Court Finds Echostar's Current Distant Network Procedures to Be in Compliance with Copyright Laws; No Impact on Local Network Channel Broadcasts for EchoStar Customers

LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 2003--EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) is pleased that a Florida court has found that EchoStar's current network channel qualification policies are in substantial compliance with copyright laws. We are also pleased that the court rejected the outrageous attempt by broadcasters to try to force EchoStar to terminate local and distant network channels to all customers. Importantly, the decision today does not impact any DISH Network customers who are receiving their local ABC, NBC, CBS or FOX network channels by satellite. No damages were awarded by the court.

"This has been a long and hard fought legal case that attempts to balance the rights of broadcasters and consumers," said Charles Ergen, chairman and CEO of EchoStar. "We look toward moving forward with broadcasters by continuing to add local cities and to make sure that all sides honor the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA) of 1999."

This case started in October 1998 when EchoStar asked the Court to clarify and approve procedures for qualifying subscribers for distant network channels. EchoStar is disappointed that it has taken almost 5 years to get this ruling and that the court determined certain EchoStar methods are not allowed. Specifically, the court found that when qualifying distant network subscribers, EchoStar may only use one data base and that interference from other broadcast stations cannot be considered. As a result, EchoStar must re-qualify its distant network channel customers. This may result in the potential loss of certain distant network channels to less than 10 percent of EchoStar's customer base.

EchoStar will appeal several issues, including the right of customers to be grandfathered to receive distant network channels as provided under the SHVIA.

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its DISH Network(TM), is a leading U.S. provider of satellite television entertainment services with 8.53 million customers. DISH Network provides advanced digital satellite television services to the home, including hundreds of video, audio and data channels, personal video recording, HDTV, sports and international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com.
CONTACT: EchoStar
Marc Lumpkin, 303/723-2020
marc.lumpkin@echostar.com

SOURCE: EchoStar

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