ALVIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 12, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network(TM) satellite television service will open its 11th customer service center in Alvin, Texas. DISH Network plans to hire close to 600 additional full- and part-time customer service representatives and support personnel, including positions for Human Resources, Information Technologies, Training, Quality Assurance and Facilities. 
 

"Expanding our customer service operations to Alvin is important in keeping pace with the growing number of cable customers who are switching to DISH Network for our digital video recorders, high definition TV and the lowest priced all digital television service in the nation," said Joe Galvin, senior vice president of Customer Service Center Administration at DISH Network. "DISH Network offers career advancement for individuals who seek a position with our fast-growing, dynamic team."

"EchoStar's decision to expand its operations in Texas with the opening of a new customer service center in Alvin is great news to the community and the entire state," said Gov. Rick Perry. "It's also a testimonial to the great work of the team of experts that the City of Alvin assembled to help secure the 600 new jobs."

EchoStar, a Fortune 300 company, is now taking applications and conducting interviews for non-exempt positions, including customer service and technical support representatives. Individuals seeking salaried, exempt positions should visit www.dishnetwork.com to apply online.

DISH Network offers employees competitive wages and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, 401K, profit sharing, college tuition reimbursement, paid vacation and opportunities to further their career by participating in management training programs.

"Alvin is a great place to grow business and provides a wonderful quality of life, and we're pleased to welcome our new corporate partner EchoStar Communications Corporation to our community," said Alvin Mayor Gary Appelt. "With Governor Perry's leadership through his Economic Development Team, including the Texas Workforce Commission, Alvin has proven we have what it takes to create jobs and opportunities for this great state."

Appelt added that several groups were instrumental in helping bring EchoStar to Alvin, including the Alvin Chamber of Commerce, Alvin Community College, Alvin ISD, Brazoria County Commissioners Court and Economic Development Alliance, Conservation and Reclamation District #3, the WorkSource, and the Alvin business community.

Applicants for non-exempt positions must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma, able to work flexible hours and able to utilize a Windows-based computer platform. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants can visit Alvin High School located at 702 Johnson, Alvin, Texas 77511, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through July 21. Applicants should allow two to three hours for the interview process and are encouraged to bring resumes, however a resume is not required.

EchoStar started DISH Network in 1996 and broadcasts hundreds of premium entertainment, news, movie, HDTV, and pay-per-view TV channels delivered direct to U.S. homes through a small dish antenna. EchoStar, based in Colorado, employs approximately 20,000 employees worldwide. The new facility in Alvin is EchoStar's third customer service center location in Texas, joining Harlingen and El Paso.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.2 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 EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).