ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) announced that its DISH Network(TM) has passed the 12 million customer milestone during late December 2005, maintaining DISH Network's status as the fastest-growing pay television provider in the nation since 2000. In the last five years, DISH Network added more than 6.74 million net new customers, more than all other satellite TV and cable companies during the same period. 
 

"DISH Network continues to raise the bar for the way people watch TV, having added 1 million subscribers in 2005," said Charles Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. "With cutting-edge technology, top-rated customer service and an extensive channel lineup, DISH Network is able to provide its 12 million customers a world-class television viewing experience for the best value in the pay TV industry."

DISH Network reached 1 million subscribers in December 1997 and passed the 11 million customer milestone in January 2005. Today the company offers customers more than 500 channel choices, including more than 120 international channels in more than 25 languages, the most popular sports packages, the most national HD programming, and local channels delivered to 164 markets. In 2005, DISH Network ranked above all cable and satellite companies in the 2005 American Customer Satisfaction Index as rated by the Michigan Business School. DISH Network's accelerated growth has made it the third largest pay TV service in the nation.

In 2005, DISH Network introduced several new channels, including NFL Network, College Sports Television (CSTV), ESPNU, Fox Reality TV, high-definition VOOM channels and DISH Home, an interactive mosaic featuring six TV networks on one screen.

DISH Network has also established a reputation as the innovator in the pay-TV industry, recently introducing the PocketDISH, a new line of portable media companions. The PocketDISH is one of the industry's first portable video players that can download and play your favorite TV shows and thousands of MP3s, as well as store and display photos. DISH Network was also the first to offer satellite receivers with digital video recording technology, the first to offer a DVR that lets consumers record and watch two different shows simultaneously, and the first to offer a high-definition DVR.

For more information on DISH Network and any of its products or services call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest-growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).