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DISH Network Passes 13 Million Customer Milestone

Posted on: Friday, 22 December 2006, 06:00 CST

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) today announced that its DISH Network™ passed the 13 million customer milestone. DISH Network remains the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the nation since 2000, having added more than 7.74 million net new customers over the past six years -- more than all other satellite TV and cable companies during the same period.

"Earlier this year we celebrated DISH Network's 10th anniversary, and we continue to see significant growth to our subscriber base -- a testament to our ceaseless efforts to provide customers with the best TV experience in the industry," said Charles Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. "Reaching the 13 million milestone is due in no small part to DISH Network's ongoing focus to provide customers with cutting-edge technology, the most comprehensive HD channel lineup, and a wide variety of programming packages -- all at an unparalleled value."

DISH Network reached one million subscribers in December 1997 and passed the 12 million customer milestone in December 2005. Today the company offers customers more than 500 channel choices, including 30 national HD channels -- the most offered by any pay-TV provider in the country. DISH Network also offers 130 international channels in more than 25 languages and local channels in 174 markets covering 96 percent of U.S. TV households. In 2006, DISH Network introduced several new channels, including Oxygen, The Documentary Channel, The Tennis Channel, Hallmark Movie Channel, Starz Comedy, Versus (formerly OLN), SOAPnet, ReelzChannel, Lime and Baby First.

DISH Network has also established a reputation as an innovator in the pay-TV industry. In early 2006, the company was the first to offer a dual-tuner HD DVR receiver -- the ViP622 -- which received a best-in-class rating from CNET. In recent years, DISH Network was the first pay-TV provider to offer an interactive satellite TV receiver with DVR capabilities, a prepaid television platform, and a 500-channel satellite TV system.

For more information on DISH Network and any of its products or services call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar Communications

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 13 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network™, and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar has been a leader for more than 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company. Visit EchoStar's Web site at www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Source: Business Wire

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