EarthLink to Partner With EchoStar

EarthLink to Partner With EchoStar

Move is Part of EarthLink's Push to Become a Total Communications Company

ATLANTA and ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), today announced a partnership with EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) and its DISH Network TM satellite TV service. By the end of the first quarter of 2006, customers in select parts of the country will be able to receive bundled discounts through EarthLink when purchasing packages of DISH Network satellite TV services and EarthLink's award-winning Internet service.

"Our partnership with DISH Network is part of EarthLink's strategy to become a total communications provider," said Gary Sonnier, EarthLink vice president of consumer access products. "Customers' communications and entertainment needs continue to change, and our agreement with DISH Network will enable EarthLink to deliver an integrated package of data, voice, and video services."

"DISH Network believes this partnership with EarthLink gives customers looking to bundle their television and Internet service a competitive alternative to cable," said EchoStar senior vice president of Alliance Management Thomas Stingley. "By offering customers a great value in television service along with EarthLink's award winning Internet service, this venture gives consumers even greater motivation to sign-up for bundled service."

The partnership enables EarthLink to offer customers multi-channel digital TV as part of its full package of bundled Internet services. Future plans will allow customers to pay for these services on one bill with a single, point of contact. Under the agreement, EarthLink will be responsible for marketing, account management, and billing inquiries. DISH Network will provide programming, installation, and technical support.

About Echostar

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five 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. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net

Source: EarthLink, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Dan Greenfield of EarthLink, +1-404-748-7436, or mobile,
+1-404-432-6526, or greenfie@corp.earthlink.net; or Mark Cicero of Echostar
Communications, +1-720-514-5351, or mark.cicero@echostar.com; or Investors,
Michael Gallentine of EarthLink, +1-404-748-7153, or mobile, +1-404-395-5155,
or gallentineml@corp.earthlink.net

Web site: http://www.earthlink.net/
http://www.dishnetwork.com/

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