Wireless Estimator has been contacted by multiple sources representing wireless-construction firms who allege that EchoStar/DISH is pressuring vendors to accept steep “after-the-fact” discounts on already-approved and completed projects—some exceeding 50 percent off previously agreed-upon payment amounts.
Although each source requested anonymity due to ongoing contract relationships and fear of retaliation, the accounts provided to Wireless Estimator were consistent in describing what they view as a systemic cost-reduction initiative targeting small and mid-sized contractors.
“Revalidating” Approved Jobs
According to multiple companies, work performed between 2023 and 2025 was completed under purchase order proposals that had already been accepted and, in many cases, routed for payment inside DISH’s project-management systems.
Over the past several months, however, managers have reportedly been instructed by higher-level executives to “revalidate” or “renegotiate” those closed-out projects—conditioning payment on the contractor’s willingness to accept reduced compensation.
“They’re calling it reconciliation, but it feels more like leverage,” one contractor told Wireless Estimator. “You either take half or wait indefinitely.”
Sources characterized the practice as “retroactive discounting,” saying the reductions are being demanded even after documentation, acceptance photos, and close-out packages were approved.
Cash-Rich, Contractors Waiting
The timing of these alleged practices has frustrated many in the field, who point out that EchoStar/DISH recently generated substantial liquidity from spectrum-asset sales to AT&T and Starlink.
“There’s no cash-flow excuse,” said another individual whose company has pending invoices. “They’re holding money that’s contractually owed, while telling us to sign new figures that wipe out our margins.”
While some firms remain hopeful that internal escalations will lead to resolution, others are openly questioning whether continued participation in EchoStar/DISH projects is financially sustainable.
“We want to keep working with them,” said one source, “but this kind of pressure undermines trust across the industry.”
One contractor executive said they currently owe his company many thousands of dollars in past-due amounts, all for maintenance work in their OpX budget. However, they had no exposure in their CapX budget.
Wireless Estimator Encourages Confidential Submissions
Wireless Estimator continues to investigate the allegations and is seeking verifiable documentation—such as approved COPs, milestone acceptance records, or payment-routing confirmations—to further substantiate the claims.
All correspondence and documents shared with Wireless Estimator are treated as strictly confidential.
Industry members with relevant information can contact Craig Lekutis, Publisher, Wireless Estimator.com, at craiglekutis@wirelessestimator.com.
In addition, Wireless Estimator welcomes EchoStar/DISH to reach out to provide clarification or comment regarding these contractor reports to ensure all perspectives are accurately represented.
