Setanta Sports Launches On DISH Network™

[BGonaSTICK]

Just in time for the English Premiership season opener and the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Setanta Sports, the leading sports broadcasting network dedicated to international soccer and rugby, and EchoStar Communications Corporation's DISH Network™ (Nasdaq: DISH) today announced the launch of Setanta on DISH Network to subscribers across America for the first time. Currently in high demand outside of the United States, Setanta Sports brings quality and depth of programming to global sports fans nationwide through 24-hour access to more than 1,000 live events, including UK and European soccer, as well as world-class rugby and other sports programming.

Airing seven days per week, 24 hours per day, Setanta Sports is available to DISH Network customers for $14.99 per month, and to business subscribers starting at $100 per month. Through their subscription to Setanta Sports, sports fans will receive "armchair access" to the best live, international sports presented in their original format, including the world's top soccer from the Barclay's English Premiership League and the UEFA Champions League combined with top flight Rugby Union including the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the annual Six Nations tournament and The Heineken Cup of Europe.

"We are excited to offer DISH Network subscribers the best international sports programming from the comfort of their own homes, 24 hours a day," said Roger Hall, CEO of Setanta Sports North America. "DISH Network will be a terrific partner for us in North America and we look forward to bringing their customers the authentic soccer and rugby coverage that we're known for around the world for many years to come."

"We welcome the opportunity to offer our viewers a chance to engage in the world of international sports, including globally renowned programming like Barclay's English Premier League soccer and the 2007 Rugby World Cup," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "Our current subscriber base of more than 13.4 million homes across the United States is comprised of viewers from many different backgrounds with diverse sports interests. Adding programming like Setanta Sports speaks to our overarching goal to provide programming that is as diverse as our audiences."

Setanta will be offered for free in DISH Network's Preview Showroom on Ch. 284 from Aug. 2 through Sept. 5.

Source: EchoStar Communications Corporation