EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network™ satellite television service has added 3A TELESUD, a 24-hour-a-day, French language channel that provides programming from Africa, the West Indies and Haiti. DISH Network offers the industry's most comprehensive international programming and content with more than 100 international channels from over 25 countries in more than 25 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish and Russian.

"We recognize the French African market as a unique programming niche," said Tracy Thompson, EchoStar's vice president of International Programming. "We are very excited to offer our subscribers a link to this rich culture. The launch of 3A TELESUD strengthens our position as the industry leader in delivering French-language television channels."

Broadcast from Paris, 3A TELESUD offers a variety of French-language programming including news, talk-shows, documentaries, music videos, live concerts and much more. Also on 3A TELESUD, viewers can see major African festivals and events such as the Pan-African Music Festival (Fespam), the Pan-African Film Festival (Fespaco) and the African International Festival of Comedy and Music (Afrikakeur Festival).

"We researched U.S. distribution options and found that DISH Network was the best choice to offer our channel," said Yves Bollanga, Vice President and founder of 3A TELESUD. "3A TELESUD will offer viewers the opportunity to stay close to their African roots and others the opportunity to discover the African culture, people and traditions at their very best - something that has not been done by any TV station or network on a global basis." DISH Network customers can subscribe to 3A TELESUD on an "a la carte" basis for $14.99 per month. The channel will be broadcast on channel 591 at the 61.5° and 148° orbital locations, and on channel 751 at the 121° orbital location. Customers can choose from two separate packaging options: TV5 and 3A TELESUD for $19.99 per month or ABN America and 3A TELESUD for $24.99 per month.

DISH Network existing customers will receive a free preview of 3A TELESUD on channel 575 (61.5° and 148° orbital locations) or channel 751 (121° orbital location) through noon on July 6, 2005.

DISH Network customers can contact 1-800-333-DISH (3474) or their local retailer for more information on how to subscribe to any of these packages. To order the 3A TELESUD in language, customers can call 1-877-586-9675. To learn more about DISH Network's international programming offers, customers can visit www.dishnetwork.com. Customers can visit www.telesud.com for more information on 3A TELESUD.

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11.2 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network™, 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. J.D. Power and Associates ranks DISH Network No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).