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DISH Network(TM) Expands Pre-Paid Card Program to International Programming and Direct Sales; International Programming Customers Can Now Order TV Service Directly From DISH Network Without a Credit Check, Monthly Bill or Contract

Posted on: Friday, 9 June 2006, 15:00 CDT

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service today announced that it has expanded its DishNOW! pre-paid satellite system card program to accommodate select International programming packages including Brazilian, Arabic, South Asian and Pakistani. In addition, customers can now purchase the equipment and programming directly from DISH Network. DISH Network is the only pay-TV provider in the United States that offers a pre-paid program.

"We see international programming as an additional opportunity to capitalize on a large market of consumers whose finances are cash-based or who don't have a Social Security number," said Jody Martin, senior vice president of marketing for DISH Network. "DishNOW! is another example of how DISH Network offers a wide variety of programming packages to meet any customer's needs, and now with the added convenience of ordering directly from DISH Network."

Customers who choose the DISH Network pre-paid option can purchase 30-day programming cards for $30 directly from DISH Network by calling 1-888-DISH-924, or they can visit a local DISH Network retailer or Radio Shack location. All the necessary equipment, including a satellite dish and receiver set-top box, can be purchased for as low as $99.99. Customers can have their equipment professionally installed or install it themselves with a $20 self-install kit.

Select DISH Network channels are available under the international pre-paid option. DISH Network's Brazilian pre-paid programming package includes TV Globo and RBTi; the Arabic pre-paid programming package includes Al Jazeera, Radio Al Zikr, ART America, ART Movies, ART Music Radio, ESC-1, LBC and MBC; the South Asian pre-paid programming package includes Zee TV and Sony Entertainment Television; and the Pakistani pre-paid programming package includes GEO and ARY Digital. DISH Network also offers pre-paid cards for both America's Top 60 and the DishLATINO basic programming package.

With 126 international channels in 28 languages such as Arabic, Polish, Italian, Hebrew, Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese, DISH Network is the leader in international TV programming.

For more information on DishNOW! or to subscribe to DISH Network, please visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800-333-DISH, or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.265 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 www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Source: Business Wire

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