ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today announced an agreement with GetConnected, Inc., to embed GetConnected's transaction processing platform for the sale of digital services into EchoStar's reseller portal. The partnership allows EchoStar's DISH Network(TM) resellers and channel partners to cross-sell digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband services as DISH Network services are sold. 
 

GetConnected's (GCI) platform is the most widely deployed technology platform used for enabling digital sales for retailers. By implementing GetConnected's platform, the EchoStar reseller portal now enables DISH Network retailers to go online and find out if a customer can also receive DSL service from various providers. With the GetConnected platform providing end-to-end order management, qualified customers are offered the best DSL service in their particular market.

"EchoStar is pleased to offer our DISH Network retailers this important tool, which will allow them to easily identify which DSL providers DISH Network customers can sign up with to receive service," said Jim DeFranco, executive vice president at EchoStar. "With nationwide coverage, GetConnected will allow our retailers to sell another quality product to their customers."

GetConnected's complete management of digital services orders allows EchoStar to help its reseller network effectively sell digital services, improve user experiences, increase revenue, decrease operating costs, and build brand equity. EchoStar joins a comprehensive list of retailers and service providers such as Best Buy, AOL, Circuit City, Dell and Radio Shack that use GetConnected to effectively sell video, voice, data and entertainment services.

"Our agreement with EchoStar is an exciting next step of our goal to partner with market leading service providers and expand our reach within reseller and channel markets," said Sasha Novakovich, president, CEO and founder of GetConnected. "Our work with EchoStar provides their millions of current and future customers with the ease of purchasing multiple services through one relationship."

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).

About GetConnected

GetConnected offers the leading transaction processing platform for enabling the sale of digital services. Integrated with over 25 of the nation's largest service providers, the GetConnected platform provides end-to-end order management infrastructure that enables retailers, e-tailers and call centers to effectively sell video, voice, data and entertainment services. Customers including AOL, Best Buy, Circuit City, Dell and RadioShack use the GetConnected platform to grow digital service sales through customized shopping experiences and automated order management. Partners such as AT&T, Cingular, Comcast, Verizon and Time Warner Cable leverage the GetConnected platform for cost effective, yet customized indirect channel sales solutions. GetConnected is headquartered in Boston, MA. For more information, please visit http://www.getconnectedinc.com.