DISH Network Brings Local Channels to Cheyenne, Wyo., Area; Rollout of Service Marks Satellite TV Company's Entry into 50th State

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2004--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) announced today that its DISH Network™ will offer local TV channels by satellite television to Cheyenne, Wyo.

The following local TV channels will be available: ABC Ch. 33 (KKTU), FOX Ch. 27 (KLWY) and PBS Ch. 13 (KTNE). The NBC affiliate in Denver, Ch. 9 (KUSA), will be offered to eligible customers at no extra cost until an NBC affiliate becomes available in Cheyenne.

This is the first time local TV channels are available on DISH Network in the Cheyenne area, providing an alternative to local cable TV service. The introduction of local channels to Cheyenne also gives DISH Network local channel coverage in all 50 states. DISH Network now offers local channels as part of its new Digital Home Advantage. Starting at $29.99 per a month, this promotion offers customers free installation for up to four TVs, with no commitment and no hardware to buy and includes more than 60 popular TV channels such as ESPN, Discovery and Nickelodeon, plus local Cheyenne TV channels.

DISH Network has frozen the lowest all digital TV price through January 2005. Customers can call DISH Network or a local satellite TV retailer to learn how to get a free multi-satellite dish antenna required to receive Cheyenne area local channels. DISH Network also provides digital video recording technologies, high definition TV and more than 60 international channels to the Cheyenne area.

"The addition of local channels on DISH Network gives customers in Cheyenne the final reason for customers to choose DISH Network over cable," said Eric Sahl, vice president of Programming. "Customers in Cheyenne now have more programming and product choices at a better price."

DISH Network offers local channels via satellite to three counties in the Cheyenne area: Scotts Bluff, Goshen and Laramie counties.

With the addition of Cheyenne, DISH Network offers local channels in 124 cities and their metro areas in 50 states, and in the District of Columbia.

For customers who do not subscribe to Digital Home Advantage, local channels will be available at $5.99 with a $1 credit for the net cost of $4.99 until the local CBS affiliate becomes available.

For more information on DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 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.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 9.7 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. DISH Network is the leader in the sale of digital video recorders (DVRs). Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-333-DISH (3474).

CONTACT: EchoStar Communications Corporation Julie Popp, 303-723-2023 [email protected] SOURCE: EchoStar Communications Corporation