NEW YORK, Jun 26, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and NFL Network today announced a multi-year extension to bring many new advanced features to customers of EchoStar's DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service. These features include availability on DISH Network's America's Top 60; 168 games televised nationally including NFL Network's regular season primetime game package debuting this Thanksgiving; and full-time carriage of NFL Network's high-definition feed.

"Our renewed partnership with NFL Network allows us to continue to offer DISH Network customers advanced services at affordable prices," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. "NFL Network in America's Top 60 package allows DISH Network to bring this service to our customers at the lowest price in the industry, further strengthening the choice of our programming options."

"DISH Network is a terrific partner who has embraced NFL Network wholeheartedly," said Brian Decker, NFL Network's vice president of national accounts. "We look forward to continuing to drive positive results for its business and customers."

Beginning July 13, NFL Network will be available to DISH Network customers on Channel 154 on the America's Top 60 package ($29.99 per month) or above. NFL Network has been located on DISH Network Channel 154 since last September and is currently available to customers subscribing to America's Top 120 package or above.

Additionally, DISH Network will televise NFL Network's regular season primetime games nationally on both standard definition and high-definition feeds. DISH Network, offering the largest HD lineup in the U.S. with 29 channels, will make NFL Network's 24-hour high-definition feed available to DishHD Bronze and higher customers on a year-round basis on Channel 9426.

With NFL Network's exclusive access into key league events, football fans will have access to nearly 2,000 original hours of programming on NFL Network. Customers can subscribe to DISH Network by visiting www.dishnetwork.com, calling 1-800-333-DISH (3474) or visiting a local DISH Network retailer.

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).

About NFL Network

In 2006, NFL Network will air 168 football games, including 8 primetime regular season NFL games, 52 preseason games, 75 game re-airs, 31 NFL Europe League contests, the Insight Bowl and the Senior Bowl.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/home.

SOURCE: EchoStar

EchoStar
Kathie Gonzalez, 720-514-5351
or
NFL Network
Seth Palansky, 212-450-2422