DISH to become first pay-TV and largest company to accept Bitcoin payments in Q3

By: InnovatioNews Friday May 30, 2014 Tags: Bernie Han, Bitcoin, Coinbase, DISH, Englewood, Fred Ehrsam

ENGLEWOOD - DISH announced it will become the largest company to accept Bitcoin payments from its customers beginning in the third quarter.

DISH is also the first subscription model pay-TV provider to make the move to Bitcoin acceptance.

"We always want to deliver choice and convenience for our customers and that includes the method they use to pay their bills," said Bernie Han, DISH executive VP and COO.

"Bitcoin is becoming a preferred way for some people to transact and we want to accommodate those individuals."

DISH said it selected San Franciso-based Coinbase as the payment processor for Bitcoin transactions with customers who choose to pay their bill online with the Bitcoin wallet of their choice.

DISH said it will use Coinbase's Instant Exchange feature to exchange Bitcoin payments to U.S. dollars at the moment of the transaction.

"We're excited to support DIASH and their current and new subscribers for their Bitcoin transactions," said Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase co-founder.

The Bitcoin payment option will be available to DISH customers choosing to make one-time payments on mydish.com starting in the third quarter, DISH said.

Customers will still have the option of making any payment online via credit card, debit card or bank account, the company said.