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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 31, 2005
ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| NEVADA (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
0-26176 (Commission File Number) |
88-0336997 (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
| 9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO (Address of principal executive offices) |
80112 (Zip Code) |
(303) 723-1000
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
| COLORADO (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
333-31929 (Commission File Number) |
84-1328967 (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
| 9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO (Address of principal executive offices) |
80112 (Zip Code) |
(303) 723-1000
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14d-2(b)) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
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| ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. | ||||||||
| ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS | ||||||||
| SIGNATURES | ||||||||
| Exhibit Index | ||||||||
| Press Release | ||||||||
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ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE.
EchoStar Communications Corporation today announced that its DISH Network™ satellite TV service has passed the 11 million customer milestone. See Press Release, dated January 31, 2005, “DISH Network Passes 11 Million Customer Milestone” attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
The information included in this Current Report on Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or incorporated by reference in any registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
| (c) | Exhibits: |
99.1 Press Release “DISH Network Passes 11 Million Customer Milestone”
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION |
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Date: January 31, 2005
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By: | /s/ David K. Moskowitz | ||
| David K. Moskowitz Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
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Exhibit Index
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
99.1
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Press Release “DISH Network Passes 11 Million Customer Milestone” |
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Exhibit 99.1
DISH NETWORK PASSES 11 MILLION CUSTOMER MILESTONE
Company Now Third Largest Pay-TV Provider
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., January 31, 2005 – EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced that its DISH Network™ satellite TV service has passed the 11 million customer milestone. DISH Network’s lowest all-digital price and its award-winning customer service have prompted record numbers of consumers to switch from cable over the years, allowing DISH Network to pass Time Warner Cable as the third largest pay-TV provider in the United States.
In the last five years, DISH Network has added more than 7.6 million net new customers. DISH Network passed the 10 million customer milestone in June 2004.
“We are pleased that one out of every 10 U.S. households now subscribes to DISH Network, an achievement that took just over eight years,” said Charles Ergen, chairman and chief executive officer of EchoStar. “Television viewers have signaled their demand for quality programming, affordable prices, and top-notch customer service; and DISH Network excels at all three. With the lowest cost, all-digital TV service, plus the top ranking in customer satisfaction surveys, DISH Network is an easy choice for the 110 million U.S. households seeking home entertainment.”
DISH Network has also established a reputation as the innovator in the pay-TV industry, becoming the first to offer digital video recorders at no cost, the first to offer a DVR that lets consumers record and watch two different shows simultaneously, and the first to offer a high definition DVR. Early this year, DISH Network will also offer a multi-room DVR that records in high definition, plus a DVR that will allow DISH Network to offer true video on demand – a first for satellite providers.
DISH Network also offers customers 100 international channels in more than 25 languages, the most popular sports packages, the most popular high definition programming, the widest selection of interactive programming, and local channels in 152 markets and all 50 states, representing more than 93 percent of all U.S. television households.
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Here are year-end subscriber numbers for DISH Network since its inception (in millions, as of Dec. 31 of that year):
2003 – 9.425
2002 – 8.18
2001 – 6.83
2000 – 5.26
1999 – 3.41
1998 – 1.94
1997 – 1.04
For more information on DISH Network and any of its products or services call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com or contact your local DISH Network retailer.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11 million satellite TV
customers through its DISH NetworkÔ, the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital
television services in the last four years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio
channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional
installation and 24-hour customer service. DISH Network ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among
Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Visit EchoStar’s DISH Network at
www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
PRESS CONTACT:
Steve Caulk, steve.caulk@echostar.com, 303-723-2010
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