EchoStar's DISH Network Now Offers StarBand Satellite Internet Service From Select Retailers Nationwide

DISH Network Demonstrates First U.S. High-Speed, Two-way Satellite Internet Service Combined With Satellite TV Programming From Single Dish at 2001 Consumer Electronics Show

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH, DISHP) announced today at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that DISH Network(TM) is now offering StarBand, a single dish solution for both DISH Network satellite TV and StarBand's two-way, high speed satellite Internet access.

DISH Network retailers are currently taking orders from customers and scheduling installations.

DISH Network and StarBand are the first to offer consumers complete single-dish hardware and services for two-way, high-speed Internet access combined with hundreds of channels of satellite TV programming. DISH Network retailers will simplify the consumer experience by providing complete installation of the satellite television receiver, a StarBand Model 180 satellite modem, and a single dish antenna. The StarBand Model 180 modem connects to a PC via a standard USB interface and is compatible with PCs with at least a Pentium-class processor and is operating with Microsoft(R) Windows98, Windows98SE, Windows2000 or WindowsMe.

For new customers who subscribe to a qualifying DISH Network programming package and commit to one year of StarBand Internet service, the StarBand satellite dish and StarBand Model 180 USB modem will be available for $449 MSRP. A standard professional installation for the StarBand dish will start at $199. DISH Network will offer a special bundled price of $99.99 per month for customers who subscribe to both DISH Network's America's Top 150 programming package and the StarBand Internet service, a savings of $10 per month. DISH Network satellite TV receivers are available for an additional cost starting at $99 or for FREE through DISH Network's Digital Dynamite program.

StarBand customers can expect Internet access speeds up to 500 kilobits per second, which is up to 10 times faster than standard dial-up modem speeds. Two-way satellite service offers significant benefits for consumers, including a persistent or "always-on" connection that saves time over dial-up and eliminates the need for a second telephone line. StarBand customers will also receive standard ISP services including e-mail services with up to 10 addresses and 50 megabytes of storage, news groups and access to the StarBand home page. For more information about PC requirements, visit www.starband.com.