[Satellite Today 05-12-09] Dish Network reported a 21 percent increase in its first quarter earnings, released May 11, at $312.7 million, up from $258.6 million in 2008. The company’s revenue increased 2.1 percent to $2.9 billion.
    The stronger-than-expected results come despite a 21 percent drop in subscribers — a loss of about 94,000 net subscribers during the quarter. Dish Network, which has lost subscribers for four straight quarters, currently has 13.6 million subscribers.
    Separately, EchoStar Corp. said it lost $645,000 during the quarter compared to taking in $5.7 million during the same period in 2008. Revenues decreased 14 percent to $479.5 million. EchoStar attributed the losses to $12.8 million in write-downs during 2008.