| DISH Network is as new as the DBS revolution, but we have been in the satellite business for almost 20 years now. Our parent company, EchoStar Communications, has been a leader in the industry, fighting for our customers. Positioned as a single, convenient source for equipment distribution, sales, installation, service and programming distribution, EchoStar Communications Corporation is widely recognized in the communications industry for its research and development activities. The company and its subsidiaries deliver Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) television products and services to millions of customers nationwide. EchoStar includes three interrelated business units: DISH NetworkT, EchoStar Technologies Corporation and EchoStar Satellite Services. EchoStar Communications Corporation is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: DISH, DISHP). Headquartered in Littleton, Colo., EchoStar Communications Corporation is a public company with over 6,000 employees. The company and its subsidiaries deliver direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television products and services to customers worldwide. EchoStar is a single, convenient source for product distribution, sales, installation and service; programming distribution, and is widely recognized in the industry for its research and development activities. (The company is still a leading manufacturer and distributor of C-band satellite TV products and programming, but has placed increasing emphasis on its high-power Ku-band DBS business since 1995.) In addition to EchoStar's state-of-the art Uplink Center in Cheyenne, Wyo.and four Customer Service Centers, the company has seven regional distribution and installation centers throughoutthe United States. International operations include sales and service locations throughout Europe and Asia.
The EchoStar's DISH Network Worldwide Digital Broadcast Center, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the heart of EchoStar's Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) system. The facility receives downlinked video, audio and data information from various satellites, as well as pay-per-view programming and special programs from EchoStar's own studios, then combines the information into a single digital stream and uplinks to five EchoStar direct-to-home broadcast satellites. These satellites relay the programming streams to DISH Network customers throughout the continental United States. In November 1994, EchoStar began construction of the satellite uplink center at the Cheyenne Business Parkway. The facility became operational in August 1995 for live demonstrations and was completed later that year. The first DISH Network broadcast from the uplink center to customers' homes was in March 1996, and now broadcasts to over 3 million customers.
The uplink center is located on a 50-acre parcel of land. The 138,000-square-foot facility houses an extensive array of highly technical, state-of-the-art satellite communications equipment. It is a growing, evolving facility, more than doubling in size during its first four years. EchoStar Communications Corporation was founded in 1980 by Charles Ergen, his wife Candy Ergen and James DeFranco. One of the pioneers in DTH television products, the Company grew by the mid-1980's into a leading supplier of DTH hardware and services worldwide. In 1987, foreseeing changing technology in the satellite TV industry, EchoStar Communications Corporation filed for a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) license with the FCC. Since, EchoStar has launched 9 satellites. EchoStar III, a Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite, was launched successfully from Cape Canaveral, Florida on an Atlas IIAS launch vehicle on October 5, 1997 and is orbiting at 61.5 degrees West Longitude. EchoStar IV, a Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite, was launched successfully from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on a Proton launch vehicle on May 8, 1998. EchoStar V was launched successfully on September 23, 1999. The satellite is located at 110 degrees West Longitude. The satellite is one of DISH Network‘s primary satellites in offering its core services. EchoStar VI was launched successfully on July 14, 2000. The satellite is located at 119 degrees West Longitude. The satellite is one of DISH Network's primary satellites in offering its core services. EchoStar VII was launched successfully on Feb. 21, 2002. The satellite is located at 119 degrees West Longitude. The satellite is one of DISH Network’s primary satellites in offering its core services and local programming. EchoStar VIII was lauched successfully on Aug. 21, 2002. The satellite is located at 110 degrees West Longitude. The satellite is one of DISH Network's primary satellites in offering its core services and local programming. EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced that its EchoStar IX satellite successfully launched from a floating platform at the equator aboard a Sea Launch rocket at 11:31 p.m. ET Thursday.The EchoStar IX satellite is equipped with the first commercial Ka-band spot-beam payload for use over the United States and will be used to deliver future broadband initiatives for the company. The satellite also carries a Ku-band payload to provide video delivery and will operate at the 121 degree West Longitude orbital location. EchoStar IX will join EchoStar’s current fleet of eight satellites that provide DISH Network customers with hundreds of all-digital television channels, including interactive TV services, sports programming, high definition television and international programming. EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its DISH Network, is a leading U.S. provider of satellite television entertainment services with more than 11 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 or call 1-800/333-DISH (3474). Website: http://www.dishnetwork.com |
