DISH Network Passes Four Million Customer Milestone - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, May 1, 2000

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH,DISHP) announced that its DISH Network digital satellite television service passed the 4 million customer milestone this week, less than seven months after reaching 3 million subscribers, continuing EchoStar's lead as the fastest growing direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television provider in the United States.

EchoStar added approximately 455,000 net new DISH Network customers in the first quarter of 2000, a 40 percent increase over the number of net new customers added in the first three months of 1999 and record for DISH Network.

"Our strong customer growth clearly indicates that in the face of rising cable rates, DISH Network is consistently the number one choice for consumers over any other television provider," said Charlie Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. "Our rapid growth proves that consumers are smart shoppers who want the lowest prices for programming, the most technologically-advanced hardware, and the best customer service. We're proud they are finding the best value with DISH Network."

"In addition, our dominant channel capacity has positioned us as the first television service with the capacity to offer over 500 channels," Ergen added. "This allows DISH Network to offer local channels via satellite in 28 U.S. cities, more than any other satellite TV provider, with more cities to be added soon."

Michael Dugan Named EchoStar President and Chief Operating Officer EchoStar also announced Thursday that it has promoted Michael Dugan to president and chief operating officer of EchoStar Communications Corporation. Dugan will assume responsibility for all operational aspects of EchoStar's business including DISH Network and EchoStar Technologies Corporation and will report to Charlie Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. Most recently, Dugan served as president of EchoStar Technologies Corporation, responsible for the design, distribution and the manufacturing of DBS set-top boxes, antennas and other digital equipment for DISH Network and international customers including Bell ExpressVu Canada and the Via Digital system in Spain. Dugan was the chief architect behind the technical foundation on which DISH Network's success has been built. Dugan also managed EchoStar Data Networks Corporation in Atlanta, a leading designer of broadband IP streaming products and services for DISH Network.

Dugan also served as senior vice president of communications products for EchoStar from May 1994 until December 1997. In that position, his responsibilities included the design and production of all internally developed products for Houston Tracker Systems (HTS), Echosphere, and Echosphere International. Prior to this, Dugan was vice president of engineering for HTS from 1990 to 1994. Dugan earned his degree in electrical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Soraya Hesabi-Cartwright Promoted to Executive Vice President, DISH Network Soraya Hesabi-Cartwright was promoted to executive vice president of DISH Network. In this expanded role, Hesabi-Cartwright will be responsible for Customer Service Operations, Programming, Marketing and Human Resources. Most recently, Hesabi-Cartwright was senior vice president of Sales, Customer Service and Human Resources overseeing the design, construction and staffing of five DISH Network Customer Service Centers along with the Human Resources Department, which is responsible for over 8,000 employees nationwide. Hesabi-Cartwright has an extensive corporate leadership background having held numerous positions in the operations, sales, marketing and customer service areas. Hesabi-Cartwright graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a Bachelor's of Science degree in chemistry and math.

"I am pleased to announce that both Mike and Soraya will be taking on these expanded roles for EchoStar and DISH Network," said Charlie Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. "Mike's consummate skills managing both the operations and the design and distribution of our digital platforms will add tremendous value to our company as we continue this record growth. Soraya's expertise in managing and expanding our customer service operations and her understanding of our consumer-based product will be invaluable to both the day-to-day and long term operations of DISH Network."

EchoStar Communications Corporation includes three interrelated business units: -- DISH Network is EchoStar's state-of-the-art direct broadcast satellite system that is capable of offering over 500 channels of digital video and CD-quality audio programming, including Dolby Digital surround sound, high-speed interactive television and data services, all on a single dish, as well as offering fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. DISH Network was ranked number one in customer satisfaction among satellite/cable TV subscribers by the J.D. Power and Associates 1999 Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study. EchoStar will launch the EchoStar VI satellite in the spring of 2000 that will offer DISH Network customers expanded programming services, local channels, Dolby Digital surround sound, interactive television and more.