EchoStar's DISH Network To Offer Additional Local TV Channels In 36 Markets

2-Jan-02

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced that its DISH Networkô satellite TV service will substantially expand the number of local TV channels it provides in each of the 36 markets where it currently provides local channels by satellite. Commencing in January 2002, EchoStar will offer a single package of UPN, WB, PBS and popular independent channels, together with community interest and other local channels, for the same low $5.99 monthly price for which only the ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS stations were previously available. ""We're pleased that on average we are more than doubling the number of local network channels available via satellite to millions of DISH Network customers in 36 markets, and, most importantly, without any increase in price for the local channel package,"" said Charlie Ergen, Chairman and CEO of EchoStar. ""While we've made great strides in fully complying with federal must carry rules, our ability to expand the number of markets we serve with local channels by satellite is still severely hampered by our limited satellite bandwidth and our obligation to comply with these must carry provisions. The best solution is the proposed merger of EchoStar and Hughes Electronics, which will allow EchoStar to provide local channels by satellite to over 100 markets."" The vigorous competition that will be created by the proposed merger of EchoStar and Hughes is particularly important in light of the recent merger announcement between Comcast and AT&T, which would create a cable giant with over 40 million customers. For more information and a complete list of local TV stations offered by DISH Network in each city, visit www.dishnetwork.com. EchoStar's DISH Network currently serves local channels in the following 36 locations: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Greenville, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Washington, D.C.

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