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DISH Network Brings Local TV Channels to Monterey/Salinas, Calif.

Cable TV and Satellite TV Debate is Heating Up

Littleton, Colo., Feb. 20, 2003 – EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is pleased to announce that its ™ now offers four local channels NBC Ch. 8 (KSBW), CBS Ch. 46 (KION), FOX Ch. 35 (KCBA), and PBS Ch. 25 (KCAH) by to Monterey and Salinas, Calif.

This is the first time local TV channels are available by satellite TV in the Monterey and Salinas area, providing a better alternative to local cable TV service. Local channels will be offered at a $1 per month discount to the regular price of $5.99 per month for Monterey/Salinas DISH Network customers until a distant ABC station is added to the package. A Dish 500 is required to receive the local channels via satellite.

"DISH Network customers in Salinas and Monterey have a better alternative to cable now that we offer local channels," said Michael Schwimmer, senior vice president of Programming at EchoStar. "DISH Network now 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 Monterey and Salinas customers who reside in three counties: Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz.

With the addition of Monterey and Salinas, DISH Network offers local channels to a total of 58 cities and their metro areas nationwide.

DISH Network makes satellite TV simple and affordable. The DISH Network offers consumers the lowest all digital TV package price in America at only $24.99 per month for over 50 channels.

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), through its DISH NetworkÔ, is a leading U.S. provider of satellite television entertainment services to homes and businesses with more than 8 million customers. DISH Network delivers advanced digital satellite television services, including hundreds of , audio and Interactive TV channels, personal video recording, HDTV, international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service.