ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS
WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH)
today announced that its DISH Network(TM) 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(TM), 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).
CONTACT: EchoStar's DISH Network
Francie Bauer, 720-514-5351
(Media) press@echostar.com
SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation
