ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
9601 South Meridian Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado 80112

December 18, 2007

Via EDGAR

Ms. Kathleen Krebs, Special Counsel
Division of Corporation Finance
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F. Street, N.E., Mail Stop 3720
Washington, D.C. 20549-5546

Re: EchoStar Communications Corporation
Definitive 14A
Filed April 5, 2007
File No. 001-26176

Dear Ms. Krebs:

Per your telephone conversation with our outside counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, on Monday, December 17, 2007, this letter confirms our request for an extension until January 14, 2008 to respond to your letter of December 7, 2007. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (303) 723-1277.

Sincerely,
 

/s/ Kim A. Culig

Kim A. Culig 

Senior Manager — SEC Reporting 

9601 South Meridian Blvd., Englewood, CO 80112    Tel: 303.723.1000    Fax: 303.723.1299