WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheets of Digital Television Services, Inc. as of December
31, 1997 and June 30, 1998 (unaudited) and the related consolidated statements
of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 1997
(unaudited) and June 30, 1998 (unaudited). This information is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>   1
<CURRENCY>  US
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998             DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998             JUN-30-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1                       1
<CASH>                                      10,841,359              10,841,359
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                2,091,557               2,091,557
<ALLOWANCES>                                   191,000                 191,000
<INVENTORY>                                    598,061                 598,061
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            33,016,588              33,016,588
<PP&E>                                       4,141,610               4,141,610
<DEPRECIATION>                                 974,462                 974,462
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             404,370,193             404,370,193
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       37,917,889              37,917,889
<BONDS>                                    153,056,402             153,056,402
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0                       0
<PREFERRED>                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                             1                       1
<OTHER-SE>                                 112,277,914             112,277,914
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               404,370,193             404,370,193
<SALES>                                     18,103,654              35,219,447
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            18,103,654              35,219,447
<CGS>                                                0                       0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               24,690,541              47,083,624
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             (256,531)               (543,424)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           6,262,663              12,457,195
<INCOME-PRETAX>                           (12,593,019)            (23,777,948)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                       0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                       (12,593,019)            (23,777,948)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                              (12,593,019)            (23,777,948)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                             (125,930.19)            (237,779.48)
<EPS-DILUTED>                             (125,930.19)            (237,779.48)
        





</TABLE>