DISH Network, the Leader in College Sports, Adds Big Ten Network

Games in High-Definition Available This Weekend

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and CHICAGO, Sep 6, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) --

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and its DISH Network(r) satellite TV service today announced the launch of the Big Ten Network.

"DISH Network recognizes how important Big Ten games are to our customers, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Big Ten Network so we may continue offering our customers the best in college and all sports," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. "Additionally, when we launch the HD simulcast of the Big Ten Network next week, our customers will receive even more HD programming at the best value."

Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman said: "It's great to add DISH Network to our growing list of distribution partners because it offers another important choice for our fans. DISH Network continues to enhance its HD sports lineup, and we're going to produce more events in HD than any new network in television history. We look forward to working closely with DISH Network to bring more and more viewers to the Big Ten Network."

DISH Network customers nationwide who subscribe to America's Top 100 and higher will find the Big Ten Network on Channel 439. Customers throughout the nation will also have the opportunity to preview the network until early 2008. At that time, the channel will be carried on America's Top 100 Plus service within the eight states with Big Ten institutions.

DISH Network will broadcast two games in high-definition Saturday on Channel 9467, including Akron @ Ohio State (12:00 p.m. ET) and Syracuse @ Iowa (8:00 p.m. ET), and officially launch the HD simulcast of the Big Ten Network the following week.

DISH Network customers enjoy comprehensive football coverage, including the NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, CSTV, CBS, NBC and ABC. Fans who can't make it to the games will feel like they're watching from the sidelines with DISH Network's industry-leading DishHD and unparalleled picture clarity. The leader in high-definition, DISH Network offers 39 national HD channels including NFL Network HD and ESPN HD, as well as HD local channels in more than 50 percent of U.S. households. DishHD is available free for six months to new customers, and new DISH Network subscribers may also receive a free upgrade to the company's industry-leading and award-winning HD DVR receivers, providing instant replays via a 10-second skip back function.

For more information about the Big Ten Network on DISH Network, DishHD, or to subscribe to DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) or visit a local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) has been a leader for more than 26 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The Company's DISH Network(tm) is the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000 and currently serves more than 13.585 million satellite TV customers. DISH Network offers a premier line of industry-leading Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and hundreds of video and audio channels as well as the most national HD and International channels in the U.S., Interactive TV, Latino and sports programming. DISH Network also provides a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America and the DishDVR Advantage Package. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

The EchoStar logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3707

About the Big Ten Network

The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks. For more information regarding the Big Ten Network, visit www.BigTenNetwork.com.

This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com

SOURCE: EchoStar

EchoStar

          Kathie Gonzalez

          720-514-5351

          press@echostar.com

          Big Ten Network

          Elizabeth Conlisk

          312-665-0726

          Elizabeth.Conlisk@bigtennetwork.com