<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>ex23-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated
March 10, 2000, included in EchoStar Communications Corporation's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1999, and to all references to our Firm included in
this Registration Statement.

Denver, Colorado
June 30, 2000

                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen, LLP
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Arthur Andersen, LLP

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>