EchoStar Signs CVS as New DISH Network Regional Distributor

Business Wire, July 20, 2000

Business and Entertainment Editors

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 2000

CVS Systems Inc. to Serve Hundreds of Retailers in Midwest With

DISH Network Satellite TV Systems, Retail Support

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH, DISHP) and CVS Systems Inc. announced today at the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association trade show that CVS has entered into a long-term agreement with DISH Network(TM) to distribute satellite television systems in the Midwest.

CVS, based in Marion, Ind., will distribute DISH Network products and offer support for local retailers in six states: Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri.

"DISH Network is excited to have a proven leader, like the team at CVS, provide distribution and support programs for hundreds of DISH Network retailers," said Jim DeFranco, executive vice president of EchoStar. "CVS recognizes the importance of its independent retailers as the cornerstone of the satellite TV industry."

"We are pleased to now work with DISH Network, our long-time friends and former business allies at EchoStar," said John Collins, executive vice president of CVS. "We believe DISH Network will be a great opportunity for hundreds of independent satellite TV retailers serving tens of thousands of customers in the Midwest." CVS had previously distributed C-band satellite TV equipment manufactured by EchoStar, starting in the early 1980s.

"CVS looks forward to sharing DISH Network sales opportunities and a very bright future with independent retailers," said Jerry Collins, chairman of the board and co-founder of CVS. "This new agreement between CVS and EchoStar represents an extension of our mutual dedication to sensible growth and professionalism which have been hallmarks of two pioneering satellite TV companies."

CVS now joins EchoStar's regional U.S. small dish satellite TV distributors: All Systems Satellite Distributing Inc., DOW Electronics, and Mid-State Distributing.

DISH Network and CVS will be demonstrating DISH Network products and offering special retail programs in Las Vegas from July 19-21 at the trade show.

Additional Press Contact: Ron Bruce, CVS Systems, Inc., 1-800/825-1100 or e-mail rbruce@cvssystems.com.

DISH Network is EchoStar's state-of-the-art DBS system with the capacity to offer 500 channels of digital video and CD-quality audio programming as well as fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. DISH Network, a trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation, currently serves over 4 million customers nationwide. DISH Network was ranked number one in customer satisfaction among satellite/cable TV subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates in 1999. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), which contains the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq Stock Market.