DISH Announces Price Freeze

ENGLEWOOD, January 7: U.S. satellite platform DISH Network
is freezing the prices for its most popular programming packages until February
2009, and is ramping up its HD offerings.

The price freeze includes the popular DishDVR Advantage
package, which includes the America’s Top 100 or 200 programming package for
$39.99 or $49.99. DISH Network’s DishFAMILY package, with 40 of the most
popular family-friendly channels, will continue to be available for the same
non-promotional price of $19.99 per month. In addition to DISH Network’s price
freezes, the company is offering three months free programming to new
customers, as well as waived activation fees and the DISH Home Protection Plan
(DHPP) free for nine months.

“With the lowest all-digital
price in America, plus more ways to save and top-of-the-line products, DISH
Network is always looking out for our customers when it comes to quality,
innovation and value,’’ said Jessica Insalaco, the senior VP and chief
marketing officer for DISH Network.

The platform also unveiled plans today to increase its
national HD channel count from 76 to 100 in 2008. The company also plans to add
local HD channels in 65 new markets, bringing its HD local market total to 100.
DISH Network plans to launch three satellites this year, providing the company
additional bandwidth.

—By Mansha Daswani