Charlie Ergen, Chairman of EchoStar Corporation, made the following comment in view of the proposed legislation on Must Carry, Must Offer being introduced in Mexico: “EchoStar has made a significant long-term investment in Mexico through its ownership (along with Grupo MVS) in DISH Mexico since 2008. Such investments were made on the belief that the Mexican government and regulatory authorities would ensure a competitive landscape and framework for subscription television providers operating in Mexico. Adoption of the Telecommunications Reforms in 2013 confirmed this path for EchoStar and has, for the first time, provided access to free broadcast TV channels for millions of Mexicans regardless of the pay television system that they may choose. Adoption of this historic law created the certainty for DISH Mexico’s investors to move forward with making further investments in Mexico including the opening of a second customer care call center in Morelia Michoacán.”
“As Congress prepares to consider the secondary legislation to implement the Must Carry, Must Offer requirements of the Telecommunications Reform Legislation, EchoStar trusts that the Mexican government will continue down its current path to ensure that Mexican consumers have the ability to watch free of charge their preferred free broadcast TV channels on any subscription television system they choose. Through such competitive actions, Mexico will continue to ensure the on-going development of a level playing field for subscription television providers. Such assurance will encourage further investment by competitive companies such as DISH Mexico, ultimately benefiting Mexican consumers with continued choice in pay television services.”