchoStar’s motion for summary judgment and EchoStar cross-appealed the Court’s ruling on its motion for attorney’s fees. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the appeal or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

State Investigation

During April 2002, two state attorneys general commenced a civil investigation concerning certain of EchoStar’s business practices. Over the course of the next six months, 11 additional states ultimately joined the investigation. The states alleged failure to comply with consumer protection laws based on EchoStar’s call response times and policies, advertising and customer agreement disclosures, policies for handling consumer complaints, issuing rebates and refunds and charging cancellation fees to consumers, and other matters. EchoStar cooperated fully in the investigation. During May 2003, EchoStar entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the states which ended their investigation. The states have released all claims related to the matters investigated.

Retailer Class Actions

EchoStar has been sued by retailers in three separate purported class actions. During October 2000, two separate lawsuits were filed in the Arapahoe County District Court in the State of Colorado and the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, respectively, by Air Communication & Satellite, Inc. and John DeJong, et al. on behalf of themselves and a class of persons similarly situated. The plaintiffs are attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of EchoStar’s satellite hardware retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting the Courts to declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between EchoStar and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs, and other compensation. EchoStar is vigorously defending against the suits and has asserted a variety of counterclaims. The United States District Court for the District of Colorado stayed the Federal Court action to allow the parties to pursue a comprehensive adjudication of their dispute in the Arapahoe County State Court. John DeJong, d/b/a Nexwave, and Joseph Kelley, d/b/a Keltronics, subsequently intervened in the Arapahoe County Court action as plaintiffs and proposed class representatives. EchoStar has filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs have filed a motion for additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to EchoStar’s motion. The Court has not ruled on either of the two motions. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Satellite Dealers Supply, Inc. (“SDS”) filed a lawsuit against EchoStar in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas during September 2000, on behalf of itself and a class of persons similarly situated. The plaintiff was attempting to certify a nationwide class on behalf of sellers, installers, and servicers of satellite equipment who contract with EchoStar and who allege that EchoStar: (1) charged back certain fees paid by members of the class to professional installers in violation of contractual terms; (2) manipulated the accounts of subscribers to deny payments to class members; and (3) misrepresented, to class members, the ownership of certain equipment related to the provision of EchoStar’s satellite television service. During September 2001, the Court granted EchoStar’s motion to dismiss. The plaintiff moved for reconsideration of the Court’s order dismissing the case. The Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for reconsideration. The trial court denied EchoStar’s motions for sanctions against SDS. Both parties have now perfected appeals before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The parties’ written briefs have been filed and oral argument was heard by the Court on August 4, 2003. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the appeals or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

StarBand Shareholder Lawsuit

On August 20, 2002, a limited group of shareholders in StarBand filed an action in the Delaware Court of Chancery against EchoStar and EchoBand Corporation, together with four EchoStar executives who sat on the Board of Directors for StarBand, for alleged breach of the fiduciary duties of due care, good faith and loyalty, and also against EchoStar and EchoBand Corporation for aiding and abetting such alleged breaches. Two of the individual defendants, Charles W. Ergen and David K. Moskowitz, are members of the Board of Directors of EchoStar. The

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action stems from the defendants’ involvement as directors, and EchoBand’s position as a shareholder, in StarBand, a broadband Internet satellite venture in which EchoStar invested. On July 28, 2003, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss on all counts. The Plaintiffs have since filed a notice of appeal. It is not possible to make a firm assessment of the probable outcome of the appeal or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Shareholder Derivative Action

During October 2002, a purported shareholder filed a derivative action against members of EchoStar’s Board of Directors in the United States District Court of Clark County, Nevada and naming EchoStar as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duties, corporate waste and other unlawful acts relating to our agreement to (1) pay Hughes Electronics Corporation a $600.0 million termination fee in certain circumstances and (2) acquire Hughes’ shareholder interest in PanAmSat. The agreements to pay the termination fee and acquire PanAmSat were required in the event that the merger with DirecTV was not completed by January 21, 2003. During July 2003, the individual Board of Director defendants were dismissed from the suit, and EchoStar was dismissed during August 2003. The plaintiff filed a motion for attorney’s fees. The Court granted EchoStar’s motion for summary judgment. The plaintiff did not file an appeal.

In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

9. Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following:

Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or digital home plan equipment.

10. Segment Reporting

Financial Data by Business Unit

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“FAS No. 131”) establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) of an enterprise. Under this definition, we currently operate as two business units, DISH Network

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and ETC. The “All other” category consists of revenue and expenses from other operating segments for which the disclosure requirements of FAS No. 131 do not apply.

11. Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors

With the exception of certain de minimis domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”), the 9 3/8% Senior Notes due in 2009 are fully, unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all subsidiaries of EDBS (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”).

The combined assets, stockholder’s equity, net loss and operating cash flows of the Non-Guarantors represent less than 1.0% of the combined and consolidated assets, stockholder’s equity, net loss and operating cash flows of the combined Subsidiary Guarantors for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2003. As a result, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Non-Guarantors are combined in the following tables. Consolidating financial information is presented for the following entities.

EDBS Parent Company Only (referred to as “EDBS — PC”)
Subsidiary Guarantors and Other Subsidiaries
Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments (referred to as “C&E”)
Consolidated EDBS (referred to as “EDBS”)

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Consolidating Balance Sheets — As of December 31, 2002