DISH Network Company History
DISH Network is the satellite broadcast brand of EchoStar Communications Corporation, an international public company headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.
humble beginnings
Established in 1980, EchoStar was the vision of now Chairman and CEO, Charlie Ergen, along with his wife, Cantey, and their friend, James DeFranco. With the company’s focus on customer service and state-of-the-art equipment, it wasn’t long before EchoStar began to grow rapidly.
In 1986, EchoStar introduced the world’s first UHF remote control and just a year later, it applied for a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) license with the FCC. They were granted that license in 1992. EchoStar soon focused on providing its own DBS service and in 1995 achieved that goal with the launch of EchoStar I from Xichang, China.
And the DISH Network brand was born.
DISH network today
Ten years and eight satellites later, EchoStar and DISH Network continue to seek the same thought leadership that has set them apart from the competition. In 1999, DISH Network introduced DISH 500, the world’s first and only satellite television system with 500 channels. Just a few months later, DISH Network does it again by launching the new HDTV satellite TV receiver in January 2000. By 2004, DISH Network had become the first satellite TV service to offer local channels to all 50 states, as well Like Washington, DC. And it was DISH Network that thanked its customers by giving away 1,000 complete HDTV sets.
Today, DISH Network remains the cheapest all-digital TV option in the United States and most recently introduced DISH Player-DVR 942, the first multi-room satellite TV receiver that can record in high definition.
But then, that’s nothing new. EchoStar has been full of firsts. Each year, EchoStar and DISH Network have reaffirmed their position by realizing new levels of service and cutting-edge technology. By partnering with communication masters like SBC and Earthlink, DISH Network has been able to offer even greater discounts and services in the form of bundled packages. Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among cable/satellite TV subscribers by JD Power and Associates, DISH Network reached its milestone of 10 million customers in 2004 and boasts an impressive satellite network with the ability to provide hundreds of channels. video, audio and digital data. services through DISH Network service to homes, businesses, and schools throughout the United States. With more than 20,000 employees, EchoStar and DISH Network remain dedicated to delivering and advancing Direct Broadcast Satellite around the world.
DISH network of tomorrow
What’s on the horizon for EchoStar and DISH Network?
The satellite industry continues to grow and expand, creating new opportunities and exciting and innovative technologies. High-definition television and digital video recording are just two great examples of how far a little ingenuity can take you. DISH Network recognizes this unlimited potential in satellite broadcasting and continues to look to the future, exploring new services and programming options for its customers. With the passage of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (SHVERA), DISH Network anticipates the possibility of distant HDTV network channels in the coming years.
Whatever the future holds, there are two things you can be sure of: It’s sure to be exciting, and EchoStar and DISH Network will continue to lead the pack.
For more information, visit the EchoStar (http://www.echostar.com) and DISH Network (http://www.dishnetwork.com) websites.
