EchoStar's DISH Networkô Now Offers StarBand Satellite Internet Service From Select Retailers Nationwide

DISH Networkô Demonstrates First U.S. High-Speed, Two-Way Satellite Internet Service Combined With Satellite TV Programming From Single Dish At 2001 Consumer Electronics Show

31-Jan-01

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH, DISHP) announced at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show that DISH Networkô is now offering StarBand, a single dish solution for both DISH Network satellite TV and StarBand's two-way, high speed satellite Internet access. DISH Network retailers are currently taking orders from customers and scheduling installations. DISH Network and StarBand are the first to offer consumers complete single-dish hardware and services for two-way, high-speed Internet access, combined with hundreds of channels of satellite TV programming. DISH Network retailers will simplify the consumer experience by providing complete installation of the satellite television receiver, a StarBand Model 180 satellite modem and a single dish antenna. The StarBand Model 180 modem connects to a PC via a standard USB interface and is compatible with PCs with at least a Pentium-class processor and is operating with Microsoftô Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows 2000 or Windows Me. For new customers who subscribe to a qualifying DISH Network programming package and commit to one year of StarBand Internet service, the StarBand satellite dish and StarBand Model 180 USB modem will be available for $449 MSRP. A standard professional installation for the StarBand dish will start at $199. DISH Network will offer a special bundled price of $99.99 per month for customers who subscribe to both DISH Network's America's Top 150 programming package and the StarBand Internet service, a savings of $10 per month. DISH Network satellite TV receivers are available for an additional cost starting at $99 or for free through DISH Network's Digital Dynamite program. StarBand customers can expect Internet access speeds up to 500kbps, which is up to ten times faster than standard dial-up modem speeds. Two-way satellite service offers significant benefits for consumers, including a persistent or ""always-on"" connection that saves time over dial-up and eliminates the need for a second telephone line. StarBand customers will also receive standard ISP services including e-mail services with up to ten addresses and 50MB of storage, newsgroups and access to the StarBand home page. For more information about PC requirements, visit www.starband.com. Already hundreds of select DISH Network retailers can install a unique, single dish that can simultaneously ""see"" satellite signals from three different orbital locations. The StarBand dish, 24 inches tall by 36 inches wide, is capable of receiving and sending Internet data while at the same time receiving DISH Network satellite television channels. DISH Network channels include the same services customers enjoy today from DISH Network's DISH 500 system, such as local channels, interactive channels and hundreds of channels of programming. ""DISH Network is proud to partner with StarBand and lead the industry in offering the first bundled satellite TV and satellite Internet access on a single dish,"" said Charlie Ergen, CEO and Chairman of EchoStar. ""This highly needed service will bridge the digital divide for more than 50 million American households that do not have access today to a cable modem or DSL service. With DISH Network's brand name and customer service behind it, StarBand will have the same technological advancements and affordability that our DISH Network customers have grown accustomed to."" StarBand service from DISH Network is available from qualified DISH retailers for installation in residential locations in the continental United States. StarBand and DISH Network plan to offer a combined satellite TV and satellite Internet service to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico later in 2001. To find a DISH Network retailer near you that offers StarBand equipment and sales, or to find more information about DISH Network products, programming and promotions, visit www.dishnetwork.com.

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