ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today the roll-out of four new high-definition channels - HGTV HD, NFL Network HD, National Geographic Channel HD and Starz HDTV - bringing its total HD channel lineup to 29 channels - the most national HD channels offered by any pay-TV provider in the United States. In addition, EchoStar announced a price reduction on its MPEG-4 receivers and a bonus offer for its DishHD(TM) programming packages. 
 

Customers who subscribe to DishHD Bronze or higher will now have access to both HGTV HD and NFL Network HD. HGTV HD, which is exclusively broadcast by DISH Network, offers in-depth home and lifestyle programming, including shows on gardening, home remodeling and interior design. NFL Network HD brings viewers a 24-hour simulcast of NFL Network's programming, including 168 game telecasts a year, news, press conferences, event coverage, and reality and historical series from the sport of football.

"DISH Network continues to offer the largest HD lineup in the U.S. with 29 channels," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "That's nearly three times the amount of HD channels the average cable provider offers."

DISH Network also introduces the National Geographic Channel HD, available to subscribers of DishHD Gold or higher. The channel will be available to all DishHD customers in a free preview on Ch. 9429 until July 7, 2006. National Geographic Channel HD brings the network's spectacular imagery to viewers in stunning clarity with all the innovative original programming and signature specials, ranging in topics from science and nature to technology and culture, that viewers have come to expect from the National Geographic Channel.

DishHD customers who subscribe to the Starz Movie Pack or DishHD Platinum will now get Starz HDTV, featuring films from Hollywood studios such as Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Miramax Films, Sony Pictures Classics, Revolution Studios, Samuel Goldwyn Films, Dimension Films and Screen Gems among other leading distributors.

DISH Network is now offering a free equipment upgrade to customers leasing its standard HD receiver. In addition, the up-front lease fee for DISH Network's HD digital video recorder satellite TV receiver has been reduced to $199.99, down from $299.99.

New customers can also save $200 if they subscribe to DishHD Bronze or higher through DISH Network's HD Bonus promotion combined with its current $100 Back offer. To take advantage of the HD Bonus promotion, new customers must submit a redemption form with their first bill to receive the benefits, which in turn provides a $20 credit on each subsequent bill for 10 months. Both the discounted lease upgrade fees and the HD Bonus will run through Jan. 31, 2007.

For more information about DishHD programming packages, DISH Network's HD receivers or current HD promotions, visit www.dishnetwork.com.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.2 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).