DISH Network Increases HD Local Market Coverage and Announces Summer and Fall Launch Plans

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 30, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the digital transition leader, today announced the addition of high definition (HD) local channels in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Memphis, Tenn. DISH Network now offers HD locals in 61 markets reaching more than 68 percent of U.S. TV households.

DISH Network also recently disclosed plans to add 22 HD local markets throughout the summer and fall. These markets include:

    Abilene, Texas               Madison, Wisc.

    Albany, N.Y.                 Myrtle Beach, S.C.

    Beaumont, Texas              Omaha, Neb.

    Chattanooga, Tenn.           Quincy, Ill.

    Columbia-Jefferson, Mo.      Sherman-Ada, Texas, Okla.

    Des Moines, Iowa             South Bend, Ind.

    Fargo, N.D.                  Syracuse, N.Y.

    Greenville, N.C.             Topeka, Kan.

    Joplin, Mo.                  Waco, Texas

    Lansing, Mich.               Wichita Falls, Texas

    Lincoln, Neb.                Wilkes-Barre, Penn.

"Earlier this year, we started delivering on our commitment by adding new HD local markets and offering more national HD channels; the launch of Grand Rapids, Memphis and our additional 22 HD markets demonstrates that we are aggressively moving forward with plans to reach 100 HD local markets and 100 national HD channels," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "Throughout the remainder of the year, DISH Network will continue adding a variety of HD services -- local markets, national channels, On Demand and Pay-Per-View -- so our subscribers can enjoy the best technology, value and programming."

DISH Network offers new customers the opportunity to upgrade for free to a dishHD DVR receiver like the ViP722(TM) -- which recently received the top-ranking Editors' Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. The ViP722 is a dual-tuner HD DVR that operates two televisions in separate rooms and offers up to 500 hours of storage capacity allowing customers to pause, rewind and fast forward their favorite TV programming.

Qualified new DISH Network customers who sign up with a 24-month commitment will also receive three months of free programming (a $120 value), a free dishDVR like the ViP722 and free installation (a $49.99 value). For more information on DISH Network, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About DISH Network Corporation

DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) provides more than 13.815 million satellite TV customers with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable companies for eight years running. DISH Network customers also enjoy access to a premier line of award-winning Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

http://www.dishnetwork.com