DISH Network Satellite Television Brings Local TV Channels to Memphis, Tenn.

Littleton, Colo., Oct. 2, 2003 - EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH NetworkT, America's fastest growing subscription television service, now offers local TV channels by satellite television to Memphis, Tenn. The following local TV channels are now offered: ABC Ch. 24 (WPTY), CBS Ch. 3 (WREG), NBC Ch. 5 (WMC), FOX Ch. 13 (WHBQ), UPN Ch. 30 (WLMT) and PBS Ch. 10 (WKNO).

This is the first time local TV channels are available by DISH Network satellite TV in the Memphis area, providing an alternative to local cable TV service. Local channels will be offered for $5.99 per month for DISH Network customers in Memphis. A Dish 500 antenna is required to receive the local channels via satellite. A second dish, available free of charge, may be required to receive UPN Ch. 30 (WLMT).

"DISH Network customers now have a more affordable alternative to cable in Memphis," said Michael Schwimmer, senior vice president of Programming at EchoStar. "DISH Network provides local news, weather and sports in 100 percent digital quality to viewers who should not be left with cable service as their only choice for local television."

DISH Network offers local channels via satellite to Memphis customers in three states including 10 Tennessee counties: Crockett, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Lauderdale, McNairy, Shelby and Tipton. Memphis local channels are also available in seven Arkansas counties: Crittenden, Cross, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett and St. Francis as well as 11 Mississippi counties: Alcorn, Benton, Coahoma, De Sota, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tate, Tippah and Tunica.

With the addition of Memphis, DISH Network offers local channels in a total of 73 cities and their metro areas nationwide.

DISH Network offers consumers the lowest all digital TV package price in America at only $24.99 per month for more than 50 popular TV channels such as ESPN, Discovery, CNN and the Food Network. DISH Network guarantees the lowest all digital TV price through January 2005. DISH Network now offers new customers three free months of its DISH Network Value Pak with HBO and Cinemax, a savings of approximately $150. The DISH Network Value Pak of America's Top 100 channel package provides 132 channels of America's most popular programming, including 13 premium movie channels of HBO and Cinemax for $49.99 per month.

For more information on DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800/333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

For downloadable, print quality images of DISH Network equipment, installations or the DISH Network logo, visit www.dishnetwork.com/content/aboutus/presskit/print/index.shtml.

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is the owner of DISH NetworkT, the fastest growing U.S. provider of satellite television entertainment services with 9 million customers. DISH Network delivers advanced digital satellite television services, including hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, digital video recording, HDTV, sports and international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at or call 1- 800-333-DISH (3474).

CONTACT: Michelle Portillo 303/723-2023 [email protected]