ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2006--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today it now broadcasts WMUR-TV, the ABC affiliate in Manchester, to the entire state of New Hampshire. Residents who subscribe to DISH Network and choose to receive their local channels via satellite can now view their local New Hampshire station in their programming line-up. 
 

DISH Network's ability to offer WMUR to all New Hampshire residents is the result of efforts by New Hampshire Sens. John Sununu and Judd Gregg and Reps. Charlie Bass and Jeb Bradley.

"I am very pleased that Congress removed the antiquated barrier that prevented all New Hampshire residents from obtaining the local news, weather, sports, and information of interest to them," stated Bass. "Now for the first time, every Granite Stater has access to WMUR and I am pleased that my efforts helped bring the most advanced services to the most rural parts of the state."

"DISH Network customers throughout New Hampshire now have more programming choices at a better price, with the ability to watch the news, weather and sports that matter most to them," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of programming for DISH Network. "With the help of Sens. Sununu and Gregg as well as Reps. Bass and Bradley, we have been able to enhance the existing local channel line-up for all New Hampshire residents, further differentiating us from cable providers who are unable to offer WMUR statewide."

"A promise I made to my constituents has finally been realized in homes throughout New Hampshire's North Country," said Bradley. "I was proud to have worked with the rest of the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to eliminate this unnecessary restriction."

Sen. Sununu and Reps. Bass and Bradley introduced bills that would allow the statewide distribution of WMUR. Sen. Sununu and Rep. Bass, members of the Commerce Committees, helped insert the language into the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (SHVERA) during the committee process. After the bill passed, Rep. Bass played an active role in the negotiations between the station and the satellite TV industry that ultimately brought the signal to consumers statewide.

WMUR was started by former New Hampshire Governor Francis P. Murphy and was the state's first television station broadcasting a wide range of live programs including daily newscasts, local game shows, and movies.

To celebrate the launch of WMUR-TV to all New Hampshire residents who subscribe to DISH Network, the company is hosting a press conference today at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Radio Shack, an exclusive dealer of DISH Network, located at 96 Fort Eddy Road in Concord, N.H. Consumers will have the opportunity to learn more about DISH Network's products and services as well as hear Congressmen Bass and Bradley speak about what this new development means to residents throughout the state.

For more information or to subscribe to DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 800-333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 12.46 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.