ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today it is launching SportsTime Ohio, the television network of the Cleveland Indians. 
 

SportsTime Ohio is a Northern Ohio regional sports network offering a variety of sports programming produced for the Ohio sports fan, including extensive coverage of the Indians. DISH Network customers, who subscribe to America's Top 60+, DishHD Bronze or any higher package, now have access to 130 regular-season games in 2006 on channel 431.

"SportsTime Ohio is a powerful addition to our robust sports line-up and gives Indians fans complete coverage of their team," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "With SportsTime Ohio on DISH Network, customers now have access to the Indians without the need for extra, costly services."

"Because of their dedication to the negotiation process, DISH Network has guaranteed that their customers will not miss a pitch of the 2006 Cleveland Indians season," said Jim Liberatore, president of SportsTime Ohio. "We are thrilled to have DISH Network as a partner and are extremely appreciative of their dedication to their subscribers."

DISH Network now offers new customers an additional $100 off, plus three months free of Starz(TM) Moviepack, when they sign up for America's Top 120 programming package. America's Top 120 includes more than 165 all-digital channels for only $39.99 per month, plus local channels can be added for just $5. This offer comes complete with free standard professional installation, no hardware to buy and a free digital video recorder (DVR) equipment upgrade with an 18-month commitment.

SportsTime Ohio's first regular-season broadcast is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, at 2:05 p.m. (EDT), when the Indians face the defending World Champions, the Chicago White Sox.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 12 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 DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).