Dish files for bankruptcy, but not shutting down

Dish has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as parent EchoStar works through delays in selling $23B of 5G spectrum to AT&T. Dish TV, Sling TV, and related brands will continue operating, while Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile are not part of the bankruptcy process.

The filing underscores how costly and difficult it has been for Dish to turn spectrum holdings into a viable wireless business. If the AT&T spectrum deal closes, EchoStar can refocus on pay TV and streaming operations while reducing exposure to capital-intensive 5G buildout obligations.