Dish Network Customer Base Erodes Ahead of 5G Deadline

Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen said unexpected technical issues have delayed the rollout of his company’s new fifth-generation mobile network but vowed to have basic service ready before a government-ordered coverage deadline hits in June 2022. “We’re six months behind, and it’s my fault,” Ergen said. “We just didn’t anticipate that we’d have to do as much on the technical side.” Ergen cited the complexity of integrating equipment and software from a hodgepodge of different suppliers and issues with preparing enhanced 911 emergency service among the causes of the delays. Dish has staked its future on a built-from-scratch network using components from several niche technology providers instead of relying on all-in-one suppliers such as Ericsson AB or Nokia Corp. The telecommunications company launched a pilot 5G service around Las Vegas in late 2021, but work fell behind schedule and it has yet to offer high-speed cellular connections in other markets. Executives said that they plan to make service ready in 25 major metropolitan markets before spreading to other regions.