TDS Telecom Announces Strategic Relationship With EchoStar

MADISON, Wis., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TDS Telecommunications Corp. [TDS Telecom] and EchoStar Communications Corporation today announced a new agreement designed to streamline the billing and service process for TDS Telecom customers who also subscribe to EchoStar’s DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service.

Customers who subscribe to both TDS Telecom and DISH Network will soon pay for their services with one bill through TDS Telecom. Previously these customers had to maintain a separate billing and service relationship, even though the DISH Network service was purchased through TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom has served as a DISH Network retailer since 1997 and is the seventh largest independent telecommunications company in the United States.

“DISH Network is a successful and strategic product offering for TDS Telecom, and this new agreement will allow us to enhance the overall experience we provide our customers by providing them a single point of contact,” said David Wittwer, president of ILEC Operations for TDS Telecom. “The agreement makes it even easier for customers to take advantage of the triple play for voice, internet and DISH Network. This benefits our customers and strengthens our position in the markets we serve.”

The new agreement also underscores DISH Network’s commitment to make a variety of services available to customers who want the best in pay-TV.

“We are pleased to make DISH Network service available to TDS Telecom customers in a more convenient, tightly bundled package,” said Tom Stingley, Senior Vice President of EchoStar’s Broadband division. “This partnership will allow our joint customers to enjoy a single bill, single point of contact, greater customer service and packaged discounts.”

TDS Telecom offers DISH Network in 28 of the states where it operates. Customers subscribing to DISH Network service through TDS Telecom receive hundreds of popular, all-digital TV channels including movies, sports, news, music and high-definition TV programming. TDS Telecom’s DISH Network customers also enjoy the most international programming, the most interactive features, and the latest technology in the pay-TV industry.

TDS Telecom expects to activate its single-bill format this fall. TDS Telecom will also offer DISH Network service as part of a new bundle of service offerings, which will also include local and long distance telephone service, high-speed DSL Internet or dial-up service, and multiple feature offerings.

“Customers have told us they value having their services bundled and paid for with one bill,” Wittwer added. “This new agreement allows us to expand the service package bundles we offer, with the convenience of one bill. This added convenience drives home the value of doing business with a single provider and getting great service at a competitive price.”

Under the new agreement, TDS Telecom will continue marketing the DISH Network service and manage the satellite service billing accounts. DISH Network will manage the programming, installation and technical support for its service.

About TDS Telecom

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., offers high-quality, telecommunications and broadband services to hundreds of rural and suburban communities across the United States. The company, along with its subsidiary TDS Metrocom, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC), provides service for more than 1.1 million access line equivalents. Visit http://www.tdstelecom.com/ for more information.

TDS Telecom is part of the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. family of companies. TDS, a FORTUNE 500 company, is a diversified telecommunications corporation founded in 1969. Through its strategic business units, U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom, TDS operates primarily by providing wireless and landline telecommunications service. The company currently employs approximately 11,500 people and serves approximately 6.1 million customers in 36 states.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation serves more than 11.2 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar’s DISH Network at http://www.dishnetwork.com/ or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: DeAnne Boegli, Manager-Branding Communications, of TDS Telecom,+1-608-664-4428, deanne.boegli@tdstelecom.com ; Ruth E. Venning, Director-Corporate Relations, of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., +1-312-592-5327,ruth.venning@teldta.com ; or Molly Noonan, of EchoStar CommunicationsCorporation, +1-720-514-5351, press@echostar.com

Web site: http://www.tdstelecom.com/http://www.dishnetwork.com/http://www.teldta.com/