ENGLEWOOD, Colo. & RESTON, Va.--EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network^TM satellite TV service today announced that its subsidiary, EchoStar Fixed Satellite Services Corporation (EFSSC), has entered into a contract with Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) to provide domestic Ku-band Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) capacity. The long-term contract will provide full-time, part-time, and on-demand satellite capacity to support the Sprint Nextel Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Engineering Sales Support (ESS) programs.

Unique to Sprint Nextel, the ERT works side by side with public safety agencies and other customers to coordinate communications during emergencies and other large-scale events. The Sprint Nextel ERT has provided communications support for over 700 federal, state and local public safety and military agencies in over 300 deployments including 23 presidentially declared disasters and emergencies.

“We are extremely pleased to expand our relationship with Sprint Nextel,” said Michael Kelly, executive vice president of Commercial and Business Services for EchoStar. “We tailored this solution to fit a very unique set of requirements and appreciate the confidence Sprint Nextel has shown in EchoStar by selecting us to provide these services.”

EFSSC will provide transponder restorable and satellite restorable FSS bandwidth from EchoStar 9 at 121ºwest longitude and AMC 2 at 85º west longitude. In addition to the satellite capacity, EFSSC will also provide engineering resources to support these programs.

“Sprint Nextel leads the nation in creating, deploying and operating a dedicated Emergency Response Team that offers essential, interoperable emergency mobile communications services to businesses and government agencies,” said Matt Foosaner, director of the Sprint Nextel ERT. “The recent contract with EchoStar further strengthens Sprint ERT’s capability to provide critical communications and connectivity virtually anywhere and at anytime.”

The full-time and part-time services provide Sprint Nextel with dedicated satellite capacity allowing the company to purchase satellite capacity as needed, and were designed to support future requirements.

To learn more about the Sprint Nextel Emergency Response Team and interoperable communications from Sprint Nextel, you can contact the ERT Support Hotline 24-7 at 1-888-639-0020. GETS Users can reach the ERT at 254-295-2220.

For more information on booking EchoStar Fixed Satellite Services Corporation’s (EFSSC) satellite capacity, please contact Greg Sheldon at 303-706-5264.

About EchoStar Fixed Satellite Services Corporation

EchoStar Fixed Satellite Services Corporation (EFSSC) is a subsidiary of EchoStar Satellite Operating Corporation and provides commercial satellite capabilities, quality service and competitive pricing for broadcast services, business television and engineering operations. EFSSC owns or leases 14 in-orbit satellites operating in FSS Ku-band, BSS and Ka-bands; has an extensive terrestrial fiber optic network with points of presence in 168 cities; seven regional gateways to provide customers with end to end connectivity and a reliable platform to distribute video and data throughout the U.S. and internationally.

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12.755 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network^TM, and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network’s services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar has been a leader for more than 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company. Visit EchoStar’s Web site at www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving more than 51 million customers at the end of third quarter 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.