EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network™ satellite TV service now offers local channels by satellite television to Fairbanks, Alaska, and the surrounding area. The following local TV channels will be available: ABC Ch. 2 (KATN), CBS Ch. 13 (K13XD), NBC Ch. 11 (KTVF), FOX Ch. 7 (KFXF), PBS Ch. 9 (KUAC) and an independent Ch. 4 (KJNP).

This is the first time local TV channels are available by satellite in Fairbanks, providing an alternative to local cable TV service. The accessibility of local channels enhances the appeal of DISH Network's low-cost, digital TV option for Fairbanks residents. DISH Network customers can get more than 60 all-digital channels, including local channels, in 100 percent digital quality starting at $31.99 a month. DISH Network, with the lowest all-digital price in the nation, also provides digital video recording technologies, international channels and high definition TV to the Fairbanks area.

"The availability of local channels on DISH Network gives TV viewers in the Fairbanks area an even more compelling reason to switch from cable," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming at EchoStar. "Customers who are fed up with the cable companies' rate increases now have access to local news, weather and sports via all-digital satellite TV at a competitive price."

DISH Network offers local channels via satellite to multiple counties in Fairbanks market. Customers can contact their local DISH Network retailer to see if they qualify to receive Fairbanks local channels.

With the addition of Fairbanks, DISH Network offers local channels in 159 cities and their metro areas, in 50 states nationwide plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Customers can call a local satellite TV retailer to learn how to upgrade or arrange an installation to receive Fairbanks local channels. DISH Network also provides high definition TV and more than 100 international, foreign-language channels. For more information on DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com to contact your local DISH Network retailer. For downloadable, print quality images of DISH Network equipment, installations or the DISH Network logo, visit www.dishnetwork.com/content/aboutus/presskit/print/index.shtml.

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. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).