-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, MemZCljiTF/zHGZv+YVGOULW6AMvXmHpIBpAIJiNlNTre20YHx5N6f5t1CGRwdjq /BwRfsliy1X2+o9boRXk+g== 0000950134-06-005456.txt : 20060320 0000950134-06-005456.hdr.sgml : 20060320 20060317195339 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-06-005456 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060320 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060317 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ECHOSTAR DBS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001042642 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATION SERVICES, NEC [4899] IRS NUMBER: 841328967 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CO FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-31929 FILM NUMBER: 06697258 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80112 BUSINESS PHONE: 3037231277 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80112 10-K 1 d33917e10vk.htm FORM 10-K e10vk
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission file number: 333-31929
EchoStar DBS Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Colorado   84-1328967
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
9601 South Meridian Boulevard    
Englewood, Colorado   80112
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 723-1000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
         
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of March 8, 2006, the Registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 1,015 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value.
The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Annual report on Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
     The following documents are incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference:
     None
 
 

 


 

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    *  
 
       
       
 
       
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
    *  
    22  
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PART III
       
 
       
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
    *  
Item 11. Executive Compensation
    *  
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
    *  
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
    *  
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
    *  
 
       
       
 
       
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    F-1  
 Section 302 Certification of Chairman & CEO
 Section 302 Certification of Executive VP & CFO
 Section 906 Certification of Chairman & CEO
 Section 906 Certification of Executive VP & CFO
 
*This item has been omitted pursuant to the reduced disclosure format as set forth in General Instructions (I) (2) (a) and (c) of Form 10-K.

 


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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 throughout this document. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect” or “anticipate” will occur and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not be correct, even though we believe they are reasonable. We do not guarantee that any future transactions or events described herein will happen as described or that they will happen at all. You should read this document completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Whether actual events or results will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For further discussion see Item 1A. Risk Factors. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
    we face intense and increasing competition from satellite and cable television providers; new competitors, including telephone companies, are entering the subscription television business, and new technologies, including video over the internet, are likely to further increase competition;
 
    as technology changes, and in order to remain competitive, we will have to upgrade or replace some, or all, subscriber equipment periodically. We will not be able to pass on to our customers the entire cost of these upgrades;
 
    DISH Network subscriber growth may decrease, subscriber turnover may increase and subscriber acquisition costs may increase;
 
    satellite programming signals have been subject to theft and will continue to be subject to theft in the future; theft of service could increase and cause us to lose subscribers and revenue, and result in higher costs to us;
 
    we depend on others to produce programming; programming costs may increase beyond our current expectations; we may be unable to obtain or renew programming agreements on acceptable terms or at all; existing programming agreements could be subject to cancellation; foreign programming is increasingly offered on other platforms which could cause our subscriber additions and related revenue to decline and could cause our subscriber turnover to increase;
 
    we depend on the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as Amended (“Communications Act”) and Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) program access rules to secure nondiscriminatory access to programming produced by others, neither of which assure that we have fair access to all programming that we need to remain competitive;
 
    the regulations governing our industry may change;
 
    certain provisions of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004, or SHVERA, may force us to stop offering local channels in certain markets or may force us to incur additional costs to continue offering local channels in certain markets;
 
    our satellite launches may be delayed or fail, or our satellites may fail in orbit prior to the end of their scheduled lives causing extended interruptions of some of the channels we offer;
 
    we currently do not have commercial insurance covering losses incurred from the failure of satellite launches and/or in-orbit satellites we own;
 
    service interruptions arising from technical anomalies on satellites or on-ground components of our direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) system, or caused by war, terrorist activities or natural disasters, may cause customer cancellations or otherwise harm our business;
 
    we are heavily dependent on complex information technologies; weaknesses in our information technology systems could have an adverse impact on our business; we may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel to maintain our information technology infrastructure;
 
    we rely on key personnel including Charles W. Ergen, our chairman and chief executive officer, and other executives;
 
    we may be unable to obtain needed retransmission consents, FCC authorizations or export licenses, and we may lose our current or future authorizations;
 
    we are party to various lawsuits which, if adversely decided, could have a significant adverse impact on our business;

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    we may be unable to obtain patent licenses from holders of intellectual property or redesign our products to avoid patent infringement;
 
    sales of digital equipment and related services to international direct-to-home service providers may decrease;
 
    we are highly leveraged and subject to numerous constraints on our ability to raise additional debt;
 
    we may pursue acquisitions, business combinations, strategic partnerships, divestitures and other significant transactions that involve uncertainties;
 
    weakness in the global or U.S. economy may harm our business generally, and adverse political or economic developments may occur in some of our markets;
 
    terrorist attacks, the possibility of war or other hostilities, natural and man-made disasters, and changes in political and economic conditions as a result of these events may continue to affect the U.S. and the global economy and may increase other risks;
 
    EchoStar Communications Corporation (“EchoStar”), our ultimate parent company, periodically evaluates and tests its internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This evaluation and testing of internal control over financial reporting includes our operations. Although EchoStar’s management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005, if in the future EchoStar is unable to report that its internal control over financial reporting is effective (or if EchoStar’s auditors do not agree with EchoStar management’s assessment of the effectiveness of, or are unable to express an opinion on, EchoStar’s internal control over financial reporting), investors, customers and business partners could lose confidence in our financial reports, which could have a material adverse effect on our business; and
 
    we may face other risks described from time to time in periodic and current reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. In this connection, investors should consider the risks described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
We assume no responsibility for updating forward-looking information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in other reports we file with the SEC.
In this document, the words “EDBS,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us,” refer to EchoStar DBS Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. “EchoStar” and “ECC” refer to Echostar Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Brief Description of Business
EchoStar DBS Corporation (“EDBS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our”) is a holding company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation (“EchoStar” or “ECC”), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market. EDBS was formed under Colorado law in January 1996. EchoStar has placed ownership of 10 in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses into our subsidiaries. We refer readers of this report to EchoStar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
EchoStar started offering subscription television services on the DISH Network in March 1996. As of December 31, 2005, the DISH Network had approximately 12.040 million subscribers. EchoStar currently has 14 owned or leased in-orbit satellites which enable us to offer over 2,300 video and audio channels to consumers across the United States. Since we use many of these channels for local programming, no particular consumer could subscribe to all channels, but all are available using small consumer satellite antennae, or dishes. We believe that the DISH Network offers programming packages that have a better “price-to-value” relationship than packages currently offered by most other subscription television providers. As of December 31, 2005, there were over 27.0 million subscribers to direct broadcast satellite services in the United States. We believe that there are more than 94.2 million pay television subscribers in the United States, and there continues to be unsatisfied demand for high quality, reasonably priced television programming services.
Substantially all of EchoStar’s operations are conducted by our subsidiaries which operate two interrelated business units:
    The DISH Network — which provides a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) subscription television service in the United States; and
 
    EchoStar Technologies Corporation (“ETC”) — which designs and develops DBS set-top boxes, antennae and other digital equipment for the DISH Network. We refer to this equipment collectively as “EchoStar receiver systems.” ETC also designs, develops and distributes similar equipment for international satellite service providers.
We have deployed substantial resources to develop the “EchoStar DBS System.” The EchoStar DBS System consists of our FCC allocated DBS spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, EchoStar receiver systems, digital broadcast operations centers, customer service facilities, and certain other assets utilized in our operations. Our principal business strategy is to continue developing our subscription television service in the United States to provide consumers with a fully competitive alternative to cable television service.
Recent Developments
EchoStar X. EchoStar X, a DBS satellite which can operate up to 49 spot beams using up to 42 active 140 watt TWTAs, was launched on February 15, 2006. EchoStar X is owned by EchoStar Orbital Corporation (“EOC”), a direct subsidiary of EchoStar and our parent company. Assuming successful completion of in-orbit testing, the satellite is expected to commence commercial operations during the second quarter of 2006 at the 110 degree orbital location. The spot beams on EchoStar X are designed to increase the number of markets where we can offer local channels by satellite, including high definition local channels.
$1.5 Billion Senior Notes Offering. On February 2, 2006, we sold $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year, 7 1/8% Senior Notes due February 1, 2016 in a private placement. The proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to redeem our outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and are also intended to be used for other general corporate purposes.
9 1/8% Senior Notes Redemption. Effective February 17, 2006, we redeemed the balance of our outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009. In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the remaining principal amount of the notes of approximately $442.0 million was redeemed at 104.563% of the principal amount, for a total of approximately $462.1 million. The premium paid of approximately $20.1 million, along with unamortized debt issuance costs of approximately $2.8 million, were recorded as charges to earnings in February 2006.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly file our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. As an electronic filer, our public filings are maintained on the SEC’s Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov.
WEBSITE ACCESS
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act also may be accessed free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.echostar.com.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we currently believe to be immaterial, also may become important factors that affect us.
If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Business
We compete with other subscription television service providers and traditional broadcasters, which could affect our ability to grow and increase our earnings and other operating metrics.
We compete in the subscription television service industry against other DBS television providers, cable television and other system operators offering video, audio and data programming and entertainment services. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. Our earnings and other operating metrics could be materially adversely affected if we are unable to compete successfully with these and other new providers of multi-channel video programming services.
Cable television operators have a large, established customer base, and many cable operators have significant investments in, and access to, programming. Of the total U.S. households in which cable television service was available as of June 30, 2005 approximately 60% subscribed to cable. Cable television operators continue to leverage their advantages relative to satellite operators by, among other things, bundling their analog video service with expanded digital video services, 2-way high speed internet access, and telephone services. Cable television operators with analog systems are also able to provide service to multiple television sets within the same household at a lesser incremental cost to the consumer, and they are able to provide local and other programming in a larger number of geographic areas. As a result of these and other factors, we may not be able to continue to expand our subscriber base or compete effectively against cable television operators.
Some digital cable platforms currently offer a VOD service that enables subscribers to choose from a library of programming selections for viewing at their convenience. We are continuing to develop our own VOD service alternative which was launched on a limited scale during 2005. There can be no assurance that our VOD service will be successful in competing with other video providers.

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News Corporation owns a 34% controlling interest in the DirecTV Group, Inc. (“DirecTV”). News Corporation’s diverse world-wide satellite, content and other related businesses may provide competitive advantages to DirecTV with respect to the acquisition of programming, content and other assets valuable to our industry. In addition, DirecTV’s satellite receivers are sold in a significantly greater number of consumer electronics stores than ours. As a result of this and other factors, our services are less well known to consumers than those of DirecTV. Due to this relative lack of consumer awareness and other factors, we are at a competitive marketing disadvantage compared to DirecTV. We believe DirecTV continues to be in an advantageous position relative to our Company with regard to, among other things, certain programming packages, and possibly, volume discounts for programming offers. DirecTV recently launched two new satellites and announced plans to launch two additional new satellites in 2007 in order to offer local and national channel programming in HD to most of the U.S. population. Although we have recently launched our own HD initiatives, if DirecTV fully implements these plans, we may be placed at a further competitive disadvantage compared to DirecTV.
Furthermore, other companies in the United States have conditional permits or leased transponders for a comparatively small number of DBS assignments that can be used to provide subscription satellite services to portions of the United States. These new entrants may have a competitive advantage over us in deploying some new products and technologies because of the substantial costs we may be required to incur to make new products or technologies available across our installed base of over 12 million subscribers.
Most areas of the United States can receive traditional terrestrial VHF/UHF television broadcasts of between three and 10 channels. These broadcasters provide local, network and syndicated programming. The local content nature of the programming may be important to the consumer, and VHF/UHF programming is typically provided free of charge. In addition, the FCC has allocated additional digital spectrum to licensed broadcasters. At least during this transition period, each existing television station will be able to retain its present analog frequencies and also transmit programming on a digital channel that may permit multiple programming services per channel. Our business could be adversely affected by continued free broadcast of local and other programming and increased program offerings by traditional broadcasters.
Although we believe we currently offer more HD content than our competitors, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage to the extent other multi-channel video providers increase their offering of HD programming. We could be further disadvantaged to the extent a significant number of local broadcasters begin offering local channels in HD, unless we make substantial additional investments in infrastructure to deliver HD programming. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively compete with HD program offerings from other video providers.
New technologies could also have a material adverse effect on the demand for our DBS services. For example, we face an increasingly significant competitive threat from the build-out of advanced fiber optic networks. Verizon Communications, Inc. (“Verizon”) and AT&T have begun deployment of fiber-optic networks that will allow them to offer video services bundled with traditional phone and high speed internet directly to millions of homes as early as the second half of 2006. In addition, telephone companies and other entities are also implementing and supporting digital video compression over existing telephone lines and digital “wireless cable” which may allow them to offer video services without having to build a new infrastructure. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers over the internet.
With the large increase in the number of consumers with broadband service, a significant amount of video content has become available on the Internet for users to download and view on their personal computers and other devices. In addition, there are several initiatives by companies to make it easier to view Internet-based video on television and personal computer screens. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers via digital air waves.
Mergers, joint ventures, and alliances among franchise, wireless or private cable television operators, telephone companies and others also may result in providers capable of offering television services in competition with us. In addition, our competitors are increasingly using existing and new technologies to offer bundles of television and telecommunications services that may prove to be more competitive than our current offerings. As a result, we may not be able to compete successfully with existing competitors or new entrants in the market for television services.

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Satellite programming signals have been subject to theft, which could cause us to lose subscribers and revenue.
It is illegal to create, sell or otherwise distribute mechanisms or devices to circumvent that encryption. Our signal encryption has been compromised by theft of service and could be further compromised in the future. Theft of our programming reduces future potential revenue and increases our net subscriber acquisition costs. In addition, theft of our competitors’ programming can also increase our churn. Compromises of our encryption technology could also adversely affect our ability to contract for video and audio services provided by programmers. We continue to respond to compromises of our encryption system with security measures intended to make signal theft of our programming more difficult. In order to combat theft of our service and maintain the functionality of active set-top boxes, we recently replaced the majority of our older generation smart cards with newer generation smart cards. These existing smart cards have been compromised, and we are implementing software patches and other security measures to help secure our service. However, there can be no assurance that our security measures will be effective in reducing theft of our programming signals. If we are required to replace existing smart cards, the cost of card replacements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, profitability and cash flows. Furthermore, other illegal methods that compromise satellite programming signals may be developed in the future. If we cannot control compromises of our encryption technology, our revenue, net subscriber acquisition costs, churn and our ability to contract for video and audio services provided by programmers could be materially adversely affected.
Increased subscriber turnover could harm our financial performance.
Our subscriber churn may be negatively impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to, an increase in competition from other multi-channel video providers and new technology entrants, signal theft, and increasingly complex products. There can be no assurance that these and other factors will not contribute to relatively higher churn than we have experienced historically. Additionally, certain of our promotions allow consumers with relatively lower credit scores to become subscribers and these subscribers typically churn at a higher rate. However, these subscribers are also acquired at a lower cost resulting in a smaller economic loss upon disconnect.
SHVERA requires, among other things, that all local broadcast channels delivered by satellite to any particular market be available from a single dish by June 8, 2006. We currently offer local broadcast channels in 164 markets across the United States. In 38 of those markets a second dish was previously required to receive some local channels in the market. While we have subsequently reduced the number of markets where a second dish is necessary, we can not entirely eliminate the second dish necessity in all markets absent full operability of EchoStar X.
In the event EchoStar X experiences any anomalies, satellite capacity limitations could force us to move the local channels in some two dish markets to different satellites, requiring subscribers in those markets to install a second or different dish to continue receiving their local broadcast channels. We could be forced, in that event, to stop offering local channels in some of those markets altogether. The transition of all local broadcast channels in a market to a single dish could result in disruptions of service for a substantial number of our customers. Further, our ability to timely comply with this requirement without incurring significant additional costs is dependent on, among other things, the continued operation of our EchoStar V satellite at the 129 degree orbital location until commencement of commercial operation of EchoStar X. EchoStar V or EchoStar X anomalies could force us to cease offering local channels by satellite in many markets absent regulatory relief from the single dish obligations. If impediments to our preferred transition plan arise, it is possible that the costs of compliance with the single dish requirement could exceed $100.0 million. To the extent subscribers are unwilling for any reason to upgrade to a new dish, our subscriber churn could be negatively impacted.
In addition, we depend on our EchoStar VIII satellite to provide local channels to over 40 markets at least until such time as our EchoStar X satellite has commenced commercial operation. In the event that EchoStar VIII experienced a total or substantial failure, we could transmit many, but not all, of those channels from other in-orbit satellites. The potential relocation of some channels, and elimination of others, resulting from failures relating to EchoStar X or EchoStar VIII, could cause a material adverse impact on our business, including, among other things, a reduction in revenues, an increase in operating expenses, a decrease in new subscriber activations and an increase in subscriber churn.

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Impacts from our litigation with the networks in Florida, FCC rules governing the delivery of superstations and other factors could cause us to terminate delivery of network channels and superstations to a substantial number of our subscribers, which could cause many of those customers to cancel their subscription to our other services. In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the Miami District Court’s network litigation injunction, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers might ultimately cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result in, among other things, a reduction in monthly average revenue per DISH Network subscriber and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.
Increases in theft of our signal, or our competitors’ signals, also could cause subscriber churn to increase in future periods. There can be no assurance that our existing security measures will not be compromised or that any future security measures we may implement will be effective in reducing theft of our programming signals.
Additionally, as the size of our subscriber base continues to increase, even if percentage subscriber churn remains constant or declines, increasing numbers of gross new DISH Network subscribers are required to sustain net subscriber growth.
Increased subscriber acquisition and retention costs could adversely affect our financial performance.
In addition to leasing receivers, we generally subsidize installation and all or a portion of the cost of EchoStar receiver systems in order to attract new DISH Network subscribers. Our costs to acquire subscribers, and to a lesser extent our subscriber retention costs, can vary significantly from period to period and can cause material variability to our net income (loss) and free cash flow. Our average subscriber acquisition costs were approximately $439 per new subscriber activation during the year ended December 31, 2005, as compared to approximately $444 per new subscriber activation during 2004.
Subscriber acquisition costs exclude the value of receiver system equipment provided to subscribers under our Digital Home Advantage (“DHA”) lease program. Because we retain ownership of such equipment, we capitalize such costs and depreciate them over the equipment’s useful life. Our equipment lease penetration increased during the year ended December 31, 2005 as compared to 2004. This reduced our average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation, and resulted in an increase in capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2005. In the event we continue to increase our equipment lease penetration, our average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation will continue to be positively impacted and our capital expenditures will continue to increase. If we included in our calculation of average subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation the equipment capitalized under our lease program less the value of equipment returned and payments received, our average subscriber costs would have been approximately $668 per new subscriber activation during the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to $593 per new subscriber activation during 2004. This increase was primarily attributable to a greater number of SuperDISH installations, as well as an increase in DISH Network subscribers activating higher priced advanced products, such as receivers with multiple tuners, DVRs and HD receivers. Our subscriber acquisition costs, both in the aggregate and on a per new subscriber activation basis, may materially increase in the future to the extent that we introduce other more aggressive promotions if we determine that they are necessary to respond to competition, or for other reasons.
In addition to new subscriber acquisition costs, we incur costs to retain existing subscribers, including costs related to the programs by which we offer existing subscribers new and upgraded equipment. We generally subsidize installation and all or a portion of the cost of our receiver system equipment offered pursuant to our subscriber retention programs. Our capital expenditures related to subscriber retention programs could increase in the future to the extent we increase penetration of our equipment lease program for existing subscribers, if we introduce other more aggressive promotions, if we offer existing subscribers HD receivers or EchoStar receivers with other enhanced technologies, or for other reasons.

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Several years ago we began deploying satellite receivers capable of exploiting 8PSK modulation technology. Since that technology is now standard in all of our new satellite receivers, our cost to migrate programming channels to that technology in the future will be substantially lower than if it were necessary to replace all existing consumer equipment. As we continue to implement 8PSK technology, bandwidth efficiency will improve, significantly increasing the number of programming channels we can transmit over our existing satellites as an alternative or supplement to the acquisition of additional spectrum or the construction of additional satellites. New channels we add to our service using only that technology may allow us to further reduce conversion costs and create additional revenue opportunities. We have implemented MPEG-4 technology in all satellite receivers for new customers who subscribe to our HD programming packages. This technology when implemented will result in further bandwidth efficiencies over time. We have not yet determined the extent to which we will convert the EchoStar DBS System to these new technologies, or the period of time over which the conversions will occur. Provided EchoStar X commences commercial operation during second quarter 2006 and other planned satellites are successfully deployed, our 8PSK transition will afford us greater flexibility in delaying and reducing the costs otherwise required to convert our subscriber base to MPEG-4.
Any material increase in subscriber acquisition or retention costs from current levels could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have substantial debt outstanding and may incur additional debt
As of December 31, 2005, our total debt, including the debt of our subsidiaries, was approximately $4.410 billion. During February 2006, our total debt increased to approximately $5.468 billion when we sold $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year, 7 1/8% Senior Notes due February 1, 2016 and redeemed our outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009 of approximately $442.0 million.
Our debt levels could have significant consequences, including:
    making it more difficult to satisfy our obligations;
 
    increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions, including changes in interest rates;
 
    limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;
 
    requiring us to devote a substantial portion of our available cash and cash flow to make interest and principal payments on our debt, thereby reducing the amount of available cash for other purposes;
 
    limiting our financial and operating flexibility in responding to changing economic and competitive conditions; and
 
    placing us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.
In addition, we may incur substantial additional debt in the future. The terms of the indentures relating to our senior notes permit us to incur additional debt. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks we now face could intensify.

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We may need additional capital, which may not be available, in order to continue growing, to increase earnings and to make payments on our debt.
Our ability to increase earnings and to make interest and principal payments on our debt will depend in part on our ability to continue growing our business by maintaining and increasing our subscriber base. This may require significant additional capital that may not be available to us.
Funds necessary to meet subscriber acquisition and retention costs are expected to be satisfied from existing cash and marketable investment securities balances and cash generated from operations to the extent available. We may, however, decide to raise additional capital in the future to meet these requirements. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all, if needed in the future.
In addition to our DBS business plan, we have contracts to construct, and conditional licenses and pending FCC applications for, a number of fixed satellite service (“FSS”) Ku-band, Ka-band and extended Ku-band satellites. We may need to raise additional capital to construct, launch, and insure satellites and complete these systems and other satellites we may in the future apply to operate. We also periodically evaluate various strategic initiatives, the pursuit of which also could require us to raise significant additional capital. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
We also have substantial satellite-related payment obligations under our various satellite service agreements.
Our business depends substantially on FCC licenses that can expire or be revoked or modified and applications that may not be granted.
If the FCC were to cancel, revoke, suspend or fail to renew any of our licenses or authorizations, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, profitability and cash flows. Specifically, loss of a frequency authorization would reduce the amount of spectrum available to us, potentially reducing the amount of programming and other services available to our subscribers. The materiality of such a loss of authorizations would vary based upon, among other things, the location of the frequency used or the availability of replacement spectrum. In addition, Congress often considers and enacts legislation that could affect us, and FCC proceedings to implement the Communications Act and enforce its regulations are ongoing. We cannot predict the outcomes of these legislative or regulatory proceedings or their effect on our business.
We are subject to significant regulatory oversight and changes in applicable regulatory requirements could adversely affect our business.
DBS operators are subject to significant government regulation, primarily by the FCC and, to a certain extent, by Congress, other federal agencies and international, state and local authorities. Depending upon the circumstances, noncompliance with legislation or regulations promulgated by these entities could result in the suspension or revocation of our licenses or registrations, the termination or loss of contracts or the imposition of contractual damages, civil fines or criminal penalties any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. You should review the regulatory disclosures under the caption “Item 1. Business — Government Regulation — FCC Regulation under the Communication Act, Other Communications Act Provisions” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by ECC for the year ended December 31, 2005.
We may be unable to manage rapidly expanding operations.
If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. To manage our growth effectively, we must, among other things, continue to develop our internal and external sales forces, installation capability, customer service operations and information systems, and maintain our relationships with third party vendors. We also need to continue to expand, train and manage our employee base, and our management personnel must assume even greater levels of responsibility. If we are unable to continue to manage growth effectively, we may experience a decrease in subscriber growth and an increase in churn, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, profitability and cash flows.

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We cannot be certain that we will sustain profitability.
Due to the substantial expenditures necessary to complete construction, launch and deployment of our DBS system and to obtain and service DISH Network customers, we have in the past sustained significant losses. If we do not have sufficient income or other sources of cash, our ability to service our debt and pay our other obligations could be affected. While we had net income of $1.137 billion, $299.4 million and $319.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, we may not be able to sustain this profitability. Improvements in our results of operations will depend largely upon our ability to increase our customer base while maintaining our price structure, effectively managing our costs and controlling churn. We cannot assure you that we will be effective with regard to these matters.
Our satellites are subject to risks related to launch.
Satellite launches are subject to significant risks, including launch failure, incorrect orbital placement or improper commercial operation. Certain launch vehicles that may be used by us have either unproven track records or have experienced launch failures in the past. The risks of launch delay and failure are usually greater when the launch vehicle does not have a track record of previous successful flights. Launch failures result in significant delays in the deployment of satellites because of the need both to construct replacement satellites, which can take more than two years, and to obtain other launch opportunities. Such significant delays could materially adversely affect our ability to generate revenues. If we were unable to obtain launch insurance, or obtain launch insurance at rates we deem commercially reasonable, and a significant launch failure were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenues and fund future satellite procurement and launch opportunities.
In addition, the occurrence of future launch failures may materially adversely affect our ability to insure the launch of our satellites at commercially reasonable premiums, if at all. Please see further discussion under the caption “We currently have no commercial insurance coverage on our satellites” below.
We cannot be certain that EchoStar X will be successfully placed in commercial operation.
Our ability to timely comply with SHVERA requirements without incurring significant additional costs is dependent on, among other things, the successful commencement of commercial operation of our EchoStar X satellite during second quarter 2006 and continued operation of our EchoStar V satellite at the 129 degree orbital location until that time. Delays in the commencement of commercial operation of EchoStar X would likely require us to cease offering local channels by satellite in many markets absent regulatory relief from the single dish obligation. Further, if impediments to our preferred transition plan arise, it is possible that the costs of compliance with this requirement could exceed $100.0 million. To the extent subscribers are unwilling for any reason to upgrade to a new dish, our subscriber churn could be negatively impacted.
Our satellites are subject to significant operational risks.
Satellites are subject to significant operational risks while in orbit. These risks include malfunctions, commonly referred to as anomalies, that have occurred in our satellites and the satellites of other operators as a result of various factors, such as satellite manufacturers’ errors, problems with the power systems or control systems of the satellites and general failures resulting from operating satellites in the harsh environment of space.
Although we work closely with the satellite manufacturers to determine and eliminate the cause of anomalies in new satellites and provide for redundancies of many critical components in the satellites, we may experience anomalies in the future, whether of the types described above or arising from the failure of other systems or components.
Any single anomaly or series of anomalies could materially adversely affect our operations and revenues and our relationship with current customers, as well as our ability to attract new customers for our direct broadcast satellites and other satellite services. In particular, future anomalies may result in the loss of individual transponders on a satellite, a group of transponders on that satellite or the entire satellite, depending on the nature of the anomaly.

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Anomalies may also reduce the expected useful life of a satellite, thereby reducing the revenue that could be generated by that satellite, or create additional expenses due to the need to provide replacement or back-up satellites. Finally, the occurrence of anomalies may materially adversely affect our ability to insure our satellites at commercially reasonable premiums, if at all. You should review the disclosures relating to satellite anomalies set forth under Note 4 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Meteoroid events pose a potential threat to all in-orbit geosynchronous satellites. The probability that meteoroids will damage those satellites increases significantly when the Earth passes through the particulate stream left behind by comets. Occasionally, increased solar activity also poses a potential threat to all in-orbit satellites.
Some decommissioned spacecraft are in uncontrolled orbits which pass through the geostationary belt at various points, and present hazards to operational spacecraft, including our satellites. We may be required to perform maneuvers to avoid collisions and these maneuvers may prove unsuccessful or could reduce the useful life of the satellite through the expenditure of fuel to perform these maneuvers. The loss, damage or destruction of any of our satellites as a result of an electrostatic storm, collision with space debris, malfunction or other event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our satellites have minimum design lives of 12 years, but could fail or suffer reduced capacity before then.
Our ability to earn revenue depends on the usefulness of our satellites. Each satellite has a limited useful life. A number of factors affect the useful lives of the satellites, including, among other things, the quality of their construction, the durability of their component parts, the ability to continue to maintain proper orbit and control over the satellite’s functions, the efficiency of the launch vehicle used, and the remaining on-board fuel following orbit insertion. Generally, the minimum design life of each of our satellites is 12 years. We can provide no assurance, however, as to the actual useful lives of the satellites.
In the event of a failure or loss of any of our satellites, we may relocate another satellite and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such a relocation would require FCC approval and, among other things, a showing to the FCC that the replacement satellite would not cause additional interference compared to the failed or lost satellite. We cannot be certain that we could obtain such FCC approval. If we choose to use a satellite in this manner, this use could adversely affect our ability to meet the operation deadlines associated with our authorizations. Failure to meet those deadlines could result in the loss of such authorizations, which would have an adverse effect on our ability to generate revenues.
We currently have no commercial insurance coverage on our satellites.
We do not use commercial insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of in-orbit failures because we believe that the premium costs are uneconomical relative to the risk of satellite failure. We believe that we have in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to expeditiously recover transmission of most programming in the event one of our in-orbit satellites fails. However, programming continuity cannot be assured in the event of multiple satellite losses. For example, we depend on our EchoStar VIII satellite to provide local channels to over 40 markets at least until such time as our EchoStar X satellite has commenced commercial operation. In the event that EchoStar VIII experienced a total or substantial failure, we could transmit many, but not all, of those channels from other in-orbit satellites.
Complex technology used in our business could become obsolete.
Our operating results are dependent to a significant extent upon our ability to continue to introduce new products and services on a timely basis and to reduce costs of our existing products and services. We may not be able to successfully identify new product or service opportunities or develop and market these opportunities in a timely or cost-effective manner. The success of new product development depends on many factors, including proper identification of customer need, cost, timely completion and introduction, differentiation from offerings of competitors and market acceptance.

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Technology in the subscription television and satellite services industries changes rapidly as new technologies are developed, which could cause our services and products to become obsolete. We and our suppliers may not be able to keep pace with technological developments. If the new technologies on which we intend to focus our research and development investments fail to achieve acceptance in the marketplace, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our future competitive position that could cause a reduction in our revenues and earnings. We may also be at a competitive disadvantage in developing and introducing complex new products and technologies because of the substantial costs we may incur in making these products or technologies available across our installed base of over 12 million subscribers. For example, our competitors could be the first to obtain proprietary technologies that are perceived by the market as being superior. Further, after we have incurred substantial research and development costs, one or more of the technologies under our development, or under development by one or more of our strategic partners, could become obsolete prior to its introduction. In addition, delays in the delivery of components or other unforeseen problems in our DBS system or other satellite services may occur that could materially adversely affect our ability to generate revenue, offer new services and remain competitive.
Technological innovation is important to our success and depends, to a significant degree, on the work of technically skilled employees. Competition for the services of these types of employees is vigorous. We may not be able to attract and retain these employees. If we are unable to attract and maintain technically skilled employees, our competitive position could be materially adversely affected.
We depend on few manufacturers, and in some cases a single manufacturer, for many components of consumer premises equipment; we may be adversely affected by product shortages.
We depend on relatively few sources, and in some cases a single source, for many components of the consumer premises equipment that we provide to subscribers in order to deliver our digital television services. Product shortages and resulting installation delays could cause us to lose potential future subscribers to our DISH Network service.
We rely on key personnel.
We believe that our future success will depend to a significant extent upon the performance of Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and certain other executives. The loss of Mr. Ergen or of certain other key executives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although all of our executives have executed agreements limiting their ability to work for or consult with competitors if they leave us, we do not have employment agreements with any of them.
EchoStar is controlled by one principal stockholder.
Charles W. Ergen, EchoStar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, currently beneficially owns approximately 48% of EchoStar’s total equity securities and possesses approximately 73% of the total voting power. Thus, Mr. Ergen has the ability to elect a majority of EchoStar’s directors and to control all other matters requiring the approval of its stockholders. As a result of Mr. Ergen’s voting power, EchoStar is a “controlled company” as defined in the Nasdaq listing rules and is, therefore, not subject to Nasdaq requirements that would otherwise require its to have (i) a majority of independent directors; (ii) a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; (iii) a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors; (iv) compensation of its executive officers determined by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; and (v) director nominees selected, or recommended for its Board’s selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.

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We may not be aware of certain foreign government regulations.
Because regulatory schemes vary by country, we may be subject to regulations in foreign countries of which we are not presently aware. If that were to be the case, we could be subject to sanctions by a foreign government that could materially adversely affect our ability to operate in that country. We cannot assure you that any current regulatory approvals held by us are, or will remain, sufficient in the view of foreign regulatory authorities, or that any additional necessary approvals will be granted on a timely basis or at all, in all jurisdictions in which we wish to operate new satellites, or that applicable restrictions in those jurisdictions will not be unduly burdensome. The failure to obtain the authorizations necessary to operate satellites internationally could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and our overall competitive position.
We, our customers and companies with which we do business may be required to have authority from each country in which we or they provide services or provide our customers use of our satellites. Because regulations in each country are different, we may not be aware if some of our customers and/or companies with which we do business do not hold the requisite licenses and approvals.
Our business relies on intellectual property, some of which is owned by third parties, and we may inadvertently infringe their patents and proprietary rights.
Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services related to those that we offer. In general, if a court determines that one or more of our products infringes on intellectual property held by others, we may be required to cease developing or marketing those products, to obtain licenses from the holders of the intellectual property at a material cost, or to redesign those products in such a way as to avoid infringing the patent claims. If those intellectual property rights are held by a competitor, we may be unable to obtain the intellectual property at any price, which could adversely affect our competitive position.
We may not be aware of all intellectual property rights that our products may potentially infringe. In addition, patent applications in the United States are confidential until the Patent and Trademark Office issues a patent and, accordingly, our products may infringe claims contained in pending patent applications of which we are not aware. Further, the process of determining definitively whether a claim of infringement is valid often involves expensive and protracted litigation, even if we are ultimately successful on the merits.
We cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain intellectual property licenses or the availability and cost of any such licenses. Those costs, and their impact on our net income, could be material. Damages in patent infringement cases may also include treble damages in certain circumstances. To the extent that we are required to pay unanticipated royalties to third parties, these increased costs of doing business could negatively affect our liquidity and operating results. We are currently defending patent infringement actions. We cannot be certain the courts will conclude these companies do not own the rights they claim, that our products do not infringe on these rights, that we would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement. See “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings.”
Our local programming strategy faces uncertainty.
SHVIA generally gives satellite companies a statutory copyright license to retransmit local broadcast channels by satellite back into the market from which they originated, subject to obtaining the retransmission consent of the local network station. If we fail to reach retransmission consent agreements with broadcasters we cannot carry their signals. This could have an adverse effect on our ability to compete with cable and other satellite companies which provide local channels. While we have been able to reach retransmission consent agreements with most local network stations in markets where we currently offer local channels by satellite, roll-out of local channels in additional cities will require that we obtain additional retransmission consent agreements. We cannot be sure that we will secure these agreements or that we will secure new agreements upon the expiration of our current retransmission consent agreements, some of which are short term.

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Impediments to retransmission of distant broadcast signals; our distant programming strategy faces uncertainty.
The Copyright Act, as amended by SHVIA, permits satellite retransmission of distant broadcast channels only to “unserved households.” An example of a distant network station retransmission is a Los Angeles broadcast network station retransmitted by satellite to a subscriber outside of the Los Angeles market. That subscriber qualifies as an “unserved household” if he or she cannot receive, over the air, a signal of sufficient intensity (“Grade B” intensity) from a Los Angeles station affiliated with the same broadcast network.
SHVIA has also established a process whereby consumers predicted to be served by a local station may request that this station waive the unserved household limitation so that the requesting consumer may receive distant signals by satellite. If the waiver request is denied, SHVIA entitles the consumer to request an actual test, with the cost to be borne by either the satellite carrier, such as us, or the broadcast station depending on the results. The testing process required by the statute can be very costly.
In addition, SHVIA has affected and continues to affect us adversely in several other respects. The legislation prohibits us from carrying more than two distant signals for each broadcasting network and leaves the FCC’s Grade B intensity standard unchanged without future legislation. The FCC recently rejected our petition for reconsideration of its methodology for predicting whether a particular household is served by a signal of Grade B intensity. While we have filed a petition for federal appellate review of the FCC’s action we cannot be sure that the court will not uphold the FCC’s decision. The FCC rules mandated by SHVIA also require us to potentially delete substantial programming (including sports programming) from these signals. Although we have implemented certain measures in order to comply with these rules, these requirements may significantly hamper our ability to retransmit distant network and superstation signals. The burdens the rules impose upon us may become so onerous that we may be required to substantially alter, or stop retransmitting, some programming channels. In addition, the FCC’s sports blackout requirements, which apply to all distant network signals, may require costly upgrades to our system.
SHVERA extends our legal authority to retransmit distant stations under SHVIA to December 31, 2009, but imposes new and complex restrictions on that authority. In general, we will no longer be able to offer distant network stations to new subscribers in markets in which we offer local broadcast stations. In addition, our ability to retransmit distant digital network stations today depends on whether a household is unserved by the analog signal of the local network station. While the statute gives us the ability to engage in signal strength testing to determine whether a household can receive the digital signal of the local network station, this ability does not commence until at least April 30, 2006 or July 15, 2007 (depending on the market and whether extensions are granted), and is also subject to certain restrictions. It is too early to fully assess all of the implications of SHVERA for our retransmissions of distant network stations.
SHVERA also amended the royalty provisions applicable to our retransmission of distant broadcast channels and superstations. While the initial royalty rate specified in SHVERA for analog distant network and superstation signals is that in effect on July 1, 2004, SHVERA has increased the initial rate for digital station retransmissions. In addition, SHVERA provides that these rates may be modified by voluntary negotiation or through arbitration initiated by the Librarian of Congress if no voluntary agreement is reached. While we have reached a conditional agreement with certain (but not all) copyright owners, we may be required to submit to arbitration to obtain agreements with others, and there is a risk we may be required to pay significantly higher royalty rates for these distant stations as a result.
While SHVERA gives us the ability that cable operators already have to also import into a local market certain stations from neighboring markets that are deemed “significantly viewed” in the local market, that ability is subject to a number of restrictions, including the requirement of receiving retransmission consent and the prohibition on importing a digital signal of better resolution than the local digital network station that we carry.

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“Must carry” will negatively affect our ability to offer local network stations.
SHVIA also imposed “must carry” requirements on DBS providers and the FCC has adopted detailed “must carry” rules. These rules generally require that satellite distributors carry all the local broadcast stations requesting carriage in a timely and appropriate manner in areas where they choose to offer local programming, not just the four major networks. Since we have limited capacity, the number of markets in which we can offer local programming is reduced by the “must carry” requirements. The must carry legislation also includes provisions which could expose us to material monetary penalties, and permanent prohibitions on the sale of all local and distant broadcast channels, based on inadvertent violations of the legislation, prior law, or the FCC rules.
At any given time, there may be one or more “must carry” complaints by broadcasters against us pending at the FCC. The FCC has ruled against us in certain of these proceedings, and we cannot be sure that the FCC will rule in our favor in other pending or future proceedings. Adverse rulings could result in a decrease in the number of local areas where we can offer local network programming. This in turn could increase churn in those markets and preclude us from offering local broadcast channels in new markets, thereby reducing our competitiveness.
SHVERA requires, among other things, that all local broadcast channels delivered by satellite to any particular market be available from a single dish by June 8, 2006. We currently offer local broadcast channels in 164 markets across the United States. In 38 of those markets a second dish was previously required to receive some local channels in the market. While we have subsequently reduced the number of markets where a second dish is necessary, we can not entirely eliminate the second dish necessity in all markets absent full operability of EchoStar X.
In the event EchoStar X experiences any anomalies, satellite capacity limitations could force us to move the local channels in some two dish markets to different satellites, requiring subscribers in those markets to install a second or different dish to continue receiving their local broadcast channels. We could be forced, in that event, to stop offering local channels in some of those markets altogether. The transition of all local broadcast channels in a market to a single dish could result in disruptions of service for a substantial number of our customers. Further, our ability to timely comply with this requirement without incurring significant additional costs is dependent on, among other things, the continued operation of our EchoStar V satellite at the 129 degree orbital location until commencement of commercial operation of EchoStar X. EchoStar V or EchoStar X anomalies could force us to cease offering local channels by satellite in many markets absent regulatory relief from the single dish obligations. If impediments to our preferred transition plan arise, it is possible that the costs of compliance with the single dish requirement could exceed $100.0 million. To the extent subscribers are unwilling for any reason to upgrade to a new dish, our subscriber churn could be negatively impacted.
In addition, while the FCC has decided for now not to impose on satellite carriers “must carry” for HD television stations or dual digital/analog or multicast carriage obligations — i.e., additional requirements in connection with the carriage of digital television stations that go beyond carriage of one video signal (whether analog or standard definition digital) for each station — the FCC still has pending rulemaking proceedings on these matters. While the FCC recently ruled against dual and multicast carriage for cable companies, we cannot be certain that this decision will be upheld on review, that there will not be legislation overturning it, or that it will be applied to satellite carriers. In addition, certain parties have continued to urge the FCC to require satellite HD television must-carry. These proceedings may result in further, even more onerous, digital carriage requirements. HD television must-carry would likely require us to reduce the number of markets that we are otherwise able to serve with local stations in order to carry multiple signals for local stations in the markets that we would continue to serve.
TV networks oppose our strategy of delivering distant network signals.
We are party to a lawsuit in which the FOX Broadcasting Company (“FOX”) network and the independent affiliate groups associated with each of the four major broadcast networks have, among other things, attempted to enjoin us from selling distant network programming. If the plaintiffs in this lawsuit are successful in preventing us from selling distant network programming, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist our affected subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets.

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However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many of our affected subscribers would cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all of our subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their claims and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result, among other things, in a reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.
Please see our more detailed discussion of this lawsuit under the caption Item 3. Legal Proceedings — Distant Network Litigation.
We depend on the Cable Act for access to others’ programming.
We purchase a substantial percentage of our programming from cable-affiliated programmers. The Cable Act’s provisions prohibiting exclusive contracting practices with cable affiliated programmers have been extended from October 2002 to October 2007, but this extension could be reversed. Upon expiration of those provisions, many popular programs may become unavailable to us, causing a loss of customers and adversely affecting our revenues and financial performance. Any change in the Cable Act and the FCC’s rules that permit the cable industry or cable-affiliated programmers to discriminate against competing businesses, such as ours, in the sale of programming could adversely affect our ability to acquire programming at all or to acquire programming on a cost-effective basis. We believe that the FCC generally has not shown a willingness to enforce the program access rules aggressively. As a result, we may be limited in our ability to obtain access (or nondiscriminatory access) to programming from programmers that are affiliated with the cable system operators.
Affiliates of certain cable providers have denied us access to sports programming they feed to their cable systems terrestrially, rather than by satellite. To the extent that cable operators deliver additional programming terrestrially in the future, they may assert that this additional programming is also exempt from the program access laws. These restrictions on our access to programming could materially adversely affect our ability to compete in regions serviced by these cable providers.
We depend on others to produce programming.
We depend on third parties to provide us with programming services. Our programming agreements have remaining terms ranging from less than one to up to ten years and contain various renewal and cancellation provisions. We may not be able to renew these agreements on favorable terms or at all, and these agreements may be canceled prior to expiration of their original term. If we are unable to renew any of these agreements or the other parties cancel the agreements, we cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain substitute programming, or that such substitute programming would be comparable in quality or cost to our existing programming. In addition, programming costs may continue to increase. We may be unable to pass programming costs on to our customers which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, profitability and cash flows.
We face increasing competition from other distributors of foreign language programming.
We face increasing competition from other distributors of foreign language programming, including the Spanish-language programming previously discussed and foreign language programming distributed over the Internet. There can be no assurance that we will continue to experience growth in subscribers to our foreign-language programming services. In addition, the increasing availability of foreign language programming from our competitors, which in certain cases has resulted from our inability to renew programming agreements on an exclusive basis or at all, could contribute to an increase in our subscriber churn. Our agreements with distributors of foreign language programming have varying expiration dates, and some agreements are on a month-to-month basis. There can be no assurance that we will be able to renew these agreements on acceptable terms or at all.
We depend on independent retailers and others to solicit orders for DISH network services.
While we sell receiver systems and programming directly, independent distributors, direct marketers, retailers and consumer electronics stores are responsible for most of our sales. We also sell EchoStar receiver systems through nationwide retailers and certain regional consumer electronic chains. If we are unable to continue our arrangements with these retailers, we cannot guarantee that we would be able to obtain other sales agents, thus adversely affecting our business.

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We cannot assure you that there will not be deficiencies leading to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
We periodically evaluate and test our internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This evaluation and testing of internal control over financial reporting includes internal control over financial reporting relating to our operations. Although our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005, and while there has been no material change in our internal control over financial reporting during 2006, if in the future we are unable to report that our internal control over financial reporting is effective (or if our auditors do not agree with our assessment of the effectiveness of, or are unable to express an opinion on, our internal control over financial reporting), investors, customers and business partners could lose confidence in the accuracy of our financial reports, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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Item 2. PROPERTIES
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the principal properties of EchoStar:
                         
            Approximate        
    Segment(s) Using     Square     Owned or  
Description/Use/Location   Property     Footage     Leased  
Corporate headquarters, Englewood, Colorado
  All     476,000     Owned
EchoStar Technologies Corporation engineering offices and
                       
service center, Englewood, Colorado
  ETC     144,000     Owned
EchoStar Technologies Corporation engineering offices,
                       
Englewood, Colorado
  ETC     63,000     Owned
EchoStar Data Networks engineering offices, Atlanta, Georgia
  ETC     50,000     Leased
Digital broadcast operations center, Cheyenne, Wyoming
  DISH Network     143,000     Owned
Digital broadcast operations center, Gilbert, Arizona
  DISH Network     124,000     Owned
Regional digital broadcast operations center, Monee, Illinois
  DISH Network     45,000     Owned
Regional digital broadcast operations center, New Braunsfels, Texas
  DISH Network     35,000     Owned
Regional digital broadcast operations center, Quicksberg, Virginia
  DISH Network     35,000     Owned
Regional digital broadcast operations center, Spokane, Washington
  DISH Network     35,000     Owned
Regional digital broadcast operations center, Orange, New Jersey
  DISH Network     8,800     Owned
Customer call center and data center, Littleton, Colorado
  DISH Network     202,000     Owned
Customer call center, warehouse and service center, El Paso, Texas
  DISH Network     171,000     Owned
Customer call center, McKeesport, Pennsylvania
  DISH Network     106,000     Leased
Customer call center, Christiansburg, Virginia
  DISH Network     103,000     Owned
Customer call center and general offices, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  DISH Network     79,000     Leased
Customer call center and general offices, Pine Brook, New Jersey
  DISH Network     67,000     Leased
Customer call center, Thornton, Colorado
  DISH Network     55,000     Owned
Customer call center, Harlingen, Texas
  DISH Network     54,000     Owned
Customer call center, Bluefield, West Virginia
  DISH Network     50,000     Owned
Warehouse, distribution and service center, Atlanta, Georgia
  DISH Network     144,000     Leased
Warehouse and distribution center, Denver, Colorado
  DISH Network     209,000     Leased
Warehouse and distribution center, Sacramento, California
  DISH Network     82,000     Owned
Warehouse and distribution center, Dallas, Texas
  DISH Network     80,000     Leased
Warehouse and distribution center, Chicago, Illinois
  DISH Network     48,000     Leased
Warehouse and distribution center, Denver, Colorado
  DISH Network     44,000     Owned
Warehouse and distribution center, Baltimore, Maryland
  DISH Network     37,000     Leased
Engineering offices and warehouse, Almelo, The Netherlands
  All Other     55,000     Owned
Engineering offices, Eldon, England
  All Other     43,000     Owned
In addition to the principal properties listed above, we operate several DISH Network service centers strategically located in regions throughout the United States.

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Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Distant Network Litigation
Until July 1998, we obtained feeds of distant broadcast network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX) for distribution to our customers through PrimeTime 24. In December 1998, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami entered a nationwide permanent injunction requiring PrimeTime 24 to shut off distant network channels to many of its customers, and henceforth to sell those channels to consumers in accordance with the injunction.
In October 1998, we filed a declaratory judgment action against ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. We asked the Court to find that our method of providing distant network programming did not violate the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (“SHVIA”) and hence did not infringe the networks’ copyrights. In November 1998, the networks and their affiliate association groups filed a complaint against us in Miami Federal Court alleging, among other things, copyright infringement. The Court combined the case that we filed in Colorado with the case in Miami and transferred it to the Miami Federal Court.
In February 1999, the networks filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Contempt Finding against DirecTV, Inc. in Miami related to the delivery of distant network channels to DirecTV customers by satellite. DirecTV settled that lawsuit with the networks. Under the terms of the settlement between DirecTV and the networks, some DirecTV customers were scheduled to lose access to their satellite-provided distant network channels by July 31, 1999, while other DirecTV customers were to be disconnected by December 31, 1999. Subsequently, substantially all providers of satellite-delivered network programming other than us agreed to this cut-off schedule, although we do not know if they adhered to this schedule.
In April 2002, we reached a private settlement with ABC, Inc., one of the plaintiffs in the litigation, and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. In November 2002, we reached a private settlement with NBC, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. During March 2004, we reached a private settlement with CBS, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. We have also reached private settlements with many independent stations and station groups. We were unable to reach a settlement with five of the original eight plaintiffs — FOX and the independent affiliate groups associated with each of the four networks.
A trial took place during April 2003 and the District Court issued a final judgment in June 2003. The District Court found that with one exception our current distant network qualification procedures comply with the law. We have revised our procedures to comply with the District Court’s Order. Although the plaintiffs asked the District Court to enter an injunction precluding us from selling any local or distant network programming, the District Court refused. While the plaintiffs did not claim monetary damages and none were awarded, the plaintiffs were awarded approximately $4.8 million in attorneys’ fees. This amount is substantially less than the amount the plaintiffs sought. We asked the Court to reconsider the award and the Court has vacated the fee award. When the award was vacated, the District Court also allowed us an opportunity to conduct discovery concerning the amount of plaintiffs’ requested fees. The parties have agreed to postpone discovery and an evidentiary hearing regarding attorneys’ fees until after the Court of Appeals rules on the pending appeal of the Court’s June 2003 final judgment. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of plaintiffs’ outstanding request for fees.
The District Court’s injunction requires us to use a computer model to re-qualify, as of June 2003, all of our subscribers who receive ABC, NBC, CBS or FOX programming by satellite from a market other than the city in which the subscriber lives. The Court also invalidated all waivers historically provided by network stations. These waivers, which have been provided by stations for the past several years through a third party automated system, allow subscribers who believe the computer model improperly disqualified them for distant network channels to nonetheless receive those channels by satellite. Further, the District Court terminated the right of our grandfathered subscribers to continue to receive distant network channels.

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We believe the District Court made a number of errors and appealed the decision. Plaintiffs cross-appealed. The Court of Appeals granted our request to stay the injunction until our appeal is decided. Oral arguments occurred during February 2004. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on the merits of our appeal. On April 13, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Court of Appeals to vacate the stay of the injunction that was issued in August 2004. We responded on April 25, 2005. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on Plaintiffs’ motion to vacate the stay.
In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the injunction or lifts the stay as plaintiffs now request, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers would cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result, among other things, in a reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.
Superguide
During 2000, Superguide Corp. (“Superguide”) filed suit against us, DirecTV and others in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,038,211 (the ‘211 patent), 5,293,357 (the ‘357 patent) and 4,751,578 (the ‘578 patent) which relate to certain electronic program guide functions, including the use of electronic program guides to control VCRs. Superguide sought injunctive and declaratory relief and damages in an unspecified amount.
On summary judgment, the District Court ruled that none of the asserted patents were infringed by us. These rulings were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. During February 2004, the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court’s findings and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. In July 2005, SuperGuide indicated that it would no longer pursue infringement allegations with respect to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and those patents have now been dismissed from the suit. We examined the ‘578 patent and believe that it is not infringed by any of our products or services. We will continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guide and related features that we currently offer to consumers. The case is stayed pending the District Court’s ruling. A trial date has not been set. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
In November of 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. filed a lawsuit against us, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in Federal District Court in Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the ‘094 patent) and 4,992,066 (the ‘066 patent). The ‘094 patent relates to certain methods and devices for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The ‘066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay television system on removable cards. We examined these patents and believe that they are not infringed by any of our products or services. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.
During January 2004, the judge issued an order finding the ‘066 patent invalid. In August of 2004, the Court ruled the ‘094 invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and Comcast. In August of 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) overturned this finding of invalidity and remanded the case back to the District Court. Charter has filed a petition for rehearing and the CAFC has asked Broadcom to respond to the petition. Our case remains stayed pending resolution of the Charter case. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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TiVo Inc.
During January 2004, TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”) filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,233,389 (the ‘389 patent). The ‘389 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing what the patent calls “time-warping.” We have examined this patent and do not believe that it is infringed by any of our products or services. During March 2005, the Court denied our motion to transfer this case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The trial is scheduled to commence on March 27, 2006 in Marshall, Texas. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
On April 29, 2005, we filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against TiVo and Humax USA, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,774,186 (the ‘186 patent), 6,529,685 (the ‘685 patent), 6,208,804 (the ‘804 patent) and 6,173,112 (the ‘112 patent). These patents relate to digital video recorder (“DVR”) technology. Trial is currently scheduled for February 2007.
Acacia
In June 2004, Acacia Media Technologies filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an intellectual property holding company which seeks to license the patent portfolio that it has acquired. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992 (the ‘992 patent), 5,253,275 (the ‘275 patent), 5,550,863 (the ‘863 patent), 6,002,720 (the ‘720 patent) and 6,144,702 (the ‘702 patent). The ‘992, ‘863, ‘720 and ‘702 patents have been asserted against us.
The asserted patents relate to various systems and methods related to the transmission of digital data. The ‘992 and ‘702 patents have also been asserted against several internet adult content providers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On July 12, 2004, that Court issued a Markman ruling which found that the ‘992 and ‘702 patents were not as broad as Acacia had contended.
Acacia’s various patent infringement cases have now been consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District court for the Northern District of California. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Forgent
In July of 2005, Forgent Networks, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit also named DirecTV, Charter, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cable One and Cox as defendants. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,285,746 (the ‘746 patent).
The ‘746 patent discloses a video teleconferencing system which utilizes digital telephone lines. We have examined this patent and do not believe that it is infringed by any of our products or services. Trial is currently scheduled for February 2007 in Marshall, Texas. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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California Action
A purported class action relating to the use of terms such as “crystal clear digital video,” “CD-quality audio,” and “on-screen program guide,” and with respect to the number of channels available in various programming packages was filed against us in the California State Superior Court for Los Angeles County in 1999 by David Pritikin and by Consumer Advocates, a nonprofit unincorporated association. The claim was denied class certification. In December, 2005, we reached a settlement for an immaterial amount with the individual plaintiffs.
Retailer Class Actions
During October 2000, two separate lawsuits were filed by retailers in the Arapahoe County District Court in the State of Colorado and the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, respectively, by Air Communication & Satellite, Inc. and John DeJong, et al. on behalf of themselves and a class of persons similarly situated. The plaintiffs are attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our satellite hardware retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting the Courts to declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs, and other compensation. We are vigorously defending against the suits and have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The United States District Court for the District of Colorado stayed the Federal Court action to allow the parties to pursue a comprehensive adjudication of their dispute in the Arapahoe County State Court. John DeJong, d/b/a Nexwave, and Joseph Kelley, d/b/a Keltronics, subsequently intervened in the Arapahoe County Court action as plaintiffs and proposed class representatives. We have filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The Court granted a limited discovery period which ended November 15, 2004. The Court is hearing discovery related motions and has set a briefing schedule for the motion for summary judgment to begin 30 days after the ruling on those motions. A trial date has not been set. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Enron Commercial Paper Investment Complaint
During October 2001, EchoStar received approximately $40.0 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November 2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enron’s commercial paper. The complaint alleges that Enron’s October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations. We typically invest in commercial paper and notes which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of our investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and considered to be a very low risk. The defendants moved the Court to dismiss the case on grounds that Enron’s complaint does not adequately state a legal claim, which motion was denied but is subject to an appeal. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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Bank One
During March 2004, Bank One, N.A. (“Bank One”) filed suit against us and one of our subsidiaries, EchoStar Acceptance Corporation (“EAC”), in the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio alleging breach of a duty to indemnify. Bank One alleges that EAC is contractually required to indemnify Bank One for a settlement it paid to consumers who entered private label credit card agreements with Bank One to purchase satellite equipment in the late 1990s. Bank One alleges that we entered into a guarantee wherein we agreed to pay any indemnity obligation incurred by Bank One. During April 2004, we removed the case to federal court in Columbus, Ohio. We deny the allegations and intend to vigorously defend against the claims. We filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint which was granted in part and denied in part. The Court granted our motion, agreeing we did not owe Bank One a duty to defend the underlying lawsuit. However, the Court denied the motion in that Bank One will be allowed to attempt to prove that we owed Bank One a duty to indemnify. The case is currently in discovery. A trial date has not been set. It is too early in the litigation to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Church Communications Network, Inc.
During August 2004, Church Communications Network, Inc. (“CCN”) filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The action was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. CCN claimed approximately $20.0 million in actual damages, plus punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for, among other things, alleged breaches of two contracts, and negligent, intentional and reckless misrepresentation. On March 17, 2006, the Court granted summary judgment in our favor limiting CCN to one contract claim, and limiting damages to no more than $500,000. We can not predict whether CCN will appeal.
Vivendi
In January 2005, Vivendi Universal, S.A. (“Vivendi”), filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that we have anticipatorily repudiated or are in breach of an alleged agreement between us and Vivendi pursuant to which we are allegedly required to broadcast a music-video channel provided by Vivendi. Vivendi’s complaint seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, and damages in an unspecified amount. On April 12, 2005, the Court granted Vivendi’s motion for a preliminary injunction and directed us to broadcast the music-video channel during the pendency of the litigation. In connection with that order, we have also agreed to provide marketing support to Vivendi during the pendency of the litigation. In the event that the Court ultimately determines that we have a contractual obligation to broadcast the Vivendi music-video channel and that we are in breach of that obligation, we may be required to continue broadcasting the Vivendi music-video channel and may also be subject to substantial damages. We intend to vigorously defend this case.
Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit
During March 2005, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against EchoStar, its chairman and chief executive officer Charles W. Ergen and the members of its board of directors in the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado. On November 7, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Dismissal asking that the suit be dismissed without prejudice.
Other
In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

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PART II
Item 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information. As of March 10 2006, all 1,015 issued and outstanding shares of our common stock were held by EOC, a direct subsidiary of EchoStar. There is currently no established trading market for our common stock.
Cash Dividend. On September 30, 2005, we paid a dividend of $200.0 million to EOC. Payment of any future dividends will depend upon our earnings and capital requirements, our debt facilities, and other factors the Board of Directors considers appropriate. We currently intend to retain our earnings, if any, to support future growth and expansion. Our ability to declare dividends is affected by covenants in our debt facilities.
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our strategy for 2006 will continue to focus on improving our operating results and free cash flow by attempting to increase our subscriber base, reduce churn, control rising subscriber acquisition costs and maintain or improve operating margins. We will also continue to focus on improving our competitive position by leveraging our increased satellite capacity to pursue strategic initiatives and new technology. In addition, we may make investments in or partner with others to expand our business into mobile and portable video, data and voice services.
Operational Results and Goals
Increase our subscriber base and reduce churn. We added approximately 1.135 million net new subscribers during 2005, ending the year with approximately 12.040 million DISH Network subscribers. We intend to continue growing our subscriber base by offering compelling consumer promotions. These promotions include offers of free or low cost advanced consumer electronics products, such as DVRs and HD receivers, as well as various promotional offers of our DISH Network programming packages, which we believe generally have a better “price-to-value” relationship than packages currently offered by most other subscription television providers.
However, there are many reasons we may not be able to maintain our current rate of new subscriber growth. For example, our subscriber growth would decrease if our telecommunications partners and other distributors de-emphasize or discontinue their efforts to acquire DISH network subscribers, or if they begin offering non-DISH Network video services. Our subscriber growth would also be negatively impacted to the extent our competitors offer more attractive consumer promotions, including, among other things, better priced or more attractive programming packages or more compelling consumer electronic products and services, including advanced DVRs, VOD services, and HD television services, including HD local channels. Many of our competitors are also better equipped than we are to offer video services bundled with other telecommunications services such as telephone and broadband data services, including wireless services. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers over the internet.
In order to increase our subscriber base we must control our rate of customer turnover, or “churn.” Our percentage monthly churn for the year ended December 31, 2005 was approximately 1.65%, compared to our percentage churn for 2004 of approximately 1.62%. Our principal strategy to control churn is to maintain disciplined credit requirements, such as requiring new subscribers to provide a valid major credit card, their social security number and have an acceptable credit score, and tailor our promotions toward subscribers desiring multiple receivers and advanced products such as DVRs and HD receivers. We also plan to continue to offer advanced products to existing customers through our lease promotions and to initiate other programs to improve our overall subscriber retention. However, there can be no assurance that these and other actions we may take to control subscriber churn will be successful, and we will be unable to continue to grow our subscriber base at current rates if we cannot control our customer churn.

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Item 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
We also continue to undertake initiatives with respect to our conditional access system to improve the security of the DISH Network signal and attempt to make theft of our programming commercially impractical or uneconomical. However, theft of service and many other factors may have a material adverse impact on our subscriber churn.
Control rising subscriber acquisition costs. In addition to leasing receivers, we generally subsidize installation and all or a portion of the cost of EchoStar receiver systems in order to attract new DISH Network subscribers. Consequently, we cannot fully recover the acquisition costs of subscribers who remain customers for relatively short periods of time. Our principal strategies to control rising subscriber acquisition costs involve reducing the overall cost of subsidized equipment we provide to new customers and improving the cost effectiveness of our sales efforts. Our principal method for reducing the cost of subscriber equipment is to lease our receiver systems to new subscribers rather than selling systems to them at little or no cost. Leasing enables us to, among other things, reduce our future subscriber acquisition costs by redeploying equipment returned by disconnected lease subscribers. We are further reducing the cost of subscriber equipment through our design and deployment of EchoStar receivers with multiple tuners that allow the subscriber to receive our DISH Network services in multiple rooms using a single set-top box, thereby reducing the number of EchoStar receivers we deploy to each subscriber household. However, our overall subscriber acquisition costs, including amounts expensed and capitalized, both in the aggregate and on a per new subscriber basis, may materially increase in the future to the extent that we introduce more aggressive promotions or newer, more expensive consumer electronics products in response to new promotions and products offered by our competitors or for other reasons. In addition, expanded use of new compression technologies, such as MPEG-4 and 8PSK, will inevitably render some portion of our current and future EchoStar receivers obsolete, and we will incur additional costs, which may be substantial, to upgrade or replace these set-top boxes.
Maintain or improve operating margins. We will continue to work to generate cost savings during 2006 by attempting to improve our operating efficiency and to control rising programming costs. We are attempting to control costs by improving the quality of the initial installation, providing better subscriber education in the use of our products and services, and enhancing our training programs for our in-home service and call center representatives. However, these initiatives may not be sufficient to maintain or increase our operational efficiencies and we may not be able to continue to grow our operations cost effectively.
Our operating margins have also been adversely impacted by rising programming costs. Payments we make to programmers for programming content represent one of the largest components of our operating costs. We expect programming providers to continue to demand higher rates for their programming. We will continue to negotiate aggressively with programming providers in an effort to control rising programming costs. However, there can be no assurance we will be successful in controlling these costs, and we may be forced to drop one or more channels if we cannot reach acceptable agreements with all of our content providers. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to increase the price of our programming to offset programming rate increases without affecting the attractiveness of our programming packages.
Leverage increased satellite capacity. We have recently entered into agreements to purchase or lease a substantial amount of additional satellite capacity. We are currently evaluating various opportunities to utilize this capacity, including, but not limited to, launching satellite two-way and wireless broadband data services, increasing our international programming and expanding our HD programming, including HD local channels. However, we face a variety of risks and uncertainties that may prevent us from utilizing this additional satellite capacity profitably. These risks include, among other things, the risks that there may be insufficient market demand for these new services and program offerings, or that customers might find competing services and program offerings more attractive. In addition, many of these new services depend on successful development of new technologies which may not perform as we expect. Our results of operation and financial condition will be adversely affected if we cannot make profitable use of this additional satellite capacity.
New technology. We continue to explore new advanced products and services that we may offer in order to improve our overall subscriber retention and grow our subscriber base. These new products and services include, among other things, our recently released hand-held products, such as our PocketDish, as well as new VOD service alternatives and HD programming. In addition, we may expand our business to include mobile and portable video, data and voice services, among other things.

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Item 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
However, there can be no assurance new products or services we may develop and offer to our subscribers will be successful in competing with similar products and services offered by our competitors. For example, some digital cable platforms currently offer a VOD service that enables subscribers to choose from a library of programming selections for viewing at their convenience. Our own VOD service alternative, which was launched on a limited scale during 2005, is still under development. Also, although we believe we currently offer more HD content than our competitors, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage to the extent other multi-channel video providers increase their offering of HD programming. We could be further disadvantaged to the extent a significant number of local broadcasters begin offering local channels in HD, unless we make substantial additional investments in infrastructure to deliver HD programming. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively compete with VOD service and HD program offerings from other video providers.
Explanation of Key Metrics and Other Items
Subscriber-related revenue. “Subscriber-related revenue” consists principally of revenue from basic, movie, local, international and pay-per-view subscription television services, advertising sales, DVR fees, equipment rental fees and additional outlet fees from subscribers with multiple set-top boxes and other subscriber revenue. Contemporaneous with the commencement of sales of co-branded services pursuant to our agreement with AT&T during the first quarter of 2004, “Subscriber-related revenue” also includes revenue from equipment sales, installation and other services related to that agreement. Revenue from equipment sales to AT&T is deferred and recognized over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life. Revenue from installation and certain other services performed at the request of AT&T is recognized upon completion of the services.
Development and implementation fees received from AT&T are being recognized in “Subscriber-related revenue” over the next several years. In order to estimate the amount recognized monthly, we first divide the number of subscribers activated during the month under the AT&T agreement by total estimated subscriber activations during the life of the contract. We then multiply this percentage by the total development and implementation fees received from AT&T. The resulting estimated monthly amount is recognized as revenue over the estimated average subscriber life.
During the fourth quarter 2005, we modified and extended our distribution and sales agency agreement with AT&T. We believe our overall economic return will be similar under both arrangements. However, the impact of subscriber acquisition on many of our line item business metrics was substantially different under the prior AT&T agreement, compared to most other sales channels (including the revised AT&T agreement).
Among other things, our “Subscriber-related revenue” will be impacted in a number of respects. Commencing in the fourth quarter 2005, new subscribers acquired under our AT&T agreement do not generate equipment sales, installation or other services revenue. However, our programming services revenue will be greater for subscribers acquired under the revised AT&T agreement.
Deferred equipment sales revenue relating to subscribers acquired through our prior AT&T agreement will continue to have a positive impact on “Subscriber-related revenue” over the estimated average life of those subscribers. Further, development and implementation fees received from AT&T will continue to be recognized over the estimated average subscriber life of all subscribers acquired under both the previous and revised agreements with AT&T.
Effective January 1, 2004, we combined “Subscription television service” revenue and “Other subscriber-related revenue” into “Subscriber-related revenue.” All prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Equipment sales. “Equipment sales” consist of sales of non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components by our ETC subsidiary to an international DBS service provider and by our EchoStar International Corporation (“EIC”) subsidiary to international customers. “Equipment sales” also include unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers. “Equipment sales” does not include revenue from sales of equipment to AT&T.

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Item 7.   MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Effective January 1, 2004, “Equipment sales” includes non-DISH Network receivers and other accessories sold by our EIC subsidiary to international customers which were previously included in “Other” revenue. All prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
“Other” sales. “Other” sales consist principally of revenues from subscription and satellite services from the C-band subscription television service business of Superstar/Netlink Group L.L.C. (“SNG”) that we acquired in April 2004 and satellite transmission revenue.
Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” principally include programming expenses, costs incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, overhead costs associated with our installation business, copyright royalties, residual commissions paid to retailers or distributors, billing, lockbox, subscriber retention and other variable subscriber expenses. Contemporaneous with the commencement of sales of co-branded services pursuant to our agreement with AT&T during the first quarter of 2004, “Subscriber-related expenses” also include the cost of sales from equipment sales, and expenses related to installation and other services from that relationship. Cost of sales from equipment sales to AT&T are deferred and recognized over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life. Expenses from installation and certain other services performed at the request of AT&T are recognized as the services are performed.
Under the revised AT&T agreement, we are including costs from equipment and installations in “Subscriber acquisition costs” or in capital expenditures, rather than in “Subscriber-related expenses.” To the extent all other factors remain constant, this will tend to improve operating margins compared to previous periods. We will continue to include in “Subscriber-related expenses” the costs deferred from equipment sales made to AT&T. These costs are being amortized over the life of the subscribers acquired under the previous AT&T agreement.
Since equipment and installation costs previously reflected in “Subscriber-related expenses” are being included in “Subscriber acquisition costs” or in capital expenditures under the revised agreement, to the extent all other factors remain constant, the revised AT&T agreement will also cause increases in “Subscriber acquisition costs,” SAC and Equivalent SAC. This will tend to negatively impact free cash flow in the short term if substantial additional subscribers are added through AT&T in the future, but we believe that free cash flow will improve over time since better operating margins are expected from those customers under the terms of the revised AT&T agreement. We also expect that the historical negative impact on subscriber turnover from subscribers acquired pursuant to our agreement with AT&T will decline.
Satellite and transmission expenses. “Satellite and transmission expenses” include costs associated with the operation of our digital broadcast centers, the transmission of local channels, satellite telemetry, tracking and control services, satellite and transponder leases, and other related services.
Cost of sales — equipment. “Cost of sales — equipment” principally includes costs associated with non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components sold by our ETC subsidiary to an international DBS service provider and by our EIC subsidiary to international customers. “Cost of sales — equipment” also includes unsubsidized sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers. “Cost of sales — equipment” does not include the costs from sales of equipment to AT&T.
Effective January 1, 2004, “Cost of sales — equipment” includes non-DISH Network receivers and other accessories sold by our EIC subsidiary to international customers which were previously included in “Cost of sales — other.” All prior period amounts conform to the current period presentation.
Cost of sales — other. “Cost of sales — other” principally includes costs related to satellite transmission services and programming and other expenses associated with the C-band subscription television service business of SNG we acquired in April 2004.
Subscriber acquisition costs. In addition to leasing receivers, we generally subsidize installation and all or a portion of the cost of EchoStar receiver systems in order to attract new DISH Network subscribers. Our “Subscriber acquisition costs” include the cost of EchoStar receiver systems sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment, the cost of receiver systems sold directly by us to subscribers, net costs related to our promotional incentives, and costs related to installation and acquisition advertising. We exclude the value of equipment capitalized

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
under our lease program for new subscribers from “Subscriber acquisition costs.” We also exclude payments we receive in connection with equipment that is not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers, and the value of equipment returned to the extent we make that equipment available for sale rather than redeploying it through the lease program from our calculation of “Subscriber acquisition costs.”
Since equipment and installation costs previously reflected in “Subscriber-related expenses” are being included in “Subscriber acquisition costs” or in capital expenditures under the revised agreement, to the extent all other factors remain constant, the revised AT&T agreement will also cause increases in “Subscriber acquisition costs,” SAC and Equivalent SAC. This will tend to negatively impact free cash flow in the short term if substantial additional subscribers are added through AT&T in the future, but we believe that free cash flow will improve over time since better operating margins are expected from those customers under the terms of the revised AT&T agreement. We also expect that the historical negative impact on subscriber turnover from subscribers acquired pursuant to our agreement with AT&T will decline.
SAC and Equivalent SAC. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating “subscriber acquisition costs per new subscriber activation,” or SAC, and we believe presentations of SAC may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We include all new DISH Network subscribers in our calculation, including DISH Network subscribers added with little or no subscriber acquisition costs. Historically and in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have calculated SAC by dividing the amount of our expense line item “Subscriber acquisition costs” for a period, by our gross new DISH Network subscribers added during that period. Separately, we have disclosed our “Equivalent SAC” by adding certain capital expenditures and other amounts, as discussed below, to our “Subscriber acquisition cost” expense line item prior to dividing by our gross new subscriber number.
Effective January 1, 2006, we will disclose only the combined “Equivalent SAC” number, which we will simply refer to as SAC. To calculate SAC (previously “Equivalent SAC”) we add the value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers to the expense line item “Subscriber acquisition costs,” subtract certain offsetting amounts, and divide the result by our gross new subscriber number. These offsetting amounts include payments we receive in connection with equipment that is not returned to us from disconnecting lease subscribers, and the value of equipment returned to the extent we make that equipment available for sale rather than redeploying it through the lease program.
General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” primarily include employee-related costs associated with administrative services such as legal, information systems, accounting and finance. It also includes outside professional fees (i.e. legal and accounting services) and building maintenance expense and other items associated with administration.
Interest expense. “Interest expense” primarily includes interest expense, prepayment premiums and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our senior debt and convertible subordinated debt securities (net of capitalized interest) and interest expense associated with our capital lease obligations.
“Other” income (expense). The main components of “Other” income and expense are unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value of non-marketable strategic investments accounted for at fair value, equity in earnings and losses of our affiliates, gains and losses realized on the sale of investments, and impairment of marketable and non-marketable investment securities.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA is defined as “Net income (loss)” plus “Interest expense” net of “Interest income,” “Taxes” and “Depreciation and amortization.”
DISH Network subscribers. We include customers obtained through direct sales, and through our retail networks, including our co-branding relationship with AT&T and other distribution relationships, in our DISH Network subscriber count. We believe our overall economic return for co-branded and traditional subscribers will be comparable. We also provide DISH Network service to hotels, motels and other commercial accounts. For certain of these commercial accounts, we divide our total revenue for these commercial accounts by an amount approximately equal to the retail price of our most widely distributed programming package, AT60 (but taking into account,

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periodically, price changes and other factors), and include the resulting number, which is substantially smaller than the actual number of commercial units served, in our DISH Network subscriber count.
During April 2004, we acquired the C-band subscription television service business of SNG, the assets of which primarily consist of acquired customer relationships. Although we are converting some of these customer relationships from C-band subscription television services to our DISH Network DBS subscription television service, acquired C-band subscribers are not included in our DISH Network subscriber count unless they have also subscribed to our DISH Network DBS television service.
Monthly average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”). We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating ARPU and believe presentations of ARPU may not be calculated consistently by other companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, by dividing average monthly “Subscriber-related revenues” for the period (total “Subscriber-related revenue” during the period divided by the number of months in the period) by our average DISH Network subscribers for the period. Average DISH Network subscribers are calculated for the period by adding the average DISH Network subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers for each month are calculated by adding the beginning and ending DISH Network subscribers for the month and dividing by two.
The changes to our agreement with AT&T will also impact ARPU. The magnitude of that impact, and whether ARPU increases or decreases during particular future periods, will depend on the timing and number of subscribers acquired pursuant to the modified agreement with AT&T.
As discussed in “Subscriber-related revenue” above, effective January 1, 2004 we include amounts previously reported as “Other subscriber-related revenue” in our ARPU calculation. All prior period amounts conform to the current period presentation.
Subscriber churn/subscriber turnover. We are not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriber churn and believe presentations of subscriber churn may not be calculated consistently by different companies in the same or similar businesses. We calculate percentage monthly subscriber churn by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminate service during each month by total DISH Network subscribers as of the beginning of that month. We calculate average subscriber churn for any period by dividing the number of DISH Network subscribers who terminated service during that period by the average number of DISH Network subscribers subject to churn during the period, and further dividing by the number of months in the period. Average DISH Network subscribers subject to churn during the period are calculated by adding the DISH Network subscribers as of the beginning of each month in the period and dividing by the total number of months in the period.
Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as “Net cash flows from operating activities” less “Purchases of property and equipment,” as shown on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004.
                                 
    For the Years Ended        
    December 31,     Variance  
    2005     2004     Amount     %  
    (In thousands)  
Statements of Operations Data
                               
Revenue:
                               
Subscriber-related revenue
  $ 7,954,728     $ 6,676,616     $ 1,278,112       19.1 %
Equipment sales
    374,495       369,251       5,244       1.4 %
Other
    92,273       97,161       (4,888 )     (5.0 %)
 
                       
Total revenue
    8,421,496       7,143,028       1,278,468       17.9 %
 
                       
 
                               
Costs and Expenses:
                               
Subscriber-related expenses
    4,045,861       3,580,880       464,981       13.0 %
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    50.9 %     53.6 %                
Satellite and transmission expenses
    131,559       107,587       23,972       22.3 %
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    1.7 %     1.6 %                
Cost of sales — equipment
    323,999       305,991       18,008       5.9 %
% of Equipment sales
    86.5 %     82.9 %                
Cost of sales — other
    22,437       30,302       (7,865 )     (26.0 %)
Subscriber acquisition costs
    1,495,200       1,531,843       (36,643 )     (2.4 %)
General and administrative
    442,290       381,753       60,537       15.9 %
% of Total revenue
    5.3 %     5.3 %                
Depreciation and amortization
    792,380       490,698       301,682       61.5 %
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
    7,253,726       6,429,054       824,672       12.8 %
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss)
    1,167,770       713,974       453,796       63.6 %
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    34,641       30,609       4,032       13.2 %
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (305,265 )     (433,364 )     128,099       (29.6 %)
Gain on insurance settlement
    134,000             134,000     NM  
Other
    (1,807 )     (741 )     (1,066 )   NM  
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (138,431 )     (403,496 )     265,065       (65.7 %)
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,029,339       310,478       718,861     NM  
Income tax benefit (provision), net
    107,274       (11,065 )     118,339     NM  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,136,613     $ 299,413     $ 837,200     NM  
 
                       
 
                               
Other Data:
                               
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions)
    12.040       10.905       1.135       10.4 %
 
                       
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions)
    3.397       3.441       (0.044 )     (1.3 %)
 
                       
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions)
    1.135       1.480       (0.345 )     (23.3 %)
 
                       
Monthly churn percentage
    1.65 %     1.62 %     0.03 %     1.9 %
 
                       
Average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”)
  $ 57.81     $ 54.87     $ 2.94       5.4 %
 
                       
Average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“SAC”)
  $ 439     $ 444     $ (5 )     (1.1 %)
 
                       
Equivalent average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“Equivalent SAC”)
  $ 668     $ 593     $ 75       12.6 %
 
                       
EBITDA
  $ 2,092,343     $ 1,203,931     $ 888,412       73.8 %
 
                       

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DISH Network subscribers. As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 12.040 million DISH Network subscribers compared to approximately 10.905 million subscribers at December 31, 2004, an increase of approximately 10.4%. DISH Network added approximately 3.397 million gross new subscribers for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to approximately 3.441 million gross new subscribers during 2004, a decrease of approximately 44,000 gross new subscribers. The decrease in gross new subscribers resulted primarily from a decline in gross activations under our co-branding agreement with AT&T, partially offset by an increase in sales through our agency relationships and an increase in our other distribution channels. A substantial majority of our gross new subscriber additions are acquired through our equipment lease program.
DISH Network added approximately 1.135 million net new subscribers for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to approximately 1.480 million net new subscribers during 2004, a decrease of approximately 23.3%. This decrease was primarily a result of increased subscriber churn on a larger subscriber base, and the result of a decline in gross and net activations under our co-branding agreement with AT&T. In addition, even if percentage subscriber churn had remained constant or had declined, increasing numbers of gross new subscribers are required to sustain net subscriber growth.
During the first half of 2005, AT&T shifted its DISH Network marketing and sales efforts to focus on limited geographic areas and customer segments. As a result of AT&T’s de-emphasized sales of DISH Network services, a decreasing percentage of our new subscriber additions were derived from our relationship with AT&T. During fourth quarter 2005, we modified and extended our distribution and sales agency agreement with AT&T and we now bear the cost of equipment and installation costs associated with subscriber acquisitions under the revised agreement. We believe our overall per subscriber economic return will be similar under both arrangements.
While we expect to continue to pursue opportunities for AT&T and other telecommunications providers to bundle our DISH Network satellite television service with their voice and data services, AT&T has begun deployment of fiber-optic networks that will allow it to offer video services directly to millions of homes as early as the second half of 2006. Other telecommunications companies have announced similar plans. While it is possible that the fourth quarter 2005 revision to our AT&T agreement may drive increased subscriber growth, our net new subscriber additions and certain of our other key operating metrics could continue to be adversely affected to the extent AT&T further de-emphasizes, or discontinues altogether, its efforts to acquire DISH Network subscribers, and as a result of competition from video services offered by AT&T or other telecommunications companies. Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing significant new bundling opportunities with other telecommunications companies.
During the fourth quarter of 2005, we began test marketing a prepay program, “DISH Now.” This program allows consumers who might not be attracted by our existing promotions to purchase a satellite receiver system and a prepaid card which can be refreshed periodically through additional prepayments. We have not yet determined whether this program will be offered broadly. Certain of our business metrics could be impacted to the extent we ultimately acquire a significant number of subscribers through “DISH Now.” For example, while “DISH Now” may attract subscribers more likely to churn than our traditional customers, our subscriber acquisition costs under this program will also be substantially lower.
Our net new subscriber additions would also be negatively impacted to the extent existing or new competitors offer more attractive consumer promotions, including, among other things, better priced or more attractive programming packages or more compelling consumer electronic products and services, including advanced DVRs, VOD services, and HD television services or additional local channels. Many of our competitors are also better equipped than we are to offer video services bundled with other telecommunications services such as telephone and broadband data services, including wireless services. We also expect to face increasing competition from content and other providers who distribute video services directly to consumers over the internet.
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Network “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $7.955 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $1.278 billion or 19.1% compared to 2004. This increase was directly attributable to continued DISH Network subscriber growth and the increase in “ARPU” discussed below.

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ARPU. Monthly average revenue per subscriber was approximately $57.81 during the year ended December 31, 2005 and approximately $54.87 during 2004. The $2.94 or 5.4% increase in monthly average revenue per DISH Network subscriber is primarily attributable to price increases in February 2005 and 2004 on some of our most popular packages, higher equipment rental fees resulting from increased penetration of our equipment leasing programs, availability of local channels by satellite and fees for DVRs. This increase was also attributable to our relationship with AT&T, including revenues from equipment sales, installation and other services related to that agreement. These improvements in ARPU were partially offset by an increase in our free and discounted programming promotions. We provided local channels by satellite in 164 markets as of December 31, 2005 compared to 152 markets as of December 31, 2004. We regularly have promotions to acquire new DISH Network subscribers which provide free and/or discounted programming that negatively impact ARPU.
Effective February 2004, our DHA promotion provided new lease subscribers up to four installed EchoStar receivers, including various premium models, with a qualifying programming subscription. The subscriber was required to pay a monthly rental fee for each leased receiver and a one time set up fee of $49.99, but was not required to agree to a minimum lease period. The subscriber received a $49.99 credit on their first month’s bill. Effective October 2004, the promotion was expanded whereby the consumer may agree to either a one or two year commitment in exchange for receiving the benefits of our Digital Home Protection Plan, an optional extended warranty program, without charge for one or two years, respectively. In February 2005, the promotion was modified to allow new residential customers who subscribed to “America’s Top 180” to obtain that programming at the same price as “America’s Top 120” for the first three months. This promotion expired during April 2005.
During May 2005, we introduced a promotion which offers new DHA lease program subscribers our “America’s Top 180” package for $19.99 for each of the first three months of service. Effective June 2005, the promotion was modified to provide a $12.00 discount per month on qualifying programming packages, together with free HBO and Showtime programming, for each of the first three months of service. The promotion, which continued through August 15, 2005, required a one year minimum programming commitment.
During August 2005, we introduced a promotion which offers new DHA lease program subscribers a free month of qualifying programming, three free months of HBO, Showtime and Cinemax programming, and a free DVR upgrade. Further, in exchange for an 18 month minimum programming commitment, new lease program subscribers receive a credit of the one-time set-up fee of $49.99. Effective November 3, 2005, instead of one month free, new lease program subscribers can elect to receive a $12.00 discount for the first three months of service on qualifying programming. These promotions expired January 31, 2006.
Effective February 1, 2006, we introduced a promotion which offers $100 back to new DHA lease program subscribers that activate with at least “America’s Top 120,” “DISH Latino Max,” “DishHD Silver,” or higher qualified programming package. After the first month’s bill, a credit of $10 per month will be provided for 10 consecutive months after a redemption form has been submitted by the new subscriber. At any time during that period, the remaining credits will be forfeited if the service is (1) downgraded below the required level, (2) put on-hold or (3) cancelled for any reason. In addition, these subscribers and other new customers that subscribe to at least the minimum qualified programming such as “America’s Top 60” “DISH Latino,” “DishHD Bronze,” or higher qualified programming package are eligible to receive Starz programming free for three months. These promotions are expected to continue through at least June 30, 2006.
Effective February 1, 2006, we introduced a new programming tier, DishFAMILY, which offers 40 “family- friendly” channels including sports, news, children’s programming, lifestyle, hobbies, shopping and public interest for $19.99 per month, or $24.99 including local channels where available.
Impacts from our litigation with the networks in Florida, FCC rules governing the delivery of superstations and other factors could cause us to terminate delivery of network channels and superstations to a substantial number of our subscribers, which could cause many of those customers to cancel their subscription to our other services. In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the Miami District Court’s network litigation injunction, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers

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might ultimately cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result in, among other things, a reduction in ARPU and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.
Equipment sales. For the year ended December 31, 2005, “Equipment sales” totaled $374.5 million, an increase of $5.2 million or 1.4% compared to the same period during 2004. This increase principally resulted from an increase in sales of non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components to an international DBS service provider, partially offset by decreases in sales of DBS accessories domestically.
“Other” sales. “Other” sales totaled $92.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of $4.9 million compared to the same period during 2004. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in the subscription television service revenues from C-band subscribers of the SNG business that we acquired in April 2004, partially offset by an increase in our satellite transmission revenue.
Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $4.046 billion during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $465.0 million or 13.0% compared to 2004. The increase in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers, which resulted in increased expenses to support the DISH Network, partially offset by a $35.1 million non-recurring vendor credit. “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 50.9% and 53.6% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from the increase in “Subscriber-related revenue,” the vendor credit discussed above, and an increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers participating in our lease program for existing subscribers. Since certain subscriber retention costs associated with this program are capitalized rather than expensed, our “Subscriber-related expenses” decreased and our capital expenditures increased. The decrease in the ratio also resulted from improved efficiencies associated with our installation and in-home service operations. The decrease in this expense to revenue ratio was partially offset by increases in cost associated with deferred equipment sales, installation and other services related to our relationship under our prior agreement with AT&T. The decrease in the ratio was also partially offset by approximately $15.7 million more in charges during 2005 compared to 2004 for the replacement of smart cards.
In the normal course of business, we enter into various contracts with programmers to provide content. Our programming contracts generally require us to make payments based on the number of subscribers to which the respective content is provided. Consequently, our programming expenses will continue to increase to the extent we are successful in growing our subscriber base. In addition, because programmers continue to raise the price of content, there can be no assurance that our “Subscriber-related expenses” as a percentage of “Subscriber-related revenue” will not materially increase absent corresponding price increases in our DISH Network programming packages.
Satellite and transmission expenses. “Satellite and transmission expenses” totaled $131.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $24.0 million or 22.3% compared to 2004. This increase primarily resulted from commencement of service and operational costs associated with the increasing number of markets in which we offer local broadcast channels by satellite as previously discussed, increases in our satellite lease payment obligations for AMC-2, and operational costs associated with our capital leases of AMC-15 and AMC-16 which commenced commercial operation in January and February 2005, respectively. “Satellite and transmission expenses” totaled 1.7% and 1.6% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These expenses will increase further in the future as we increase the size of our satellite fleet, if we obtain in-orbit satellite insurance, as we increase the number and operations of our digital broadcast centers and as additional local markets and other programming services are launched.
Cost of sales — equipment. “Cost of sales — equipment” totaled $324.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $18.0 million or 5.9% compared to 2004. This increase related primarily to the increase in sales of non-DISH Network digital receivers and related components to an international DBS service provider. Charges for slow moving and obsolete inventory were lower during 2005 compared to 2004. This difference, together with the decrease in sales of DBS accessories domestically discussed above, partially offset the amount of the increase. “Cost of sales — equipment” represented 86.5% and 82.9% of “Equipment sales,” during the years ended

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December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in the expense to revenue ratio principally related to a decline in margins on sales to the international DBS service provider and on sales of DBS accessories domestically. This increase was partially offset by the lower 2005 charges for slow moving and obsolete inventory.
Cost of sales — other. “Cost of sales — other” totaled $22.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of $7.9 million compared to 2004. This decrease is primarily attributable to expenses associated with the C-band subscription television service business of SNG we acquired in April 2004.
Subscriber acquisition costs. “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled approximately $1.495 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of $36.6 million or 2.4% compared to 2004. The decrease in “Subscriber acquisition costs” was attributable to a higher number of DISH Network subscribers participating in our equipment lease program for new subscribers, partially offset by an increase in the number of non co-branded subscribers acquired and an increase in acquisition advertising.
SAC and Equivalent SAC. Subscriber acquisition costs per new DISH Network subscriber activation were approximately $439 for the year ended December 31, 2005 and approximately $444 during 2004. The $5, or 1.1% decrease in SAC was primarily attributable to a greater number of DISH Network subscribers participating in our equipment lease program. This improvement was partially offset by a decrease in the percentage of co-branded subscribers acquired compared to total subscribers acquired and a greater number of DISH Network subscribers activating higher priced advanced products, such as receivers with multiple tuners, DVRs, HD receivers and SuperDISH. Activation of these more advanced and complex products also resulted in higher installation costs during 2005 as compared to 2004. The decrease in SAC was also offset by the higher costs for acquisition advertising and promotional incentives paid to our independent dealer network.
Equivalent SAC was approximately $668 during the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to $593 during 2004, an increase of $75, or 12.6%. This increase was primarily attributable to a greater number of DISH Network subscribers activating higher priced advanced products, such as receivers with multiple tuners, DVRs, HD receivers and SuperDISH. Activation of these more advanced and complex products also resulted in higher installation costs during 2005 as compared to 2004. The increase in Equivalent SAC was also attributable to higher costs for acquisition advertising and promotional incentives paid to our independent dealer network. Penetration of our equipment lease program for new subscribers increased during 2005 compared to 2004. The value of equipment capitalized under our lease program for new subscribers totaled approximately $861.5 million and $574.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the percentage of our new subscribers choosing to lease rather than purchase equipment continued to increase compared to 2004. The increase in leased equipment and related reduction in subsidized equipment sales caused our capital expenditures to increase, while our “Subscriber acquisition costs” and SAC declined.
The increase in capital expenditures resulting from our equipment lease program for new subscribers has been, and we expect it will continue to be, partially mitigated by, among other things, the redeployment of equipment returned by disconnecting lease program subscribers. However, to remain competitive we will have to upgrade or replace subscriber equipment periodically as technology changes, and the associated costs may be substantial. To the extent technological changes render existing equipment obsolete, we would cease to benefit from the Equivalent SAC reduction associated with redeployment of that returned lease equipment.
Several years ago we began deploying satellite receivers capable of exploiting 8PSK modulation technology. Since that technology is now standard in all of our new satellite receivers, our cost to migrate programming channels to that technology in the future will be substantially lower than if it were necessary to replace all existing consumer equipment. As we continue to implement 8PSK technology, bandwidth efficiency will improve, significantly increasing the number of programming channels we can transmit over our existing satellites as an alternative or supplement to the acquisition of additional spectrum or the construction of additional satellites. New channels we add to our service using only that technology may allow us to further reduce conversion costs and create additional revenue opportunities. We have implemented MPEG-4 technology in all satellite receivers for new customers who subscribe to our HD programming packages. This technology when implemented will result in further bandwidth

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efficiencies over time. We have not yet determined the extent to which we will convert the EchoStar DBS System to these new technologies, or the period of time over which the conversions will occur. Provided EchoStar X commences commercial operation during second quarter 2006 and other planned satellites are successfully deployed, our 8PSK transition will afford us greater flexibility in delaying and reducing the costs otherwise required to convert our subscriber base to MPEG-4.
While we may be able to generate increased revenue from such conversions, the deployment of equipment including new technologies will increase the cost of our consumer equipment, at least in the short term. To the extent we subsidize those costs for new and existing subscribers, SAC, Equivalent SAC and capital expenditures will increase as well. However, the increases in these costs would be mitigated by, among other things, our expected migration away from relatively expensive and complex SuperDISH installations (assuming successful commencement of commercial operation of our EchoStar X satellite and the continued availability of our other in-orbit satellites). These increases may also be mitigated to the extent we successfully redeploy existing set-top boxes and implement other SAC reduction strategies.
Our “Subscriber acquisition costs,” both in aggregate and on a per new subscriber activation basis, may further materially increase in the future to the extent that we introduce more aggressive promotions if we determine that they are necessary to respond to competition, or for other reasons.
General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” totaled $442.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $60.5 million or 15.9% compared to 2004. The increase in “General and administrative expenses” was primarily attributable to increased personnel and infrastructure expenses to support the growth of the DISH Network. “General and administrative expenses” represented 5.3% of “Total revenue” during each of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.
Depreciation and amortization. “Depreciation and amortization” expense totaled $792.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $301.7 million or 61.5% compared to 2004. The increase in “Depreciation and amortization” expense was primarily attributable to additional depreciation on equipment leased to subscribers resulting from increased penetration of our equipment lease programs and other depreciable assets placed in service to support the DISH Network. Further, depreciation of our AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, which commenced commercial operation during January and February 2005, respectively, contributed to this increase.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. “Interest expense” totaled $305.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of $128.1 million or 29.6% compared to 2004. This decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in prepayment premiums and write-off of debt issuance costs totaling approximately $134.4 million, and a net reduction in interest expense of approximately $40.2 million related to the redemption, repurchases and refinancing of our previously outstanding senior debt which occurred during 2004. This decrease was partially offset by $38.0 million of additional interest expense during 2005 associated with our capital lease obligations for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites.
Gain on insurance settlement. During March 2005, we settled an insurance claim and related claims for accrued interest and bad faith with the insurers of our EchoStar IV satellite for the net amount of $240.0 million. The $134.0 million received in excess of our previously recorded $106.0 million receivable related to this insurance claim was recognized as a “Gain on insurance settlement” during the year ended December 31, 2005.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA was $2.092 billion during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $888.4 million or 73.8% compared to $1.204 billion during 2004. The increase in EBITDA was primarily attributable to the changes in operating revenues and expenses discussed above. EBITDA does not include the impact of capital expenditures under our new and existing subscriber equipment lease programs of approximately $982.8 million and $654.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

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The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements:
                 
    For the Years Ended  
    December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
EBITDA
  $ 2,092,343     $ 1,203,931  
Less:
               
Interest expense, net
    270,624       402,755  
Income tax provision (benefit), net
    (107,274 )     11,065  
Depreciation and amortization
    792,380       490,698  
 
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,136,613     $ 299,413  
 
           
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the multi-channel video programming distribution industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Income tax benefit (provision), net. Our income tax benefit was $107.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to an income tax provision of $11.1 million during 2004. This decrease was primarily related to an approximate $185.2 million credit to our provision for income taxes in 2005 resulting from the reversal of our recorded valuation allowance for those deferred tax assets that we believe are more likely than not to be realizable (see Note 6 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). During 2006, we expect our income tax provision to approximate statutory Federal and state tax rates.
Net income (loss). “Net income” was $1.137 billion during the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $837.2 million compared to $299.4 million for 2004. The increase was primarily attributable to the reversal of our recorded valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, higher “Operating income,” the “Gain on insurance settlement” and lower “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.”
SHVERA requires, among other things, that all local broadcast channels delivered by satellite to any particular market be available from a single dish by June 8, 2006. We currently offer local broadcast channels in 164 markets across the United States. In 38 of those markets a second dish was previously required to receive some local channels in the market. While we have subsequently reduced the number of markets where a second dish is necessary, we can not entirely eliminate the second dish necessity in all markets absent full operability of EchoStar X.
In the event EchoStar X experiences any anomalies, satellite capacity limitations could force us to move the local channels in some two dish markets to different satellites, requiring subscribers in those markets to install a second or different dish to continue receiving their local broadcast channels. We could be forced, in that event, to stop offering local channels in some of those markets altogether. The transition of all local broadcast channels in a market to a single dish could result in disruptions of service for a substantial number of our customers. Further, our ability to timely comply with this requirement without incurring significant additional costs is dependent on, among other things, the continued operation of our EchoStar V satellite at the 129 degree orbital location until commencement of commercial operation of EchoStar X. EchoStar V or EchoStar X anomalies could force us to cease offering local channels by satellite in many markets absent regulatory relief from the single dish obligations. If impediments to our preferred transition plan arise, it is possible that the costs of compliance with the single dish requirement could exceed $100.0 million. To the extent subscribers are unwilling for any reason to upgrade to a new dish, our subscriber churn could be negatively impacted.

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
In addition, we depend on our EchoStar VIII satellite to provide local channels to over 40 markets at least until such time as our EchoStar X satellite has commenced commercial operation. In the event that EchoStar VIII experienced a total or substantial failure, we could transmit many, but not all, of those channels from other in-orbit satellites. The potential relocation of some channels, and elimination of others, resulting from failures relating to EchoStar X or EchoStar VIII, could cause a material adverse impact on our business, including, among other things, a reduction in revenues, an increase in operating expenses, a decrease in new subscriber activations and an increase in subscriber churn.

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003.
                                 
    For the Years Ended        
    December 31,     Variance  
    2004     2003     Amount     %  
    (In thousands)  
Statements of Operations Data
                               
Revenue:
                               
Subscriber-related revenue
  $ 6,676,616     $ 5,409,386     $ 1,267,230       23.4 %
Equipment sales
    369,251       291,776       77,475       26.6 %
Other
    97,161       30,560       66,601     NM  
 
                       
Total revenue
    7,143,028       5,731,722       1,411,306       24.6 %
 
                       
 
                               
Costs and Expenses:
                               
Subscriber-related expenses
    3,580,880       2,723,129       857,751       31.5 %
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    53.6 %     50.3 %                
Satellite and transmission expenses
    107,587       74,309       33,278       44.8 %
% of Subscriber-related revenue
    1.6 %     1.4 %                
Cost of sales — equipment
    305,991       193,886       112,105       57.8 %
% of Equipment sales
    82.9 %     66.5 %                
Cost of sales — other
    30,302       57       30,245     NM  
Subscriber acquisition costs
    1,531,843       1,310,794       221,049       16.9 %
General and administrative
    381,753       322,677       59,076       18.3 %
% of Total revenue
    5.3 %     5.6 %                
Depreciation and amortization
    490,698       385,098       105,600       27.4 %
 
                       
Total costs and expenses
    6,429,054       5,009,950       1,419,104       28.3 %
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss)
    713,974       721,772       (7,798 )     (1.1 %)
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    30,609       18,838       11,771       62.5 %
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (433,364 )     (407,030 )     (26,334 )     6.5 %
Other
    (741 )     (466 )     (275 )     59.0 %
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    (403,496 )     (388,658 )     (14,838 )     3.8 %
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
    310,478       333,114       (22,636 )     (6.8 %)
Income tax benefit (provision), net
    (11,065 )     (13,533 )     2,468       (18.2 %)
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 299,413     $ 319,581     $ (20,168 )     (6.3 %)
 
                       
 
                               
Other Data:
                               
DISH Network subscribers, as of period end (in millions)
    10.905       9.425       1.480       15.7 %
 
                       
DISH Network subscriber additions, gross (in millions)
    3.441       2.894       0.547       18.9 %
 
                       
DISH Network subscriber additions, net (in millions)
    1.480       1.245       0.235       18.9 %
 
                       
Monthly churn percentage
    1.62 %     1.57 %     0.05 %     3.2 %
 
                       
Average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”)
  $ 54.87     $ 51.21     $ 3.66       7.1 %
 
                       
Average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“SAC”)
  $ 444     $ 453     $ (9 )     (2.0 %)
 
                       
Equivalent average subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“Equivalent SAC”)
  $ 593     $ 480     $ 113       23.5 %
 
                       
EBITDA
  $ 1,203,931     $ 1,106,404     $ 97,527       8.8 %
 
                       

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
DISH Network subscribers. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately 10.905 million DISH Network subscribers compared to approximately 9.425 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of approximately 15.7%. DISH Network added approximately 3.441 million gross new subscribers for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to approximately 2.894 million gross new subscribers during 2003, an increase of approximately 547,000 gross new subscribers. The increase in gross new subscribers resulted from a number of factors, including the commencement of sales under our co-branding agreement with AT&T and other distribution relationships and an increase in our distribution channels. Temporary product shortages and installation delays during the second half of 2003 were substantially eliminated during the first quarter of 2004 which also contributed to the current year increase.
DISH Network added approximately 1.480 million net new subscribers for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to approximately 1.245 million net new subscribers during 2003, an increase of approximately 18.9%. The increase in net new subscribers resulted from the factors discussed above.
Subscriber-related revenue. DISH Network “Subscriber-related revenue” totaled $6.677 billion for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $1.267 billion or 23.4% compared to 2003. This increase was directly attributable to continued DISH Network subscriber growth and the increase in “ARPU” discussed below.
ARPU. Monthly average revenue per subscriber was approximately $54.87 during the year ended December 31, 2004 and approximately $51.21 during 2003. The $3.66 or 7.1% increase in monthly average revenue per DISH Network subscriber is primarily attributable to price increases of up to $2.00 in February 2004 and 2003 on some of our most popular packages, and from equipment sales, installation and other services related to our relationship with AT&T. This increase was also attributable to a reduction in the number of DISH Network subscribers receiving subsidized programming through our free and discounted programming promotions, the increased availability of local channels by satellite, increases in our advertising sales and increases in the number of DISH Network subscribers with multiple set-top boxes and DVRs. We provided local channels by satellite in 152 markets as of December 31, 2004 compared to 101 markets as of December 31, 2003.
Equipment sales. For the year ended December 31, 2004, “Equipment sales” totaled $369.3 million, an increase of $77.5 million or 26.6% compared to the same period during 2003. This increase principally resulted from an increase in sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and directly to DISH Network subscribers.
“Other” sales. “Other” sales totaled $97.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $66.6 million compared to the same period during 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to the subscription television service revenues from C-band subscribers of the SNG business that we acquired in April 2004.
Subscriber-related expenses. “Subscriber-related expenses” totaled $3.581 billion during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $857.8 million or 31.5% compared to 2003. The increase in “Subscriber-related expenses” was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers, which resulted in increased expenses to support the DISH Network. “Subscriber-related expenses” represented 53.6% and 50.3% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in this expense to revenue ratio primarily resulted from increases in our programming and subscriber retention costs, and costs associated with the expansion of our installation, in-home service and call center operations. These increased operational costs, some of which are temporary, related to, among other things, more complicated installations required by receivers with multiple tuners and a larger dish, or “SuperDISH” which is used to receive programming from our FSS satellites. The increase also resulted from cost of sales and expenses from equipment sales, installation and other services related to our relationship with AT&T.
Satellite and transmission expenses. “Satellite and transmission expenses” totaled $107.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $33.3 million or 44.8% compared to 2003. This increase primarily resulted from commencement of service and operational costs associated with the increasing number of markets in which we offer local broadcast channels by satellite as previously discussed, and increases in our FSS satellite lease payment obligations. “Satellite and transmission expenses” totaled 1.6% and 1.4% of “Subscriber-related revenue” during each of the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in the expense to revenue ratio principally

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resulted from additional operational costs to support the commencement of service and on-going operations of our local markets discussed above.
Cost of sales — equipment. “Cost of sales — equipment” totaled $306.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $112.1 million or 57.8% compared to 2003. This increase primarily resulted from the increase in sales of DBS accessories to retailers and other distributors of our equipment domestically and to DISH Network subscribers discussed above, and approximately $18.4 million in charges related to slow moving and obsolete inventory. “Cost of sales — equipment” represented 82.9% and 66.5% of “Equipment sales,” during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in the expense to revenue ratio principally related to the charges for slow moving and obsolete inventory discussed above, and an approximate $6.8 million reduction in the cost of set-top box equipment during 2003 resulting from a change in estimated royalty obligations. This increase in the expense to revenue ratio also related to a decline in margins on the sales of DBS accessories and on sales by our ETC subsidiary to an international DBS service provider due to reductions in prices and increased sales of lower margin accessories.
Cost of sales — other. “Cost of sales — other” totaled $30.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $30.2 million compared to 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to expenses associated with the C-band subscription television service business of SNG we acquired in April 2004.
Subscriber acquisition costs. “Subscriber acquisition costs” totaled approximately $1.532 billion for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $221.0 million or 16.9% compared to 2003. “Subscriber acquisition costs” during the year ended December 31, 2003 included a benefit of approximately $77.2 million comprised of approximately $42.8 million related to a reduction in the cost of set-top box equipment resulting from a change in estimated royalty obligations and $34.4 million from a litigation settlement. The increase in “Subscriber acquisition costs” was attributable to a larger number of gross DISH Network subscriber additions during the year ended December 2004 compared to 2003, partially offset by a higher number of DISH Network subscribers participating in our equipment lease program and the acquisition of co-branded subscribers during 2004 as discussed under “SAC and Equivalent SAC” below.
SAC and Equivalent SAC. Subscriber acquisition costs per new DISH Network subscriber activation were approximately $444 for the year ended December 31, 2004 and approximately $453 during 2003. SAC during the year ended December 31, 2003 included the benefit of approximately $77.2 million discussed above. Absent this benefit, our SAC for 2003 would have been approximately $27 higher, or $480. The decrease in SAC during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to 2003 (excluding this benefit) was directly attributable to the acquisition of co-branded subscribers during 2004. Excluding the effect of co-branded subscribers, SAC would have increased during the current year as compared to 2003. The increase in SAC (excluding the effect of co-branded subscribers) was primarily related to more expensive promotions offered during 2004 including up to three free receivers for new subscribers and free advanced products, such as DVRs and HD receivers. Further, during 2004, since a greater number of DISH Network subscribers activated multiple receivers, receivers with multiple tuners or other advanced products, including SuperDISH, installation costs increased as compared to 2003. These factors were partially offset by an increase in DISH Network subscribers participating in our equipment lease program and reduced subscriber acquisition advertising.
Equipment capitalized under our lease program for new customers totaled approximately $574.8 million and $108.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Returned equipment related to disconnected lease program subscribers, which became available for sale rather than being redeployed through the lease program, together with payments received in connection with equipment not returned to us, totaled approximately $60.8 million and $30.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. If we included in our calculation of SAC the equipment capitalized less the value of equipment returned and payments received, our Equivalent SAC would have been approximately $593 during 2004 compared to $480 during 2003. As discussed above, “Subscriber acquisition costs” during 2003 included a benefit of approximately $77.2 million or $27 per subscriber. Absent this benefit, our Equivalent SAC would have been $507 for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to a greater number of DISH Network subscribers activating multiple receivers, and advanced products, such as SuperDISH, DVRs and HD receivers.

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Continued
General and administrative expenses. “General and administrative expenses” totaled $381.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $59.1 million or 18.3% compared to 2003. The increase in “General and administrative expenses” was primarily attributable to increased personnel and infrastructure expenses to support the growth of the DISH Network. “General and administrative expenses” represented 5.3% and 5.6% of “Total revenue” during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in this expense to revenue ratio resulted primarily from “Total revenue” increasing at a higher rate than our “General and administrative expenses.”
Depreciation and amortization. “Depreciation and amortization” expense totaled $490.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $105.6 million or 27.4% compared to 2003. The increase in “Depreciation and amortization” expense primarily resulted from additional depreciation related to the commencement of commercial operation of our EchoStar IX satellite in October 2003, and increases in depreciation related to equipment leased to customers and other depreciable assets, including finite lived intangible assets, placed in service during 2003 and 2004. As of December 31, 2003, EchoStar IV was fully depreciated and accordingly, we recorded no expense for this satellite during the year ended December 31, 2004. This partially offset the increase in depreciation expense discussed above.
Interest income. “Interest income” totaled $30.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $11.8 million or 62.5% compared to 2003. This increase principally resulted from higher average balances and returns on our cash and marketable investment securities during 2004 as compared to 2003.
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. “Interest expense” totaled $433.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $26.3 million or 6.5% compared to 2003. This increase primarily resulted from an increase in prepayment premiums and the write-off of debt issuance costs totaling approximately $134.7 million in 2004 compared to approximately $60.1 million in 2003. This increase was partially offset by a net reduction in interest expense of approximately $57.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 related to the debt redemptions and repurchases of our previously outstanding senior debt during 2003 and 2004. See Note 4 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA was $1.204 billion during the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $97.5 million or 8.8% compared to $1.106 billion during 2003. EBITDA during the year ended December 31, 2003 included a benefit of approximately $77.2 million related to the change in estimated royalty obligations and litigation settlement discussed above. Absent this 2003 benefit, our increase in EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2004 would have been $174.7 million. The increase in EBITDA (excluding this benefit) was primarily attributable to the changes in operating revenues and expenses discussed above. EBITDA does not include the impact of capital expenditures under our new and existing subscriber equipment lease programs of approximately $654.9 million and $118.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The following table reconciles EBITDA to the accompanying financial statements:
                 
    For the Years Ended  
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
EBITDA
  $ 1,203,931     $ 1,106,404  
Less:
               
Interest expense, net
    402,755       388,192  
Income tax provision (benefit), net
    11,065       13,533  
Depreciation and amortization
    490,698       385,098  
 
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 299,413     $ 319,581  
 
           
EBITDA is not a measure determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, net income or any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is used as a measurement of operating efficiency and overall financial performance and we believe it to be a helpful measure for those evaluating companies in the multi-channel video programming distribution industry. Conceptually, EBITDA measures the amount of income generated each

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period that could be used to service debt, pay taxes and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Net income (loss). “Net income” was $299.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2004, a decrease of $20.2 million or 6.3% compared to $319.6 million for 2003. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower “Operating income” and higher “Interest expense” partially offset by an increase in “Interest income” resulting from the factors discussed above.
Seasonality
Our revenues vary throughout the year. As is typical in the subscription television service industry, the first half of the year generally produces fewer new subscribers than the second half of the year. Our operating results in any period may be affected by the incurrence of advertising and promotion expenses that do not necessarily produce commensurate revenues until the impact of such advertising and promotion is realized in future periods.
Inflation
Inflation has not materially affected our operations during the past three years. We believe that our ability to increase the prices charged for our products and services in future periods will depend primarily on competitive pressures. We do not have any material backlog of our products.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments
As of December 31, 2005, our restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities had a fair value of approximately $1.003 billion which was invested in: (a) cash; (b) debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies; (c) commercial paper and notes with an overall average maturity of less than one year and rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; and (d) instruments with similar risk characteristics to the commercial paper described above. The primary purpose of these investing activities has been to preserve principal until the cash is required to, among other things, fund operations, make strategic investments and expand the business. Consequently, the size of this portfolio fluctuates significantly as cash is received and used in our business.
Our restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities had an average annual return for the year ended December 31, 2005 of approximately 3.4%. A hypothetical 10.0% decrease in interest rates would result in a decrease of approximately $3.5 million in annual interest income. The value of certain of the investments in this portfolio can be impacted by, among other things, the risk of adverse changes in securities and economic markets generally, as well as the risks related to the performance of the companies whose commercial paper and other instruments we hold. However, the high quality of these investments (as assessed by independent rating agencies), reduces these risks. The value of these investments can also be impacted by interest rate fluctuations.
At December 31, 2005, all of the $1.003 billion was invested in fixed or variable rate instruments or money market type accounts. While an increase in interest rates would ordinarily adversely impact the fair value of fixed and variable rate investments, we normally hold these investments to maturity. Consequently, neither interest rate fluctuations nor other market risks typically result in significant realized gains or losses to this portfolio. A decrease in interest rates has the effect of reducing our future annual interest income from this portfolio, since funds would be re-invested at lower rates as the instruments mature. Over time, any net percentage decrease in interest rates could be reflected in a corresponding net percentage decrease in our interest income.
We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. We adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair value of a marketable investment security which are estimated to

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be “other than temporary” are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount, the historical volatility of the price of each security and any market and company specific factors related to each security. Generally, absent specific factors to the contrary, declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a period of less than six months are considered to be temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments for a period of six to nine months are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist which would indicate that such declines are other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for greater than nine months are considered other than temporary and are recorded as charges to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary.
As of December 31, 2005, we had unrealized losses net of related tax effect of approximately $0.4 million as a part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit).” During the year ended December 31, 2005, we did not record any charge to earnings for other than temporary declines in the fair value of our marketable investment securities. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, our portfolio generally, has experienced and continues to experience volatility. If the fair value of our marketable investment securities portfolio does not remain above cost basis or if we become aware of any market or company specific factors that indicate that the carrying value of certain of our securities is impaired, we may be required to record charges to earnings in future periods equal to the amount of the decline in fair value.
We also have strategic equity investments in certain non-marketable investment securities which are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets including equity interests we received in exchange for non-cash consideration (see Note 2 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). We account for such unconsolidated investments under either the equity method or cost method of accounting. These equity securities are not publicly traded and accordingly, it is not practical to regularly estimate the fair value of the investments; however, these investments are subject to an evaluation for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans and current financial statements, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, cash flow concerns, material litigation, violations of debt covenants and changes in business strategy. The fair value of these investments is not estimated unless there are identified changes in circumstances that are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly traded is dependent on the success of their business and their ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Since private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain full value for them. For the year ended December 31, 2005, we had $52.7 million aggregate carrying amount of non-marketable and unconsolidated strategic equity investments, of which all was accounted for under the cost method. During the year ended December 31, 2005, we did not record any impairment charges with respect to these investments.
As of December 31, 2005, we estimated the fair value of our variable and fixed-rate debt, mortgages and other notes payable to be approximately $3.909 billion using quoted market prices where available, and third party valuations or discounted cash flow analyses when it was practicable to do so. The interest rates assumed in these discounted cash flow analyses reflect interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The fair value of our fixed-rate debt and mortgages is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. A hypothetical 10.0% decrease in assumed interest rates would increase the fair value of our debt by approximately $114.8 million. To the extent interest rates increase, our costs of financing would increase at such time as we are required to refinance our debt. As of December 31, 2005, a hypothetical 10.0% increase in assumed interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $26.8 million.
We have not used derivative financial instruments for hedging or speculative purposes.

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included in this report beginning on page F-1.
Item 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)   The following documents are filed as part of this report:
  (1)   Financial Statements
         
    Page  
Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    F-2  
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and 2004
    F-3  
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    F-4  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005
    F-5  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    F-6  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-7  
  (2)   Financial Statement Schedules
 
      None. All schedules have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
 
  (3)   Exhibits
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
3.1(a)*
  Articles of Incorporation of EDBS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-31929).
 
   
3.1(b)*
  Certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar DBS Corporation, dated as of August 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EDBS for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.333-31929).
 
   
3.1(c)*
  Bylaws of EDBS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-31929).
 
   
4.1*
  Indenture, relating to the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2009, dated as of December 28, 2001 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
4.2*
  Registration Rights Agreement, relating to the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2009, dated as of December 28, 2001, by and among EDBS and Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Lehman Brothers Inc. and UBS Warburg L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
4.3*
  Indenture, relating to EDBS 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008, dated as of October 2, 2003, between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.4*
  Indenture, relating to EDBS 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of October 2, 2003, between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).

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Exhibit No.   Description
 
4.5*
  Indenture, relating to EDBS Floating Senior Notes due 2008, dated as of October 2, 2003, between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.6*
  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 2, 2003 among EDBS and the other parties named herein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.7*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2009, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.8*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 5 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.9*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 6 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2011, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.10*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2008, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.1*
  Form of Satellite Launch Insurance Declarations (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish Ltd., Registration No. 33-81234).
 
   
10.2*
  Manufacturing Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1995, between HTS and SCI Technology, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish Ltd., Commission File No. 33-81234). **
 
   
10.3*
  EchoStar 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration No. 33-91276).**
 
   
10.4*
  Amended and Restated EchoStar 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to EchoStar’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated August 24, 2005).**
 
   
10.5*
  2002 Class B CEO Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to EchoStar’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 9, 2002).**
 
   
10.6*
  Agreement between HTS, ESC and ExpressVu Inc., dated January 8, 1997, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1996, as amended, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.7*
  Agreement to Form NagraStar L.L.C., dated as of June 23, 1998, by and between Kudelski S.A., EchoStar and ESC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1998, Commission File No. 0-26176).

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Exhibit No.   Description
 
10.8*
  License and OEM Manufacturing Agreement, dated July 1, 2002, between EchoStar Satellite Corporation, EchoStar Technologies Corporation and Thomson multimedia, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.9*
  Amendment No. 19 to License and OEM Manufacturing Agreement, dated July 1, 2002, between EchoStar Satellite Corporation, EchoStar Technologies Corporation and Thomson multimedia, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2002, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.10*
  Satellite Service Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2003, between SES Americom, Inc., EchoStar Satellite Corporation and EchoStar Communications Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.11*
  Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement dated March 31, 2003 between SES Americom Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.12*
  Satellite Service Agreement dated as of August 13, 2003 between SES Americom Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.13*
  Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.14*
  Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated March 10, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.15*
  Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.16*
  Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated February 4, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.17*
  Letter Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated March 25, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.18*
  Amendment No. 2 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 30, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.19*
  Second Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated May 5, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.20*
  Third Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated October 12, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).

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Exhibit No.   Description
 
10.21*
  Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated October 21, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.22*
  Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004 between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.23*
  Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.24*
  Amendment No. 6 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.25*
  Description of the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated January 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).**
 
   
10.26*
  Description of the 2005 Cash Incentive Plan dated January 22, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).**
 
   
10.27*
  Settlement Agreement and Release effective February 25, 2005 between EchoStar Satellite L.L.C., EchoStar DBS Corporation and the insurance carriers for the EchoStar IV satellite (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.28*
  Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 6, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.29*
  Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated June 20, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.30*
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Form A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.31*
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Form B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.32*
  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Form A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.33*
  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Form B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.34*
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement (1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**

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Exhibit No.   Description
 
10.35*
  Nonqualifying Stock Option Agreement (2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.36*
  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
31.1H
  Section 302 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
31.2H
  Section 302 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
   
32.1H
  Section 906 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
32.2H
  Section 906 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
H   Filed herewith.
 
*   Incorporated by reference.
 
**   Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
 
 
  By:   /s/ David J. Rayner    
    David J. Rayner   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
 
Date: March 17, 2006
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
Signature   Title   Date
 
/s/ Charles W. Ergen
  Chief Executive Officer and Director   March 17, 2006
 
Charles W. Ergen
   (Principal Executive Officer)    
 
       
/s/ David J. Rayner
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   March 17, 2006
 
David J. Rayner
   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
 
       
/s/ James DeFranco
  Director   March 17, 2006
 
James DeFranco
       
 
       
/s/ David K. Moskowitz
  Director   March 17, 2006
 
David K. Moskowitz
       

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholder:
EchoStar DBS Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EchoStar DBS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholder’s equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EchoStar DBS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 16, 2006

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Assets
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 582,386     $ 511,980  
Marketable investment securities
    417,142       214,275  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $8,799 and $8,429, respectively
    477,216       472,056  
Advances to affiliates
172,658 31,455
Inventories, net
    221,279       271,514  
Insurance receivable (Note 3)
          106,000  
Current deferred tax assets (Note 6)
    416,787       44,974  
Other current assets
    113,576       101,121  
 
           
Total current assets
    2,401,044       1,753,375  
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities
    3,305        
Property and equipment, net (Note 4)
    3,206,415       2,441,017  
FCC authorizations
    705,246       696,285  
Intangible assets, net (Note 2)
    226,582       238,959  
Other noncurrent assets, net
    159,831       191,395  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 6,702,423     $ 5,321,031  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit)
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Trade accounts payable
  $ 220,141     $ 240,738  
Advances from affiliates
52,092 40,460
Deferred revenue and other
    757,173       757,011  
Accrued programming
    681,500       604,934  
Other accrued expenses
    396,504       362,015  
Current portion of capital lease and other long-term obligations (Note 5)
    36,380       33,645  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    2,143,790       2,038,803  
 
           
 
               
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
               
9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009 (Note 5)
    441,964       446,153  
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008
    500,000       500,000  
5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion (Note 5)
    431,223       285,894  
Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities
    440,837       325,627  
 
           
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion
    4,814,024       4,557,674  
 
           
Total liabilities
    6,957,814       6,596,477  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
               
 
               
Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit):
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding
           
Additional paid-in capital
    1,014,057       929,002  
Deferred stock-based compensation
    (2,714 )      
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (180 )     (1,281 )
Accumulated earnings deficit
    (1,266,554 )     (2,203,167 )
 
           
Total stockholder’s equity (deficit)
    (255,391 )     (1,275,446 )
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity (deficit)
  $ 6,702,423     $ 5,321,031  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Revenue:
                       
Subscriber-related revenue
  $ 7,954,728     $ 6,676,616     $ 5,409,386  
Equipment sales
    374,495       369,251       291,776  
Other
    92,273       97,161       30,560  
 
                 
Total revenue
    8,421,496       7,143,028       5,731,722  
 
                 
 
                       
Costs and Expenses:
                       
Subscriber-related expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 4)
    4,045,861       3,580,880       2,723,129  
Satellite and transmission expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 4)
    131,559       107,587       74,309  
Cost of sales — equipment
    323,999       305,991       193,886  
Cost of sales — other
    22,437       30,302       57  
Subscriber acquisition costs:
                       
Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies (exclusive of depreciation shown below — Note 4)
    130,680       467,587       504,901  
Other subscriber promotion subsidies
    1,180,516       925,195       628,929  
Subscriber acquisition advertising
    184,004       139,061       176,964  
 
                 
Total subscriber acquisition costs
    1,495,200       1,531,843       1,310,794  
General and administrative
    442,290       381,753       322,677  
Depreciation and amortization (Note 4)
    792,380       490,698       385,098  
 
                 
Total costs and expenses
    7,253,726       6,429,054       5,009,950  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    1,167,770       713,974       721,772  
 
                 
 
                       
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest income
    34,641       30,609       18,838  
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (305,265 )     (433,364 )     (407,030 )
Gain on insurance settlement (Note 3)
    134,000              
Other
    (1,807 )     (741 )     (466 )
 
                 
Total other income (expense)
    (138,431 )     (403,496 )     (388,658 )
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,029,339       310,478       333,114  
Income tax benefit (provision), net (Note 6)
    107,274       (11,065 )     (13,533 )
 
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,136,613     $ 299,413     $ 319,581  
 
                 
 
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (155 )     (48 )     453  
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
    1,024       (1,793 )     (590 )
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)
                 
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
    232              
 
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,137,714     $ 297,572     $ 319,444  
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands)
                                                 
                                    Accumulated        
                                    Deficit and        
                            Non-Cash,     Accumulated        
                    Additional     Stock-     Other        
    Common Stock     Paid-In     Based     Comprehensive        
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Compensation     Income (Loss)     Total  
Balance, December 31, 2002
    1     $     $ 843,198     $ (8,657 )   $ (2,321,464 )   $ (1,486,923 )
 
                                   
Capital contribution from ECC
                267,356                   267,356  
Capital distribution for EchoStar IX to EOC
                (171,624 )                 (171,624 )
Forfeitures of deferred non-cash, stock-based compensation
                (3,933 )                 (3,933 )
Deferred stock-based compensation recognized
                      7,477             7,477  
Reversal of deferred tax asset for book stock-based compensation that exceeded the related tax deduction
                (4,061 )                 (4,061 )
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
                            (590 )     (590 )
Foreign currency translation
                            453       453  
Net income (loss)
                            319,581       319,581  
 
                                   
Balance, December 31, 2003
    1     $     $ 930,936     $ (1,180 )   $ (2,002,020 )   $ (1,072,264 )
 
                                   
Deferred stock-based compensation recognized
                      1,180             1,180  
Reversal of deferred tax asset for book stock-based compensation that exceeded the related tax deduction
                (1,934 )                 (1,934 )
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
                            (1,793 )     (1,793 )
Foreign currency translation
                            (48 )     (48 )
Dividend to ECC
                            (500,000 )     (500,000 )
Net income (loss)
                            299,413       299,413  
 
                                   
Balance, December 31, 2004
    1     $     $ 929,002     $     $ (2,204,448 )   $ (1,275,446 )
 
                                   
Deferred stock-based compensation
                3,016       (3,016 )            
Deferred stock-based compensation recognized
                      302             302  
Reversal of valuation allowance associated with stock compensation and tax benefits
                82,039                   82,039  
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
                            232       232  
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
                            1,024       1,024  
Foreign currency translation
                            (155 )     (155 )
Dividend to ECC (Note 14)
                            (200,000 )     (200,000 )
Net income (loss)
                            1,136,613       1,136,613  
 
                                   
Balance, December 31, 2005
    1     $     $ 1,014,057     $ (2,714 )   $ (1,266,734 )   $ (255,391 )
 
                                   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,136,613     $ 299,413     $ 319,581  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    792,380       490,698       385,098  
Gain on insurance settlement (Note 3)
    (134,000 )            
Non-cash, stock-based compensation recognized
    302       1,180       3,544  
Deferred tax expense (benefit) (Note 6)
    (143,247 )     4,790       2,845  
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs
    3,427       19,411       12,556  
Change in noncurrent assets
    21,757       (114,888 )     (49,678 )
Change in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities
    (31,298 )     109,522       11,434  
Other, net
    (534 )     710       1,918  
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
                       
Trade accounts receivable, net
    (5,160 )     (122,774 )     (16,424 )
Advances to affiliates
(141,203 ) (31,455 )
Inventories
    79,652       (70,768 )     17,675  
Other current assets
    (18,316 )     (62,795 )     (9,139 )
Trade accounts payable
    (20,597 )     69,078       (74,009 )
Advances from affiliates
11,632 39,815
Deferred revenue and other
    162       211,656       73,368  
Accrued programming and other accrued expenses
    161,175       177,248       (1,903 )
 
                 
Net cash flows from operating activities
    1,712,745       1,020,841       676,866  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
                       
Purchases of marketable investment securities
    (626,577 )     (1,524,017 )     (3,911,404 )
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities
    424,734       3,237,054       2,258,969  
Purchases of property and equipment
    (1,392,708 )     (892,572 )     (229,930 )
Proceeds from insurance settlement (Note 3)
    240,000              
Change in cash reserved for satellite insurance
          176,843       (25,471 )
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities
    (3,305 )     20       (10 )
Asset acquisition
          (238,610 )      
FCC auction deposits
          (6,100 )      
Purchase of FCC licenses
    (8,961 )            
Purchase of technology-based intangibles
    (25,500 )            
Other
    (7 )     91       453  
 
                 
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (1,392,324 )     752,709       (1,907,393 )
 
                 
 
                       
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
                       
Proceeds from issuance of 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
          1,000,000        
Proceeds from issuance of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008
                500,000  
Proceeds from issuance of 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008
                1,000,000  
Proceeds from issuance of 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011
                1,000,000  
Non-interest bearing advances from (to) affiliates
          (289,000 )      
Redemption of 10 3/8% Senior Notes due 2007
          (1,000,000 )      
Redemption of 9 1/4% Senior Notes due 2006
                (375,000 )
Repurchase and partial redemption of 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009, respectively (Note 5)
    (4,189 )     (8,847 )     (245,000 )
Redemption and repurchase of 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2009, respectively
          (1,423,351 )     (201,649 )
Deferred debt issuance costs
          (3,159 )     (12,500 )
Dividend to ECC (Note 14)
    (200,000 )     (500,000 )      
Capital contribution from ECC
                267,356  
Repayment of capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable
    (45,826 )     (5,376 )     (2,209 )
 
                 
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (250,015 )     (2,229,733 )     1,930,998  
 
                 
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    70,406       (456,183 )     700,471  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    511,980       968,163       267,692  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 582,386     $ 511,980     $ 968,163  
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Business Activities
EchoStar DBS Corporation (“EDBS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our”) is a holding company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation (“EchoStar” or “ECC”), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market. EDBS was formed under Colorado law in January 1996. EchoStar has placed ownership of 10 in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses into our subsidiaries.
EchoStar started offering subscription television services on the DISH Network in March 1996. As of December 31, 2005, the DISH Network had approximately 12.040 million subscribers. EchoStar currently has 14 owned or leased in-orbit satellites which enable us to offer over 2,300 video and audio channels to consumers across the United States. Since we use many of these channels for local programming, no particular consumer could subscribe to all channels, but all are available using small consumer satellite antennae, or dishes. We believe that the DISH Network offers programming packages that have a better “price-to-value” relationship than packages currently offered by most other subscription television providers. As of December 31, 2005, there were over 27.0 million subscribers to direct broadcast satellite services in the United States. We believe that there are more than 94.2 million pay television subscribers in the United States, and there continues to be unsatisfied demand for high quality, reasonably priced television programming services.
Principal Business
Unless otherwise stated herein, or the context otherwise requires, references herein to EchoStar shall include ECC, EDBS and all direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof. The operations of EchoStar include two interrelated business units:
    The DISH Network — which provides a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) subscription television service in the United States; and
 
    EchoStar Technologies Corporation (“ETC”) — which designs and develops DBS set-top boxes, antennae and other digital equipment for the DISH Network. We refer to this equipment collectively as “EchoStar receiver systems.” ETC also designs, develops and distributes similar equipment for international satellite service providers.
We have deployed substantial resources to develop the “EchoStar DBS System.” The EchoStar DBS System consists of our Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) allocated DBS spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, EchoStar receiver systems, digital broadcast operations centers, customer service facilities, and certain other assets utilized in our operations. Our principal business strategy is to continue developing our subscription television service in the United States to provide consumers with a fully competitive alternative to cable television service.
Organization and Legal Structure
Substantially all of EchoStar’s operations are conducted by our subsidiaries. The following table summarizes the organizational structure of EchoStar and its principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005:
         
    Referred to    
Legal Entity   Herein As   Parent
EchoStar Communications Corporation
  ECC   Publicly owned
EchoStar Orbital Corporation
  EOC   ECC
EchoStar Orbital Corporation II
  EOC II   EOC
EchoStar DBS Corporation
  EDBS   EOC
EchoStar Satellite L.L.C.
  ESLLC   EDBS
Echosphere L.L.C.
  Echosphere   EDBS
EchoStar Technologies Corporation
  ETC   EDBS
DISH Network Service L.L.C.
  DNSLLC   EDBS
As of December 31, 2005, all of EchoStar’s DBS FCC licenses and 10 of its in-orbit satellites were owned by one of our direct subsidiaries. Contracts for the construction and launch of EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and our Ka-band satellites are held in EOC II, our sister company. EchoStar’s satellite lease contracts are also held by one of our direct subsidiaries.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Significant Risks and Uncertainties
Substantial Leverage. We are highly leveraged, which makes us vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. As of December 31, 2005, we had outstanding long-term debt (including both the current and long-term portions) totaling approximately $4.410 billion. We have quarterly and semi-annual cash interest requirements for all of our outstanding long-term debt securities, as follows:
             
        Annual
    Quarterly/Semi-Annual   Debt Service
    Payment Dates   Requirements
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008
  January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1   $ 38,900,000  
5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008
  April 1 and October 1   $ 57,500,000  
6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011
  April 1 and October 1   $ 63,750,000  
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
  April 1 and October 1   $ 66,250,000  
 
*   The table above does not include interest of $5.2 million on the 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009 which were redeemed on February 17, 2006 or the $106.9 million of interest on the 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (see Note 15).
Interest accrues on our Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008 based on the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.25%. The interest rate at December 31, 2005 was 7.78%. Semi-annual cash interest requirements related to our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 commenced on April 1, 2005. There are no scheduled principal payment or sinking fund requirements prior to maturity on any of these notes. Our ability to meet our debt service requirements will depend on, among other factors, the successful execution of our business strategy, which is subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Effective January 1, 2004, we combined “Subscription television service” revenue and “Other subscriber-related revenue” into “Subscriber-related revenue.” Additionally, “Equipment sales” and “Cost of sales — equipment” now include non-DISH Network receivers and other accessories sold by our EchoStar International Corporation subsidiary to international customers which were previously included in “Other” revenue and “Cost of sales — other,” respectively. All prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Certain other prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which we have controlling influence. Non-majority owned investments are accounted for using the equity method when we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of an issuer, the cost method is used. For entities that are considered variable interest entities we apply the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. (FIN) 46-R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities — An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46-R”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for uncollectible accounts, inventory allowances, self insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, loss contingencies, fair values of financial instruments, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, capital leases, asset impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, retailer commissions, programming expenses, subscriber lives including those related to our co-branding and other

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
distribution relationships, royalty obligations and smart card replacement obligations. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts and such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively beginning in the period they occur.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar because their sales and purchases are predominantly denominated in that currency. However, for our subsidiaries where the functional currency is the local currency, we translate assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the period end exchange rate and record the translation adjustments as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). We translate revenues and expenses based on the exchange rates at the time such transactions arise, if known, or at the average rate for the period. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded at the exchange rate at the time of the transaction and are included in other miscellaneous income and expense. Net transaction gains (losses) during 2005, 2004 and 2003 were not significant.
Statements of Cash Flows Data
The following presents our supplemental cash flow statement disclosure:
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Cash paid for interest
  $ 299,062     $ 358,841     $ 347,266  
Capitalized interest
                8,428  
Cash received for interest
    34,641       30,609       18,674  
Cash paid for income taxes
    15,498       2,727       10,847  
Forfeitures of deferred non-cash, stock-based compensation
                3,933  
Capital distribution for EchoStar IX to EOC
                (171,624 )
Assumption of net operating liabilities in asset acquisition (Note 2)
          25,685        
Assumption of long-term deferred revenue (Note 2)
          52,727        
Satellite financed under capital lease obligation (Note 5)
    191,950       286,605        
Reduction in satellite vendor financing
          13,712        
Satellite and other vendor financing
    1,940       6,519       13,097  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 consist of money market funds, corporate notes and commercial paper. The cost of these investments approximates their fair value.
Marketable and Non-Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash
We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. We adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair value of a marketable investment security which are estimated to be “other than temporary” are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount, the historical volatility of the price of each security and any market and company specific factors related to each security. Generally, absent specific factors to the contrary, declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for a period of less than six months are considered to be temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments for a period of six to nine months are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist which would indicate that such declines are

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of investments below cost basis for greater than nine months are considered other than temporary and are recorded as charges to earnings, absent specific factors to the contrary.
Some of our investments in marketable securities have declined below our cost. The following table reflects the length of time that the individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category, where those declines are considered temporary in accordance with our policy.
                                                                 
    As of December 31, 2005  
    Less than Six Months     Six to Nine Months     Nine Months or More     Total  
    (In thousands)  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Value     Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss     Value     Loss  
Government bonds
  $     $     $     $     $ 92,341     $ (662 )   $ 92,342     $ (662 )
 
                                               
                                                                 
    As of December 31, 2004  
Government bonds
  $     $     $ 117,301     $ (1,122 )   $ 41,369     $ (564 )   $ 158,670     $ (1,686 )
 
                                               
Government Bonds. The unrealized losses on our investments in U.S. Treasury obligations and direct obligations of U.S. government agencies were caused by interest rate increases. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, maturities on these government bonds ranged from one to seven months. We have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity when the Government is required to redeem them at their full face value. Accordingly, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2005.
As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we had unrealized losses net of related tax effect of approximately $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, as a part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholder’s equity (deficit).” During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, we did not record any charges to earnings for other than temporary declines in the fair value of our marketable investment securities. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, our portfolio generally has experienced and continues to experience volatility. If the fair value of our marketable investment securities portfolio does not remain above cost basis or if we become aware of any market or company specific factors that indicate that the carrying value of certain of our marketable investment securities is impaired, we may be required to record charges to earnings in future periods equal to the amount of the decline in fair value.
We also have strategic equity investments in certain non-marketable securities including equity interests we received in exchange for non-cash consideration which are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We account for our unconsolidated equity investments under either the equity method or cost method of accounting. These equity securities are not publicly traded and accordingly, it is not practical to regularly estimate the fair value of the investments; however, these investments are subject to an evaluation for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans and current financial statements, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, cash flow concerns, material litigation, violations of debt covenants and changes in business strategy. The fair value of these equity investments is not estimated unless there are identified changes in circumstances that may indicate an impairment exists and are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we had $52.7 million aggregate carrying amount of non-marketable, unconsolidated strategic equity investments accounted for under the cost method. During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, we did not record any impairment charges with respect to these investments.
Our ability to realize value from our strategic equity investments is dependent on the success of the issuer’s business and ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Since private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain full value for them.
Restricted cash and marketable securities, as reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance sheets, includes cash and marketable investment securities set aside in an escrow account related to litigation.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
The major components of marketable investment securities and restricted cash are as follows:
                                 
    Marketable Investment Securities     Restricted Cash  
    As of December 31,     As of December 31,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Government bonds
  $ 92,341     $ 166,182     $     $  
Corporate notes and bonds
    324,800       45,924              
Asset backed obligations
    1       2,169              
Restricted cash
                3,305        
 
                       
 
  $ 417,142     $ 214,275     $ 3,305     $  
 
                       
As of December 31, 2005, marketable investment securities and restricted cash include debt securities of $152.9 million with contractual maturities of one year or less and $264.2 million with contractual maturities greater than one year. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Proprietary products are built by contract manufacturers to our specifications. We depend on a few manufacturers, and in some cases a single manufacturer, for the production of our receivers and many components of our EchoStar receiver systems. Manufactured inventories include materials, labor, freight-in, royalties and manufacturing overhead. Inventories consist of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Finished goods — DBS
  $ 140,797     $ 159,216  
Raw materials
    55,034       68,087  
Work-in-process — service repair
    23,699       40,698  
Work-in-process
    10,934       11,112  
Consignment
    802       2,622  
Inventory allowance
    (9,987 )     (10,221 )
 
           
Inventories, net
  $ 221,279     $ 271,514  
 
           
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Cost includes capitalized interest of approximately $8.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2003. We did not record any capitalized interest during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. The costs of satellites under construction including certain amounts prepaid under our satellite service agreements (see Note 9) are capitalized during the construction phase, assuming the eventual successful launch and in-orbit operation of the satellite. If a satellite were to fail during launch or while in-orbit, the resultant loss would be charged to expense in the period such loss was incurred. The amount of any such loss would be reduced to the extent of insurance proceeds estimated to be received, if any. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over lives ranging from one to forty years. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Long-Lived Assets
We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). We review our long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Based on the guidance under SFAS 144, we evaluate our satellite fleet for recoverability as an asset group. For assets which are held and used in operations, the asset would be impaired

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
if the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) exceeded its undiscounted future net cash flows. Once an impairment is determined, the actual impairment is reported as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value as estimated using discounted cash flows. Assets which are to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We consider relevant cash flow, estimated future operating results, trends and other available information in assessing whether the carrying value of assets are recoverable.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We account for our goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), which requires goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives not be amortized, but to be tested for impairment annually or whenever indicators of impairments arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets consist primarily of FCC licenses. Generally, we have determined that our FCC licenses have indefinite useful lives due to the following:
    FCC spectrum is a non-depleting asset;
 
    Existing DBS licenses are integral to our business and will contribute to cash flows indefinitely;
 
    Replacement satellite applications are generally authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative and legal environment;
 
    Maintenance expenditures in order to obtain future cash flows are not significant;
 
    DBS licenses are not technologically dependent; and
 
    We intend to use these assets indefinitely .
In accordance with the guidance of EITF Issue No. 02-7, “Unit of Accounting for Testing Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset,” (“EITF 02-7”) we combine all our indefinite life FCC licenses into a single unit of accounting. The analysis encompasses future cash flows from satellites transmitting from such licensed orbital locations, including revenue attributable to programming offerings from such satellites, the direct operating and subscriber acquisition costs related to such programming, and future capital costs for replacement satellites. Projected revenue and cost amounts included current and projected subscribers. In conducting our annual impairment test in 2005, we determined that the estimated fair value of the FCC licenses, calculated using the discounted cash flow analysis, exceeded their carrying amount.
During March 2004, we entered into an agreement with Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (“Gemstar”) for use of certain Gemstar intellectual property and technology, use of the TV Guide brand on our interactive program guides, and for distribution arrangements with Gemstar to provide for the launch and carriage of the TV Guide Channel as well as the extension of an existing distribution agreement for carriage of the TVG Network, and acquired Gemstar’s Superstar/Netlink Group LLC (“SNG”), UVTV distribution, and SpaceCom businesses and related assets, for an aggregate cash payment of $238.0 million, plus transaction costs. We further agreed to resolve all of our outstanding litigation with Gemstar. These transactions were entered into contemporaneously and accounted for as a purchase business combination in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”).

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Based on an independent third party valuation, the purchase consideration was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as follows (in thousands):
         
Current assets
  $ 1,184  
Property and equipment
    3,749  
Intangible assets
    260,546  
 
     
Total assets acquired
  $ 265,479  
 
     
 
       
Current liabilities
    (26,269 )
Long-term liabilities
    (600 )
 
     
Total liabilities assumed
    (26,869 )
 
     
Net assets acquired
  $ 238,610  
 
     
The total $260.5 million of acquired intangible assets resulting from the Gemstar transactions is comprised of contract-based intangibles totaling approximately $187.2 million with estimated weighted-average useful lives of twelve years, and customer relationships totaling approximately $73.3 million with estimated weighted-average useful lives of four years.
The business combination did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 and would not have materially impacted our results of operations for these periods had the business combination occurred on January 1, 2004. Further, the business combination would not have had a material impact on our results of operations for the comparable period in 2003 had the business combination occurred on January 1, 2003.
As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, our identifiable intangibles subject to amortization consisted of the following:
                                 
    As of  
    December 31, 2005     December 31, 2004  
    Intangible     Accumulated     Intangible     Accumulated  
    Assets     Amortization     Assets     Amortization  
            (In thousands)          
Contract based
  $ 189,286     $ (29,667 )   $ 189,286     $ (13,492 )
Customer relationships
    73,298       (31,818 )     73,298       (13,493 )
Technology based
    25,500       (3,377 )            
 
                       
Total
  $ 288,084     $ (64,862 )   $ 262,584     $ (26,985 )
 
                       
Amortization of these intangible assets, recorded on a straight line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately four to twelve years, was $37.9 million and $25.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The aggregate amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $36.7 million for 2006, $36.1 million for 2007, $22.5 million for 2008, $17.7 million for 2009, $17.7 million for 2010 and $92.6 million thereafter.
The excess of our investments in consolidated subsidiaries over net tangible and intangible asset value at acquisition is recorded as goodwill. We had approximately $3.4 million of goodwill as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 which arose from a 2002 acquisition. In conducting our annual impairment test in 2005, we determined that the carrying amount of our goodwill was not impaired.
Smart Card Replacement
Our signal encryption has been compromised by theft of service from time to time and could be further compromised in the future. We continue to respond to compromises of our encryption system with security measures intended to make signal theft of our programming more difficult. In order to combat theft of our service and maintain the functionality of active set-top boxes, we recently replaced the majority of our older generation smart cards with newer generation smart cards. This process was completed during the fourth quarter of 2005. Accordingly, there is no remaining accrual for smart card replacement as of December 31, 2005. The need to replace smart cards is evaluated at the end of each reporting period.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Long-Term Deferred Revenue, Distribution and Carriage Payments
Certain programmers provide us up-front payments. Such amounts are deferred and in accordance with EITF Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor” (“EITF 02-16”) and are recognized as reductions to “Subscriber-related expenses” on a straight-line basis over the relevant remaining contract term (up to 10 years). The current and long-term portions of these deferred credits are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Deferred revenue and other” and “Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities,” respectively.
We receive equity interests in content providers in consideration or in conjunction with affiliation agreements. We account for these equity interests received in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-8, “Accounting by a Grantee for an Equity Instrument to be Received in Conjunction with Providing Goods or Services” (“EITF 00-8”). During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, we entered into agreements and in 2004 assumed certain liabilities in exchange for equity interests in certain entities.
During 2004, we entered into an agreement in exchange for an equity interest in a certain entity and recorded approximately $52.7 million related to the fair value of the equity interest in “Other noncurrent assets” as of the balance sheet date. We account for this unconsolidated investment under the cost method of accounting. The value of the equity interest has also been recorded as a deferred credit and will be recognized as reductions to “Subscriber-related expenses” ratably as our actual costs are incurred under the related agreement in accordance with the guidance under EITF 02-16. These deferred credits have been recorded as a component of current “Deferred revenue and other” and “Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Income Taxes
We establish a provision for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). SFAS 109 requires that deferred tax assets or liabilities be recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances in accordance with SFAS 109, when we believe it is more likely than not that such net deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair values for our publicly traded debt securities are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of our mortgages and other notes payable are estimated using third party valuations or discounted cash flow analyses when it is practicable to do so. The interest rates assumed in such discounted cash flow analyses reflect interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
The following table summarizes the book and fair values of our debt facilities at December 31, 2005 and 2004:
                                 
    As of December 31, 2005     As of December 31, 2004  
    Book Value     Fair Value     Book Value     Fair Value  
            (In thousands)          
9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009*
    441,964       462,405       446,153       490,768  
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008
    500,000       510,000       500,000       518,125  
5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008
    1,000,000       980,000       1,000,000       1,012,500  
6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011
    1,000,000       968,650       1,000,000       1,047,500  
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
    1,000,000       958,750       1,000,000       1,012,500  
Mortgages and other notes payable
    29,541       29,541       32,934       32,934  
 
                       
Subtotal
    3,971,505       3,909,346       3,979,087       4,114,327  
Capital lease obligations**
    438,062       N/A       286,605       N/A  
 
                       
Total
  $ 4,409,567     $ 3,909,346     $ 4,265,692     $ 4,114,327  
 
                       
 
*   Effective February 17, 2006, these notes were redeemed. See Note 15 — Subsequent Events for further discussion.
 
**   Pursuant to SFAS No. 107 “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” disclosures regarding fair value of capital leases is not required.
Due to their short-term nature, book value approximates fair value for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net of allowance and current liabilities for the periods ending December 31, 2005 and 2004.
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
Costs of issuing debt are generally deferred and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective notes (see Note 5).
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when an arrangement exists, prices are determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and the goods or services have been delivered. Revenue from our subscription television services is recognized when programming is broadcast to subscribers. Subscriber fees for multiple set-top receivers, digital video recorders, equipment rental and other services are recognized as revenue, monthly as earned. Revenue from advertising sales is recognized when the related services are performed. Payments received from subscribers in advance of the broadcast or service period are recorded as “Deferred revenue” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until earned. Revenue from equipment sales is recognized upon shipment to customers.
Contemporaneous with the commencement of sales of co-branded services pursuant to our prior agreement with AT&T, Inc. (“AT&T”), formerly known as SBC Communications, Inc., during the first quarter of 2004, revenue from equipment sales to AT&T and development and implementation fees received from AT&T were deferred and recognized over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life. Revenue from installation and certain other services performed at the request of AT&T were recognized upon completion of the services.
During the fourth quarter 2005, we modified and extended our distribution and sales agency agreement with AT&T. Commencing in the fourth quarter 2005, new subscribers acquired under the revised AT&T agreement will no longer generate equipment sales, installation or other services revenue. Deferred equipment sales revenue relating to subscribers acquired through our prior AT&T agreement will continue to be recognized as revenue over the estimated average life of those subscribers. Further, development and implementation fees received from AT&T will continue to be recognized over the estimated average subscriber life of all subscribers acquired under both the previous and revised agreements with AT&T.
Accounting for our new subscriber promotions which include programming discounts falls under the scope of EITF Issue No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Capital Products)” (“EITF 01-9”). In accordance with EITF 01-9, programming revenues under these promotions are recorded at the discounted monthly rate charged to the subscriber. See Subscriber Promotions below for discussion regarding the accounting for costs under these promotions.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Subscriber-Related Expenses
The cost of television programming distribution rights is generally incurred on a per subscriber basis and various upfront carriage payments are recognized when the related programming is distributed to subscribers. The cost of television programming rights to distribute live sporting events for a season or tournament is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament. Programming costs are included in “Subscriber-related expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). “Subscriber-related expenses” also include costs incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, overhead costs associated with our installation business, copyright royalties, residual commissions, billing, lockbox, subscriber retention and other variable subscriber expenses. These costs are recognized as the services are performed or as incurred.
Contemporaneous with the commencement of sales of co-branded services pursuant to our prior agreement with AT&T during the first quarter of 2004, “Subscriber-related expenses” also include the cost of sales and expenses from equipment sales, direct costs of installation and other services related to that relationship. Cost of sales from equipment sales to AT&T are deferred and recognized over the estimated average co-branded subscriber life. Expenses from installation and certain other services performed at the request of AT&T are recognized as the services are performed. Under the revised AT&T agreement, we will include costs from equipment and installations in “Subscriber acquisition costs” or in capital expenditures, rather than in “Subscriber-related expenses.” We will continue to include in “Subscriber-related expenses” the costs deferred from equipment sales made to AT&T. These costs will be amortized over the life of the subscribers acquired under the previous AT&T agreement.
Subscriber Promotions
Subscriber acquisition costs in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) consist of costs incurred to acquire new subscribers through third parties and our direct customer acquisition distribution channel. Subscriber acquisition costs include the following line items from our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss):
    “Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies” includes the cost of EchoStar receiver systems sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment and receiver systems sold directly by us to subscribers.
 
    “Other subscriber promotion subsidies” includes net costs related to promotional incentives and costs related to installation.
 
    “Subscriber acquisition advertising” includes advertising and marketing expenses related to the acquisition of new DISH Network subscribers. Advertising costs generally are expensed as incurred.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, our significant subscriber acquisition promotions were as follows:
Effective February 2004, our Digital Home Advantage (“DHA”) promotion provided new lease subscribers up to four installed EchoStar receivers, including various premium models, with a qualifying programming subscription. The subscriber was required to pay a monthly rental fee for each leased receiver and a one-time set-up fee of $49.99, but was not required to agree to a minimum lease period. The subscriber received a $49.99 credit on their first month’s bill. Effective October 2004, the promotion was expanded whereby the consumer may agree to either a one or two year commitment in exchange for receiving the benefits of our Digital Home Protection Plan, an optional extended warranty program, without charge for one or two years, respectively. In February 2005, the promotion was modified to allow new residential customers who subscribed to “America’s Top 180” to obtain that programming at the same price as “America’s Top 120” for the first three months. This promotion expired during April 2005.
During May 2005, we introduced a promotion which offers new DHA lease program subscribers our “America’s Top 180” package for $19.99 for each of the first three months of service. Effective June 2005, the promotion was modified to provide a $12.00 discount per month on qualifying programming packages, together with free HBO and Showtime programming, for each of the first three months of service. The promotion, which continued through August 15, 2005, required a one year minimum programming commitment.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
During August 2005, we introduced a promotion which offers new DHA lease program subscribers a free month of qualifying programming, three free months of HBO, Showtime and Cinemax programming, and a free DVR upgrade. Further, in exchange for an 18 month minimum programming commitment, new lease program subscribers receive a credit of the one-time set-up fee of $49.99. Effective November 3, 2005, instead of one month free, new lease program subscribers can elect to receive a $12.00 discount for the first three months of service on qualifying programming. These promotions expired January 31, 2006.
During the fourth quarter of 2005, we began test marketing a prepay program, “DISH Now.” This program allows consumers who might not be attracted by our existing promotions to purchase a satellite receiver system and a prepaid card which can be refreshed periodically through additional prepayments. We have not yet determined whether this program will be offered broadly.
Accounting for dealer sales under our promotions fall within the scope of EITF 01-9. In accordance with that guidance, we characterize amounts paid to our independent dealers as consideration for equipment installation services and for equipment buydowns (commissions and rebates) as a reduction of revenue. We expense payments for equipment installation services as “Other subscriber promotion subsidies.” Our payments for equipment buydowns represent a partial or complete return of the dealer’s purchase price and are, therefore, netted against the proceeds received from the dealer. We report the net cost from our various sales promotions through our independent dealer network as a component of “Other subscriber promotion subsidies.” No net proceeds from the sale of subscriber related equipment pursuant to our subscriber acquisition promotions are recognized as revenue. Accordingly, subscriber acquisition costs are generally expensed as incurred except for under our equipment lease promotion wherein we retain title to the receiver and certain other equipment resulting in the capitalization and depreciation of such equipment cost over its estimated useful life.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $29.8 million, $25.9 million and $19.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Our employees participate in EchoStar’s stock-based compensation plans. We apply the intrinsic value method of accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations in accounting for EchoStar’s stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 7. Under APB 25, we generally do not recognize compensation expense on the grant of options under EchoStar’s Stock Incentive Plan because typically the option terms are fixed and the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. We apply the disclosure only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”).

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS 123 and has been determined as if we had accounted for EchoStar’s stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method prescribed by that statement. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period on a straight-line basis. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Compensation previously recognized is reversed in the event of forfeitures of unvested options. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) per share if we had accounted for EchoStar’s stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method:
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Net income (loss), as reported
  $ 1,136,613     $ 299,413     $ 319,581  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income (loss), net of related tax effect
    190       1,139       3,420  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect
    (21,013 )     (19,534 )     (24,798 )
 
                 
Pro forma net income (loss)
  $ 1,115,790     $ 281,018     $ 298,203  
 
                 
Options to purchase 6.2 million shares pursuant to a long-term incentive plan under EchoStar’s 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 LTIP”), and 4.8 million shares pursuant to the 2005 LTIP were outstanding as of December 31, 2005. These options were granted with exercise prices at least equal to the market value of the underlying shares on the dates they were issued. The weighted-average exercise price of these options is $8.83 under the 1999 LTIP and $29.40 under the 2005 LTIP. Further, pursuant to the 2005 LTIP, there were also approximately 533,000 outstanding Restricted Performance Units as of December 31, 2005. Vesting of these options and Restricted Performance Units is contingent upon meeting certain longer-term goals which have not yet been achieved. Consequently, no compensation was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2005 related to these long-term options and Restricted Performance Units or is included in the table above. We will record the related compensation upon the achievement of the performance goals, if ever. Such compensation, if recorded, would result in total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $126.8 million, which would be recognized ratably over the vesting period or expensed immediately, if fully vested, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
For purposes of this pro forma presentation, the fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Risk-free interest rate
    4.09 %     3.69 %     3.32 %
Volatility factor
    26.12 %     33.23 %     71.08 %
Expected term of options in years
    6.4       5.4       6.7  
Weighted-average fair value of options granted
  $ 10.39     $ 11.64     $ 20.39  
During December 2004, EchoStar paid a one-time dividend of $1 per outstanding share of its Class A and Class B common stock for the first time in its history. EchoStar does not intend to pay additional dividends on its common stock and accordingly, the dividend yield percentage is zero for all periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable and so, our estimate of fair value may differ from other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of stock-based compensation awards.
During 2005 and 2004, in accordance with the guidance under SFAS 123 for selecting assumptions to use in an option pricing model, EchoStar reduced its estimate of expected volatility based upon a re-evaluation of the variability in the market price of its publicly traded stock. Historically, EchoStar has relied on the variability in its daily stock price since inception to derive its estimate of expected volatility. Upon review of this variability in EchoStar’s stock price over more recent periods, EchoStar believes unadjusted historical experience is a relatively poor predictor of its future expectation of volatility. Accordingly, EchoStar specifically identified extraordinary events in its history which resulted in irregular movements in its stock price, and has disregarded the related periods in calculating its historical average annual volatility. This adjustment, together with changes in the intervals of EchoStar’s regular historical price observations from daily to monthly, contributed to the reduction in the estimated volatility factor.
We will continue to evaluate the assumptions used to derive the estimated fair value of options for EchoStar’s stock as new events or changes in circumstances become known.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (R) (As Amended), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which (i) revises SFAS 123 to eliminate both the disclosure only provisions of that statement and the alternative to follow the intrinsic value method of accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations, and (ii) requires the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions with employees be recognized in the results of operations over the period during which an employee provides the requisite service in exchange for the award and establishes fair value as the measurement basis of the cost of such transactions. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123(R) under the modified prospective method. We expect the adoption of SFAS 123(R) to impact our results of operation and earnings per share similar to our pro forma disclosure above.
3. Settlement of EchoStar IV Arbitration
During March 2005, we settled an insurance claim and related claims for accrued interest and bad faith with the insurers of our EchoStar IV satellite for the net amount of $240.0 million. We also retained title to and use of the EchoStar IV satellite. The $134.0 million received in excess of our previously recorded $106.0 million receivable related to this insurance claim was recognized as a “Gain on insurance settlement” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) during first quarter 2005. We have received all amounts due under the settlement.
4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following:
                     
    Depreciable      
    Life   As of December 31,  
    (In Years)   2005     2004  
        (In thousands)  
EchoStar I
  12   $ 201,607     $ 201,607  
EchoStar II
  12     228,694       228,694  
EchoStar III
  12     234,083       234,083  
EchoStar IV — fully depreciated
  4     78,511       78,511  
EchoStar V
  9     210,446       210,446  
EchoStar VI
  12     246,022       246,022  
EchoStar VII
  12     177,000       177,000  
EchoStar VIII
  12     175,801       175,801  
EchoStar IX
  12     127,376       127,376  
EchoStar XII
  10     190,051        
Satellites acquired under capital leases (Note 5)
  10     551,628       330,800  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  2-10     699,625       651,383  
Buildings and improvements
  5-40     97,657       94,073  
Equipment leased to customers
  2-4     1,781,373       1,045,949  
Tooling and other
  1-5     14,412       12,253  
Land
      7,518       6,592  
Vehicles
  5-7     19,483       3,368  
Construction in progress
      270,125       163,401  
 
               
Total property and equipment
        5,311,412       3,987,359  
Accumulated depreciation
        (2,104,997 )     (1,546,342 )
 
               
Property and equipment, net
      $ 3,206,415     $ 2,441,017  
 
               

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Construction in progress consists of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Progress amounts for satellite construction, including certain amounts prepaid under satellite service agreements, launch, and launch insurance
  $ 70,400     $ 93,020  
Regional digital broadcast operations centers
    91,966       1,476  
Software related projects
    47,028       36,848  
Other
    60,731       32,057  
 
           
Construction in progress
  $ 270,125     $ 163,401  
 
           
Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following:
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Equipment leased to customers
  $ 429,906     $ 210,432     $ 138,637  
Satellites
    197,495       134,619       145,232  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    116,465       108,025       91,396  
Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization
    37,877       25,679       10  
Buildings and improvements
    3,554       3,008       2,969  
Tooling and other
    7,083       8,935       6,854  
 
                 
Total depreciation and amortization
  $ 792,380     $ 490,698     $ 385,098  
 
                 
Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or DHA equipment.
Our Satellites
We presently have 14 owned or leased satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. Each of the satellites we own had an original minimum useful life of at least 12 years. Our satellite fleet is a major component of our EchoStar DBS System. While we believe that overall our satellite fleet is generally in good condition, during 2005 and prior periods, certain satellites within our fleet have experienced various anomalies, some of which have had a significant adverse impact on their commercial operation. We currently do not carry insurance for any of our owned in-orbit satellites. We believe we have in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to expeditiously recover transmission of most programming in the event one of our in-orbit satellites fails. However, programming continuity cannot be assured in the event of multiple satellite losses.
EchoStar I and II. EchoStar I and II currently operate at the 148 degree orbital location. Each of these Series 7000 class satellites, designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed”), has 16 transponders that operate at approximately 130 watts of power. While both satellites are currently functioning properly in orbit, similar Lockheed Series 7000 class satellites owned by third parties have experienced total in-orbit failure. While no telemetry or other data indicates EchoStar I or EchoStar II would be expected to experience a similar failure, Lockheed has been unable to conclude these and other Series 7000 satellites will not experience similar failures. EchoStar I and II are each equipped with 24 Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (“TWTA”), of which 16 are required to support full operation on each satellite. Prior to 2005, anomalies left each satellite with 23 usable TWTAs. While we do not expect a large number of additional TWTAs to fail in any year, it is likely that additional TWTA failures will occur from time to time in the future, and that those failures may impact commercial operation of the satellites. The TWTA failures have not reduced the remaining estimated useful life of the satellite.
EchoStar III. Our EchoStar III satellite operates at the 61.5 degree orbital location. While originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at over 230 watts per channel, the satellite was equipped with a total of 44 TWTAs to provide redundancy.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
As of January 8, 2006, this satellite has experienced 11 transponder pair (22 TWTA) failures. As a result, EchoStar III can now operate a maximum of 22 transponders, but due to redundancy switching limitations and specific channel authorizations, it currently can only operate 17 of the 19 FCC authorized frequencies we utilize at the 61.5 degree west orbital location for this spacecraft. While we don’t expect a large number of additional TWTAs to fail in any year, it is likely that additional TWTA failures will occur from time to time in the future, and that those failures will further impact commercial operation of the satellite. The TWTA failures have not reduced the remaining estimated useful life of the satellite.
EchoStar IV. Our EchoStar IV satellite was originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at over 230 watts per channel. During July 2005, we relocated our EchoStar IV satellite from our 157 degree orbital location to a third party Mexican DBS orbital slot located at 77 degrees. During the relocation, EchoStar IV experienced a thruster anomaly which has not impacted commercial operation of the satellite. Prior to 2004, this satellite experienced failures with the deployment of its solar arrays and with 38 of its 44 transponders (including spares), and further experienced anomalies affecting its thermal systems and propulsion systems. Several years ago, we filed an insurance claim for a total loss under the launch insurance policies covering this satellite. During March 2005, we settled this insurance claim and related claims for accrued interest and bad faith with the insurers for a net amount of $240.0 million (See Note 3). During September 2004, the south solar array on EchoStar IV deployed fully and appears to be producing nominal current. There can be no assurance that further material degradation, or total loss of use, of EchoStar IV will not occur in the immediate future. As discussed above, EchoStar IV is only capable of operating six of its 44 transponders and is fully depreciated.
EchoStar V. EchoStar V, which is currently located at the 129 degree orbital location, was designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at approximately 110 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at over 220 watts per channel. Momentum wheel failures on this satellite in prior years resulted in increased fuel consumption and caused a minor reduction of spacecraft life. During 2005, we determined those anomalies will reduce the life of EchoStar V more than previously estimated, and as a result, we reduced the estimated remaining useful life of the satellite from approximately seven years to approximately six years effective January 2005. EchoStar V has been utilized as an in-orbit spare since February 2003. On June 30, 2005, the FCC approved our request to use this satellite to provide service to the United States from a third party Canadian DBS orbital slot located at the129 degree orbital location. Due to the increase in fuel consumption resulting from the relocation of EchoStar V from the 119 degree orbital location to the 129 degree orbital location, effective July 1, 2005, we further reduced the satellite’s estimated remaining useful life from approximately six years to approximately 40 months. These reductions in estimated remaining useful life during 2005 increased our depreciation expense related to the satellite by approximately $9.2 million in 2005 and will increase it by approximately $15.3 million annually thereafter. Prior to 2005, EchoStar V experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of five solar array strings out of a total of 96 available, reducing solar array power to approximately 95% of its original capacity. During August 2005, EchoStar V lost an additional solar array string. The loss is not expected to impact commercial operation of the satellite or its remaining useful life. There can be no assurance that future anomalies will not further impact the useful life or commercial operation of the satellite.
EchoStar VI. EchoStar VI, which currently operates at the 110 degree orbital location, was designed to operate 32 transponders at approximately 125 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at approximately 225 watts per channel. This satellite has a total of 108 solar array strings. Approximately 102 are required to assure full power availability for the estimated 12-year estimated useful life of the satellite. Prior to 2005, EchoStar VI lost a total of five solar array strings. During 2005, EchoStar VI experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of 11 additional solar array strings bringing the total number of string losses to 16, and reducing the number of functional solar array strings available to 92. The solar array anomalies will prevent the use of some of those transponders for the full 12-year estimated useful life of the satellite. See discussion of evaluation of impairment below. However, the solar array anomalies have not impacted commercial operation of the satellite or reduced its estimated useful life below 12 years. There can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause further losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
EchoStar VII. EchoStar VII, which currently operates at the 119 degree orbital location, was designed to operate 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at approximately 240 watts per channel. EchoStar VII also includes spot beam technology. During 2004, EchoStar VII lost a solar array circuit. EchoStar VII was designed with 24 solar array circuits and needs 23 for the spacecraft to be fully operational at end of life. While this anomaly is not expected to reduce the estimated useful life of the satellite to less than 12 years and has not impacted commercial operation of the satellite to date, an investigation of the anomaly is continuing. On March 17, 2006, a receiver on the satellite failed. Service was restored through a spare receiver. An investigation of the anomaly has commenced. Until the root causes of these anomalies are finally determined, there can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause further losses which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.
EchoStar VIII. EchoStar VIII, which currently operates at the 110 degree orbital location, was designed to operate 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at approximately 240 watts per channel. EchoStar VIII also includes spot-beam technology. During January 2005, one of the computer components in its control electronics experienced an anomaly. The processors were successfully reset during April 2005, restoring full redundancy in the spacecraft control electronics. During July 2005, a thruster experienced a “bubble” event in a propellant line which caused improper pointing of the satellite resulting in a loss of service. Service was restored within several hours and the thruster is currently operating normally. During February 2005, EchoStar VIII lost a solar array string, reducing solar array power to approximately 99% of its original capacity. Until the root cause of these anomalies are determined, there can be no assurance that a repeat of the July 2005 anomaly, or other anomalies, will not cause further losses which could materially impact its commercial operation, or result in a total loss of the satellite. These and other anomalies previously disclosed have not reduced the 12-year estimated useful life of the satellite. We depend on EchoStar VIII to provide local channels to over 40 markets at least until such time as our EchoStar X satellite has commenced commercial operation, which is currently expected during second quarter 2006. In the event that EchoStar VIII experienced a total or substantial failure, we could transmit many, but not all, of those channels from other in-orbit satellites.
EchoStar IX. EchoStar IX, which currently operates at the 121 degree orbital location, was designed to operate 32 Ku-band transponders at approximately 110 watts per channel, along with transponders that can provide services in Ka-Band (a “Ka-band payload”). EchoStar IX provides expanded video and audio channels to DISH Network subscribers who install a specially-designed dish. The Ka-band spectrum is being used to test and verify potential future broadband initiatives and to implement those services. The satellite also includes a C-band payload which is owned by a third party.
EchoStar X. EchoStar X, a DBS satellite which can operate up to 49 spot beams using up to 42 active 140 watt TWTAs, was launched on February 15, 2006. EchoStar X is owned by EOC a direct subsidiary of EchoStar and our parent company. Assuming successful completion of in-orbit testing, the satellite is expected to commence commercial operations during the second quarter of 2006 at the 110 degree orbital location. The spot beams on EchoStar X are designed to increase the number of markets where we can offer local channels by satellite, including high definition local channels.
EchoStar XII. EchoStar XII, previously known as Rainbow 1, currently operates at the 61.5 degree orbital location. This direct broadcast satellite, which was purchased in November 2005 from Rainbow DBS Co., a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation, was designed to provide all CONUS, all Spot Beam, or a mixture of CONUS and Spot Beam coverage. In the all CONUS configuration, the spacecraft can operate 13 transponders (26 TWTAs) at 270 watts per channel. In the all Spot Beam mode, the spacecraft can operate up to 22 spot beams using a combination of 135 and 65 watt TWTAs. We are currently using the payload in the all CONUS configuration.
EchoStar XII experienced one north solar array circuit failure during May 2005 and one south solar array circuit failure during September 2004. The south solar array circuit has since partially recovered. The reason for the failures is unknown, but believed to be caused by an internal electrical short circuit. While this anomaly is not expected to reduce the remaining useful life of the satellite to less than 10 years and has not impacted commercial operation of the satellite to date, an investigation of the anomaly is continuing. Until the root causes are finally determined, there can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause further losses, which could impact commercial operation of the satellite.
SFAS 144 requires a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Based on the guidance under SFAS 144, we evaluate our satellite fleet for recoverability as an asset group. While certain of the anomalies discussed above, and previously disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of an individual satellite, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite and considering the asset grouping, these

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
anomalies (none of which caused a loss of service for an extended period) are not considered to be significant events that would require evaluation for impairment recognition pursuant to the guidance under SFAS 144. Should any one satellite be abandoned or determined to have no service potential, the net carrying amount would be written off.
5. Long-Term Debt
9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009
During 2003, we redeemed $245.0 million of the original $700.0 million principal amount of our 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009. In addition, during 2004 and 2005, we repurchased in open market transactions approximately $8.8 million and $4.2 million principal amounts of these notes, respectively. As of December 31, 2005, the outstanding principal amount was approximately $442.0 million.
Effective February 17, 2006, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the remaining principal amount of the notes of approximately $442.0 million was redeemed at 104.563% of the principal amount, for a total of approximately $462.1 million (see Note 15). The premium paid of approximately $20.1 million, along with unamortized debt issuance costs of approximately $2.8 million, were recorded as charges to earnings in February 2006. As a portion of the 9 1/8% Senior Notes remained outstanding as of December 31, 2005, we were subject to the terms of the related indentures until the time the 9 1/8% Senior Notes were fully redeemed.
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008
During the fourth quarter of 2003, we sold $500.0 million principal amount of our Floating Rate Senior Notes which mature October 1, 2008. Interest accrues at a floating rate based on the three month LIBOR plus 3.25%, and is payable quarterly in cash in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2004. The interest rate at December 31, 2005 was 7.78%. The proceeds, along with proceeds from the 5 3/4% and 6 3/8% Senior Notes, were used primarily to repurchase or redeem all or a portion of certain then outstanding higher interest rate notes and for general corporate purposes.
The Floating Rate Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time beginning October 1, 2005 at redemption prices decreasing from 102% during the year commencing October 1, 2005 to 100% on or after October 1, 2007. Prior to October 1, 2005, we also could have redeemed up to 35% of each of the Floating Rate Senior Notes at premiums specified in the indenture with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.
The Floating Rate Senior Notes are:
    general unsecured senior obligations of EDBS;
 
    ranked equally in right of payment with all of EDBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt;
 
    ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
The indenture related to our Floating Rate Senior Notes (the “Floating Rate Senior Notes Indenture”) contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of EDBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:
    incur additional indebtedness or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
    pay dividends or make distribution on EDBS’ capital stock or repurchase EDBS’ capital stock;
 
    make certain investments;
 
    create liens;
 
    enter into transactions with affiliates;
 
    merge or consolidate with another company; and
 
    transfer and sell assets.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indenture, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s Floating Rate Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008
During the fourth quarter of 2003, we sold $1.0 billion principal amount of our 5 3/4% Senior Notes which mature October 1, 2008. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2004. The proceeds, along with proceeds from the Floating Rate Senior Notes and the 6 3/8% Senior Notes, were used primarily to repurchase or redeem all or a portion of certain then outstanding higher interest rate notes and for general corporate purposes.
The 5 3/4% Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to October 1, 2006, we may also redeem up to 35% of each of the 5 3/4% Senior Notes at specified premiums with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.
The 5 3/4% Senior Notes are:
    general unsecured senior obligations of EDBS;
 
    ranked equally in right of payment with all of EDBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt;
 
    ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
The indenture related to the 5 3/4% Senior Notes (the “5 3/4% Senior Notes Indenture”) contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of EDBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:
    incur additional indebtedness or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
    pay dividends or make distribution on EDBS’ capital stock or repurchase EDBS’ capital stock;
 
    make certain investments;
 
    create liens;
 
    enter into transactions with affiliates;
 
    merge or consolidate with another company; and
 
    transfer and sell assets.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indenture, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s 5 3/4% Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.
6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011
During the fourth quarter of 2003, we sold $1.0 billion principal amount of our 6 3/8% Senior Notes which mature October 1, 2011. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 6 3/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2004. The proceeds, along with proceeds from the Floating Rate Senior Notes and the 5 3/4% Senior Notes, were used primarily to repurchase or redeem all or a portion of certain then outstanding higher interest rate notes and for general corporate purposes.
The 6 3/8% Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to October 1, 2006, we may also redeem up to 35% of each of the 6 3/8% Senior Notes at specified premiums with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.
The 6 3/8% Senior Notes are:
    general unsecured senior obligations of EDBS;
 
    ranked equally in right of payment with all of EDBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt;
 
    ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
The indenture related to the 6 3/8% Senior Notes (the “6 3/8% Senior Notes Indenture”) contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of EDBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:
    incur additional indebtedness or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
    pay dividends or make distribution on EDBS’ capital stock or repurchase EDBS’ capital stock;
 
    make certain investments;
 
    create liens;
 
    enter into transactions with affiliates;
 
    merge or consolidate with another company; and
 
    transfer and sell assets.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indenture, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s 6 3/8% Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
During the fourth quarter of 2004, we sold $1.0 billion principal amount of our 6 5/8% Senior Notes which mature October 1, 2014. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 6 5/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2005. The proceeds, together with available cash, were used to redeem certain of our then outstanding higher interest rate notes.
The 6 5/8% Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to October 1, 2007, we may also redeem up to 35% of each of the 6 5/8% Senior Notes at specified premiums with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.
The 6 5/8% Senior Notes are:
    general unsecured senior obligations of EDBS;
 
    ranked equally in right of payment with all of EDBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt;
 
    ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
The indenture related to the 6 5/8% Senior Notes (the “6 5/8% Senior Notes Indenture”) contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of EDBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:
    incur additional indebtedness or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
    pay dividends or make distribution on EDBS’ capital stock or repurchase EDBS’ capital stock;
 
    make certain investments;
 
    create liens;
 
    enter into transactions with affiliates;
 
    merge or consolidate with another company; and
 
    transfer and sell assets.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indenture, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s 6 5/8% Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Capital Lease Obligations, Mortgages and Other Notes Payable
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable consists of the following:
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Satellites financed under capital lease obligations
  $ 438,062     $ 286,605  
8% note payable for EchoStar VII satellite vendor financing, payable over 13 years from launch
    12,735       13,549  
8% note payable for EchoStar IX satellite vendor financing, payable over 14 years from launch
    9,141       9,587  
Mortgages and other unsecured notes payable due in installments through 2017 with interest rates ranging from approximately 2% to 13%
    7,665       9,798  
 
           
Total
    467,603       319,539  
Less current portion
    (36,380 )     (33,645 )
 
           
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion
  $ 431,223     $ 285,894  
 
           
Capital Lease Obligations
During 2003, we entered into a satellite service agreement with SES Americom for all of the capacity on a Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) satellite, AMC-15, which successfully launched during the fourth quarter of 2004 and commenced commercial operation in January 2005. The ten-year satellite service agreement for this satellite is renewable by us on a year to year basis following the initial term, and provides us with certain rights to replacement satellites. We are required to make monthly payments to SES Americom for this satellite over the ten year satellite service agreement beginning in 2005. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13 (“SFAS 13”), we have accounted for the satellite component of this agreement as a capital lease.
During 2004, we entered into a satellite service agreement for capacity on another FSS satellite, AMC-16, which launched during the fourth quarter of 2004 and commenced commercial operation during the first quarter of 2005. The ten-year satellite service agreement for this satellite is renewable by us on a year to year basis following the initial term, and provides us with certain rights to replacement satellites. We are required to make monthly payments to SES Americom for this satellite over the ten year satellite service agreement beginning in 2005. In accordance with SFAS 13, we have accounted for the satellite component of this agreement as a capital lease.
As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we had approximately $551.6 million and $330.8 million capitalized for the estimated fair value of satellites acquired under capital leases included in “Property and equipment, net,” respectively, with related accumulated depreciation of approximately $53.3 million and zero, respectively. In our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), we recognized $53.3 million in depreciation expense on satellites acquired under capital lease agreements during the year ended December 31, 2005. During 2004, we did not recognize any depreciation on the satellites acquired under these capital leases.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Future minimum lease payments under these capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:
         
For the Year Ending December 31,
       
2006
  $ 86,351  
2007
    86,351  
2008
    86,351  
2009
    86,351  
2010
    86,351  
Thereafter
    347,919  
 
     
Total minimum lease payments
    779,674  
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments
    (140,999 )
 
     
Net minimum lease payments
    638,675  
Less: Amount representing interest
    (200,613 )
 
     
Present value of net minimum lease payments
    438,062  
Less: Current portion
    (31,094 )
 
     
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations
  $ 406,968  
 
     
Future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt, including the current portion, are summarized as follows:
                                         
    Payments due by period  
    Total     2006     2007-2008     2009-2010     Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
Long-term debt
  $ 3,941,964     $ 441,964     $ 1,500,000     $     $ 2,000,000  
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable
    467,602       36,380       78,713       93,202       259,307  
 
                             
Total
  $ 4,409,566     $ 478,344     $ 1,578,713     $ 93,202     $ 2,259,307  
 
                             
Interest on Long-Term Debt
We also have periodic cash interest requirements for our outstanding long-term debt securities, capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable. Future maturities of these requirements are summarized as follows:
                                         
    Payments due by period  
    Total     2006     2007-2008     2009-2010     Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
Long-term debt
  $ 1,273,103     $ 231,553     $ 452,800     $ 260,000     $ 328,750  
Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable
    212,023       38,869       68,343       53,848       50,963  
 
                             
Total
  $ 1,485,126     $ 270,422     $ 521,143     $ 313,848     $ 379,713  
 
                             
Interest accrues on our Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2008 based on the three month LIBOR plus 3.25%. The interest rate as of December 31, 2005, or 7.78%, was used in the table above.
Guarantees
The repayment obligations of EDBS under the vendor financings for EchoStar IV and EchoStar Orbital Corporation under the vendor financing for EchoStar VII are guaranteed by EchoStar. The maximum potential future payments under these guarantees are equal to the respective amounts of outstanding principal and accrued interest.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
6. Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2005, we had net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL’s”) for federal income tax purposes of approximately $1.659 billion and tax benefits related to credit and other carryforwards of approximately $29.0 million. The NOL’s begin to expire in the year 2011 and credit and other carryforwards will begin to expire in the year 2006.
Our income tax policy is to record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as probable operating loss, tax credit and other carryforwards. We follow the guidelines set forth in SFAS 109 regarding the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and provide any necessary valuation allowances as required. In accordance with SFAS 109, we periodically evaluate our need for a valuation allowance. Determining necessary valuation allowances requires us to make assessments about historical financial information as well as the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities. We had income before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003. During the second quarter of 2005, we concluded the recoverability of certain of our deferred tax assets was more likely than not and accordingly reversed the portion of the valuation allowance which was no longer required. As of December 31, 2005, there remains approximately $11.4 million of valuation allowance which relates to deferred tax assets for credit and other carryforwards which begin to expire in the year 2006.
During 2005, we decreased our deferred tax valuation allowance by approximately $566.2 million with $472.3 million of the reversal charged to the income statement and $93.9 million recorded to equity. Reversal of our recorded valuation allowance for those deferred tax assets that we believe are more likely than not to be realizable resulted in an approximate $185.2 million credit to our provision for income taxes. We also recorded valuation allowance activity of $287.1 million throughout 2005 primarily related to the generation of taxable income. As a result, net income increased by corresponding amounts. The amount reversed to equity during the year related to stock compensation and unrealized gains and losses. We recorded this reversal to “Additional paid-in capital” and “Other comprehensive income (loss).”
The Federal NOL includes amounts related to tax deductions totaling approximately $273.3 million for exercised stock options. The tax benefit of these deductions has been allocated directly to contributed capital.
Stock option compensation expenses related to the 1999 Incentive Plan, for which an estimated deferred tax benefit was previously recorded exceeded the actual tax deductions allowed during 2005 and 2004. Tax charges associated with the reversal of the prior tax benefit have been allocated to “Additional paid-in capital” in accordance with APB 25. During 2005 and 2004, charges of $12.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively, were made to additional paid-in capital.
EDBS and its domestic subsidiaries join with EchoStar in filing U.S. consolidated federal income tax returns and, in some states, combined or consolidated returns. The federal and state income tax provisions or benefits recorded by EDBS are generally those that would have been recorded if EDBS and its domestic subsidiaries had filed returns as a consolidated group independent of EchoStar. Cash is due and paid to EchoStar based on amounts that would be payable based on EDBS consolidated or combined group filings. Amounts are receivable from EchoStar on a basis similar to when they would be receivable from the IRS or other state taxing authorities. The amounts payable as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were $20.3 million, $2.7 million, and $0.5 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
The components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes are as follows:
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Current (provision) benefit:
                       
Federal
  $ (18,908 )   $ (1,307 )   $  
State
    (15,364 )     (6,421 )     (12,175 )
Foreign
    (1,701 )     (383 )     (482 )
 
                 
 
    (35,973 )     (8,111 )     (12,657 )
 
                       
Deferred (provision) benefit:
                       
Federal
    (319,304 )     (103,001 )     (114,632 )
State
    (9,754 )     (6,719 )     (7,756 )
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance
    472,305       106,766       121,512  
 
                 
 
    143,247       (2,954 )     (876 )
 
                 
Total benefit (provision)
  $ 107,274     $ (11,065 )   $ (13,533 )
 
                 
The actual tax provisions for 2005, 2004 and 2003 reconcile to the amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes as follows:
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    % of pre-tax (income)/loss  
Statutory rate
    (35.0 )     (35.0 )     (35.0 )
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit
    (1.6 )     (2.8 )     (3.8 )
Foreign taxes and income not U. S. taxable
    (0.1 )     (0.2 )     0.6  
Stock option compensation
    (0.4 )     (0.5 )     (2.4 )
Deferred tax asset adjustment for filed returns
    1.9       0.6        
Intangible amortization and other
    (0.3 )     (0.1 )     0.1  
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance
    45.9       34.4       36.4  
 
                 
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes
    10.4       (3.6 )     (4.1 )
 
                 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
The temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, are as follows:
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Deferred tax assets:
               
NOL, credit and other carryforwards
  $ 593,028     $ 858,571  
Unrealized losses on investments
    2,074       2,361  
Accrued expenses
    6,022       19,711  
Stock compensation
    2,249       16,001  
Deferred revenue
    51,481       68,896  
Other
    23,360       9,664  
 
           
Total deferred tax assets
    678,214       975,204  
Valuation allowance
    (11,358 )     (577,548 )
 
           
Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance
    666,856       397,656  
 
           
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Equity method investments
    (19,566 )     (18,455 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (422,140 )     (386,694 )
State taxes net of federal tax effect
    (25,026 )     (16,381 )
 
           
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (466,732 )     (421,530 )
 
           
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ 200,124     $ (23,874 )
 
           
 
               
Current portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ 416,787     $ 44,974  
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)
    (216,663 )     (68,848 )
 
           
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ 200,124     $ (23,874 )
 
           
7. Stock Compensation Plans
Stock Incentive Plans
EchoStar has adopted stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. EchoStar currently has 80.0 million shares of its Class A common stock reserved for granting awards under its 1995 Stock Incentive Plan and an additional 80.0 million shares of its Class A common stock for granting awards under its 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. In general, stock options granted through December 31, 2005 have included exercise prices not less than the fair value of EchoStar’s Class A common stock at the date of grant, a maximum term of ten years and vest, as determined by EchoStar’s Board of Directors, generally at the rate of 20% per year.
During 1999, EchoStar adopted an incentive plan under its 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, which provided certain key employees a contingent incentive including stock options and cash. The payment of these incentives was contingent upon the achievement of certain financial and other goals of EchoStar. EchoStar met certain of these goals during 1999. Accordingly, in 1999, we recorded approximately $178.8 million of deferred compensation related to post-grant appreciation of options to purchase approximately 4.2 million shares. The related deferred compensation, net of forfeitures, was recognized over the five-year option vesting period. During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we recognized expense of $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, under the 1999 incentive plan. Subsequent to December 31, 2004, there was no remaining deferred compensation to be recognized under this plan.
Effective January 26, 2005, EchoStar adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2005 LTIP”) within the terms of its 1999 Stock Incentive Plan to provide incentive to its executive officers and certain other key employees upon achievement of specified long-term business objectives. Employees participating in the 2005 LTIP may elect to receive a one-time award of (i) an option to acquire a specified number of shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock priced at market value on the date of the awards, (ii) rights to acquire for no additional consideration a specified smaller number of shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock; or (iii) a corresponding combination of a lesser number of option shares and such rights to acquire EchoStar’s Class A common stock. The options and rights will vest at a varying rate over a seven year period; provided, however, that none of the options or rights will vest if EchoStar fails to achieve the specified long-term performance goal. We will record the related compensation if achievement of this performance goal becomes probable.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Options to purchase 6.2 million shares pursuant to a long-term incentive plan under EchoStar’s 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 LTIP”), and 4.8 million shares pursuant to the 2005 LTIP were outstanding as of December 31, 2005. These options were granted with exercise prices at least equal to the market value of the underlying shares on the dates they were issued. The weighted-average exercise price of these options is $8.83 under the 1999 LTIP and $29.40 under the 2005 LTIP. The weighted average fair value of the options granted during 2005 pursuant to these plans was $14.06. Further, pursuant to the 2005 LTIP, there were also approximately 533,000 outstanding Restricted Performance Units as of December 31, 2005 with a weighted average grant date fair value of $29.33. Vesting of these options and Restricted Performance Units is contingent upon meeting certain longer-term goals which have not yet been achieved. Consequently, no compensation was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2005 related to these long-term options and Restricted Performance Units. We will record the related compensation upon the achievement of the performance goals, if ever. In accordance with SFAS 123(R), such compensation, if recorded, would result in total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $126.8 million, which would be recognized ratably over the vesting period or expensed immediately, if fully vested, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
A summary of our stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:
                                                 
    2005     2004     2003  
            Weighted-             Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Average             Average             Average  
            Exercise             Exercise             Exercise  
    Options     Price     Options     Price     Options     Price  
Options outstanding, beginning of year
    17,134,684     $ 20.82       17,225,688     $ 16.31       20,297,369     $ 13.75  
Granted
    10,121,250       29.20       4,190,000       31.64       1,329,000       29.95  
Exercised
    (905,228 )     30.08       (2,142,450 )     6.62       (2,966,987 )     5.71  
Forfeited and cancelled
    (2,045,755 )     25.82       (2,138,554 )     19.87       (1,433,694 )     14.68  
 
                                         
Options outstanding, end of year
    24,304,951       24.36       17,134,684       20.82       17,225,688       16.31  
 
                                         
Exercisable at end of year
    6,409,601       29.27       5,334,284       25.33       5,333,838       18.79  
 
                                         
Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:
                                                             
                        Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
                        Number     Weighted-                    
                        Outstanding     Average     Weighted-     Number     Weighted-  
                        as of     Remaining     Average     Exercisable as     Average  
                        December 31,     Contractual     Exercise     of December     Exercise  
                        2005*     Life     Price     31, 2005     Price  
$ 2.12500           $ 3.00000       280,943       1.24     $ 2.31       280,943     $ 2.31  
$ 5.48625           $ 6.00000       6,128,335       3.02       6.00       944,335       6.00  
$ 10.20315           $ 19.17975       1,427,323       3.49       14.18       617,323       12.53  
$ 22.70325           $ 28.88000       2,894,500       8.68       27.53       1,644,500       27.37  
$ 29.25000           $ 39.50000       12,379,850       8.87       30.64       1,860,500       33.45  
$ 48.75000           $ 52.75000       138,000       3.79       50.55       86,000       50.15  
$ 60.12500           $ 79.00000       1,056,000       4.34       64.70       976,000       63.53  
                                                     
$ 2.12500           $ 79.00000       24,304,951       6.75       24.36       6,409,601       29.27  
                                                     
 
*   These amounts include approximately 6.2 million shares and 4.8 million shares outstanding pursuant to the 1999 LTIP and 2005 LTIP, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
8. Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
During 1997, EchoStar’s Board of Directors and shareholders approved an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”), effective beginning October 1, 1997. Under the ESPP, EchoStar is authorized to issue a total of 800,000 shares of its Class A common stock. Substantially all full-time employees who have been employed by EchoStar for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may not deduct an amount which would permit such employee to purchase EchoStar’s capital stock under all of EchoStar’s stock purchase plans at a rate which would exceed $25,000 in fair value of capital stock in any one year. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the closing price of EchoStar’s Class A common stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter in which such shares of Class A common stock are deemed sold to an employee under the ESPP. The ESPP shall terminate upon the first to occur of (i) October 1, 2007 or (ii) the date on which the ESPP is terminated by EchoStar’s Board of Directors. During 2005, 2004 and 2003 employees purchased approximately 97,000, 78,000, and 66,000 shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock through the ESPP, respectively.
401(k) Employee Savings Plan
EchoStar sponsors a 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible employees. Voluntary employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan may be matched 50% by EchoStar, subject to a maximum annual contribution by EchoStar of $1,000 per employee. Forfeitures of unvested participant balances which are retained by the 401(k) Plan may be used to fund matching and discretionary contributions. Expense recognized related to matching 401(k) contributions, net of forfeitures, totaled approximately $200 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2005. We did not recognize any expense related to matching 401(k) contributions during the year ended December 31, 2004, as 401(k) Plan forfeitures were sufficient to fund all of EchoStar’s matching contributions. Expense recognized related to matching 401(k) contributions, net of forfeitures, totaled approximately $632 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2003.
EchoStar also may make an annual discretionary contribution to the plan with approval by its Board of Directors, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. These contributions may be made in cash or in EchoStar’s stock. Discretionary contributions, net of forfeitures, were approximately $15.4 million, $12.8 million, and $15.4 million relating to the 401(k) Plan years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Future maturities of our contractual obligations are summarized as follows:
                                         
    Payments due by period  
    Total     2006     2007-2008     2009-2010     Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
Satellite-related obligations
  $ 1,819,054     $ 135,138     $ 307,370     $ 258,560     $ 1,117,986  
Operating lease obligations
    80,034       27,818       39,601       10,503       2,112  
Purchase obligations
    820,579       649,908       94,890       75,781        
 
                             
Total
  $ 2,719,667     $ 812,864     $ 441,861     $ 344,844     $ 1,120,098  
 
                             
Satellite-Related Obligations
Satellites under Construction. EchoStar entered into contracts to construct six new satellites. As discussed under “Organization and Legal Structure” above, these contracts are held in EOC II, a wholly owned subsidiary of ECC, and our affiliate, and accordingly, future obligations for payment related to these satellites are not included in the table above.
During 2004, EchoStar entered into a contract for the construction of EchoStar XI, a Space Systems Loral FS1300 class DBS satellite. In connection with this agreement, EchoStar obtained an option for the construction of other additional satellites. Construction is expected to be completed during 2007. Future commitments related to this satellite are not included in the table above.
During 2005 and 2004, EchoStar entered into contracts for the construction of five additional SSL Ka and/or Ku expanded band satellites which are expected to be completed during 2008.
Satellites under Lease. In addition to our lease of the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites (see Note 5), we have also entered into satellite service agreements to lease capacity on four other satellites.
In connection with the SES Americom agreement for the lease of the AMC-15 satellite discussed under Capital Lease Obligations (see Note 5), we are currently leasing all of the capacity on an existing in-orbit FSS satellite, AMC-2, at the 85 degree orbital location. Our lease of this satellite is scheduled to continue through 2006. We have accounted for the AMC-2 satellite agreement as an operating lease.
During August 2003, we exercised our option under the SES Americom agreement for AMC-15 to also lease for an initial ten-year term all of the capacity on a new DBS satellite at an orbital location to be determined at a future date. In connection with this agreement, we prepaid $20.9 million to SES Americom during 2004. We anticipate that this satellite will be launched during the second half of 2006.
During February 2004, we entered into a satellite service agreement for capacity on an FSS satellite which is planned for launch during the second half of 2006. In connection with this agreement, we prepaid $55.0 million during 2004 and are required to make monthly payments for this satellite for the 15-year period following commencement of commercial operation. Future commitments related to this satellite are included in the table above.
During August 2003, we entered into a satellite service agreement for capacity on a Canadian DBS satellite at the 129 degree orbital location for an initial ten-year term. We anticipate that this satellite will be launched during 2008.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
In certain circumstances the dates on which we are obligated to make these payments could be delayed. These amounts will increase when we commence payments for the launches of EchoStar XI and the Ka-band satellites, and would further increase to the extent we procure insurance for our satellites or contract for the construction, launch or lease of additional satellites.
Purchase Obligations
Our 2006 purchase obligations primarily consist of binding purchase orders for EchoStar receiver systems and related equipment, and for products and services related to the operation of our DISH Network. Our purchase obligations also include certain guaranteed fixed contractual commitments to purchase programming content.
Programming Contracts
In the normal course of business, we have also entered into numerous contracts to purchase programming content whereby our payment obligations are fully contingent on the number of subscribers to which we provide the respective content. These programming commitments are not included in the table above. The terms of our contracts typically range from one to ten years. Our programming expenses will continue to increase to the extent we are successful growing our subscriber base. Programming expenses are included in “Subscriber-related expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Rent Expense
Total rent expense for operating leases approximated $66.1 million, $56.0 million and $31.6 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Patents and Intellectual Property
Many entities, including some of our competitors, now have and may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services directly or indirectly related to those that we offer. We may not be aware of all patents and other intellectual property rights that our products may potentially infringe. Damages in patent infringement cases can include a tripling of actual damages in certain cases. Further, we cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to patents held by others and the availability and cost of any such licenses. Various parties have asserted patent and other intellectual property rights with respect to components within our direct broadcast satellite system. We cannot be certain that these persons do not own the rights they claim, that our products do not infringe on these rights, that we would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement.
Contingencies
Distant Network Litigation
Until July 1998, we obtained feeds of distant broadcast network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX) for distribution to our customers through PrimeTime 24. In December 1998, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami entered a nationwide permanent injunction requiring PrimeTime 24 to shut off distant network channels to many of its customers, and henceforth to sell those channels to consumers in accordance with the injunction.
In October 1998, we filed a declaratory judgment action against ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. We asked the Court to find that our method of providing distant network programming did not violate the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (“SHVIA”) and hence did not infringe the networks’ copyrights. In November 1998, the networks and their affiliate association groups filed a complaint against us in Miami Federal Court alleging, among other things, copyright infringement. The Court combined the case that we filed in Colorado with the case in Miami and transferred it to the Miami Federal Court.
In February 1999, the networks filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Contempt Finding against DirecTV, Inc. in Miami related to the delivery of distant network channels to DirecTV customers by satellite. DirecTV settled that lawsuit with the networks. Under the terms of the settlement between DirecTV and the

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
networks, some DirecTV customers were scheduled to lose access to their satellite-provided distant network channels by July 31, 1999, while other DirecTV customers were to be disconnected by December 31, 1999. Subsequently, substantially all providers of satellite-delivered network programming other than us agreed to this cut-off schedule, although we do not know if they adhered to this schedule.
In April 2002, we reached a private settlement with ABC, Inc., one of the plaintiffs in the litigation, and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. In November 2002, we reached a private settlement with NBC, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. During March 2004, we reached a private settlement with CBS, another of the plaintiffs in the litigation and jointly filed a stipulation of dismissal. We have also reached private settlements with many independent stations and station groups. We were unable to reach a settlement with five of the original eight plaintiffs – FOX and the independent affiliate groups associated with each of the four networks.
A trial took place during April 2003 and the District Court issued a final judgment in June 2003. The District Court found that with one exception our current distant network qualification procedures comply with the law. We have revised our procedures to comply with the District Court’s Order. Although the plaintiffs asked the District Court to enter an injunction precluding us from selling any local or distant network programming, the District Court refused. While the plaintiffs did not claim monetary damages and none were awarded, the plaintiffs were awarded approximately $4.8 million in attorneys’ fees. This amount is substantially less than the amount the plaintiffs sought. We asked the Court to reconsider the award and the Court has vacated the fee award. When the award was vacated, the District Court also allowed us an opportunity to conduct discovery concerning the amount of plaintiffs’ requested fees. The parties have agreed to postpone discovery and an evidentiary hearing regarding attorneys’ fees until after the Court of Appeals rules on the pending appeal of the Court’s June 2003 final judgment. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of plaintiffs’ outstanding request for fees.
The District Court’s injunction requires us to use a computer model to re-qualify, as of June 2003, all of our subscribers who receive ABC, NBC, CBS or FOX programming by satellite from a market other than the city in which the subscriber lives. The Court also invalidated all waivers historically provided by network stations. These waivers, which have been provided by stations for the past several years through a third party automated system, allow subscribers who believe the computer model improperly disqualified them for distant network channels to nonetheless receive those channels by satellite. Further, the District Court terminated the right of our grandfathered subscribers to continue to receive distant network channels.
We believe the District Court made a number of errors and appealed the decision. Plaintiffs cross-appealed. The Court of Appeals granted our request to stay the injunction until our appeal is decided. Oral arguments occurred during February 2004. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on the merits of our appeal. On April 13, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Court of Appeals to vacate the stay of the injunction that was issued in August 2004. We responded on April 25, 2005. It is not possible to predict how or when the Court of Appeals will rule on Plaintiffs’ motion to vacate the stay.
In the event the Court of Appeals upholds the injunction or lifts the stay as plaintiffs now request, and if we do not reach private settlement agreements with additional stations, we will attempt to assist subscribers in arranging alternative means to receive network channels, including migration to local channels by satellite where available, and free off air antenna offers in other markets. However, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty how many subscribers would cancel their primary DISH Network programming as a result of termination of their distant network channels. We could be required to terminate distant network programming to all subscribers in the event the plaintiffs prevail on their cross-appeal and we are permanently enjoined from delivering all distant network channels. Termination of distant network programming to subscribers would result, among other things, in a reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and a temporary increase in subscriber churn.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Superguide
During 2000, Superguide Corp. (“Superguide”) filed suit against us, DirecTV and others in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,038,211 (the ‘211 patent), 5,293,357 (the ‘357 patent) and 4,751,578 (the ‘578 patent) which relate to certain electronic program guide functions, including the use of electronic program guides to control VCRs. Superguide sought injunctive and declaratory relief and damages in an unspecified amount.
On summary judgment, the District Court ruled that none of the asserted patents were infringed by us. These rulings were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. During February 2004, the Federal Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court’s findings and remanded the case back to the District Court for further proceedings. In July 2005, SuperGuide indicated that it would no longer pursue infringement allegations with respect to the ‘211 and ‘357 patents and those patents have now been dismissed from the suit. We examined the ‘578 patent and believe that it is not infringed by any of our products or services. We will continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly electronic programming guide and related features that we currently offer to consumers. The case is stayed pending the District Court’s ruling. A trial date has not been set. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C.
In November of 2001, Broadcast Innovation, L.L.C. filed a lawsuit against us, DirecTV, Thomson Consumer Electronics and others in Federal District Court in Denver, Colorado. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,076,094 (the ‘094 patent) and 4,992,066 (the ‘066 patent). The ‘094 patent relates to certain methods and devices for transmitting and receiving data along with specific formatting information for the data. The ‘066 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing the scrambling circuitry for a pay television system on removable cards. We examined these patents and believe that they are not infringed by any of our products or services. Subsequently, DirecTV and Thomson settled with Broadcast Innovation leaving us as the only defendant.
During January 2004, the judge issued an order finding the ‘066 patent invalid. In August of 2004, the Court ruled the ‘094 invalid in a parallel case filed by Broadcast Innovation against Charter and Comcast. In August of 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) overturned this finding of invalidity and remanded the case back to the District Court. Charter has filed a petition for rehearing and the CAFC has asked Broadcom to respond to the petition. Our case remains stayed pending resolution of the Charter case. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
TiVo Inc.
During January 2004, TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”) filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,233,389 (the ‘389 patent). The ‘389 patent relates to certain methods and devices for providing what the patent calls “time-warping.” We have examined this patent and do not believe that it is infringed by any of our products or services. During March 2005, the Court denied our motion to transfer this case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The trial is scheduled to commence on March 27, 2006 in Marshall, Texas. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
On April 29, 2005, we filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against TiVo and Humax USA, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,774,186 (the ‘186 patent), 6,529,685 (the ‘685 patent), 6,208,804 (the ‘804 patent) and 6,173,112 (the ‘112 patent). These patents relate to digital video recorder (“DVR”) technology. Trial is currently scheduled for February 2007.
Acacia
In June 2004, Acacia Media Technologies filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit also named DirecTV, Comcast, Charter, Cox and a number of smaller cable companies as defendants. Acacia is an intellectual property holding company which seeks to license the patent portfolio that it has acquired. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,132,992 (the ‘992 patent), 5,253,275 (the ‘275 patent), 5,550,863 (the ‘863 patent), 6,002,720 (the ‘720 patent) and 6,144,702 (the ‘702 patent). The ‘992, ‘863, ‘720 and ‘702 patents have been asserted against us.
The asserted patents relate to various systems and methods related to the transmission of digital data. The ‘992 and ‘702 patents have also been asserted against several internet adult content providers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On July 12, 2004, that Court issued a Markman ruling which found that the ‘992 and ‘702 patents were not as broad as Acacia had contended.
Acacia’s various patent infringement cases have now been consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District court for the Northern District of California. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe on any of the patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Forgent
In July of 2005, Forgent Networks, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit also named DirecTV, Charter, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cable One and Cox as defendants. The suit alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 6,285,746 (the ‘746 patent).
The ‘746 patent discloses a video teleconferencing system which utilizes digital telephone lines. We have examined this patent and do not believe that it is infringed by any of our products or services. Trial is currently scheduled for February 2007 in Marshall, Texas. We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a Court ultimately determines that we infringe this patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain user-friendly features that we currently offer to consumers. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the suit or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
California Action
A purported class action relating to the use of terms such as “crystal clear digital video,” “CD-quality audio,” and “on-screen program guide,” and with respect to the number of channels available in various programming packages was filed against us in the California State Superior Court for Los Angeles County in 1999 by David Pritikin and by Consumer Advocates, a nonprofit unincorporated association. The claim was denied class certification. In December, 2005, we reached a settlement for an immaterial amount with the individual plaintiffs.
Retailer Class Actions
During October 2000, two separate lawsuits were filed by retailers in the Arapahoe County District Court in the State of Colorado and the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, respectively, by Air Communication & Satellite, Inc. and John DeJong, et al. on behalf of themselves and a class of persons similarly situated. The plaintiffs are attempting to certify nationwide classes on behalf of certain of our satellite hardware retailers. The plaintiffs are requesting the Courts to declare certain provisions of, and changes to, alleged agreements between us and the retailers invalid and unenforceable, and to award damages for lost incentives and payments, charge backs, and other

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
compensation. We are vigorously defending against the suits and have asserted a variety of counterclaims. The United States District Court for the District of Colorado stayed the Federal Court action to allow the parties to pursue a comprehensive adjudication of their dispute in the Arapahoe County State Court. John DeJong, d/b/a Nexwave, and Joseph Kelley, d/b/a Keltronics, subsequently intervened in the Arapahoe County Court action as plaintiffs and proposed class representatives. We have filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts and against all plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a motion for additional time to conduct discovery to enable them to respond to our motion. The Court granted a limited discovery period which ended November 15, 2004. The Court is hearing discovery related motions and has set a briefing schedule for the motion for summary judgment to begin 30 days after the ruling on those motions. A trial date has not been set. It is not possible to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Enron Commercial Paper Investment Complaint
During October 2001, EchoStar received approximately $40.0 million from the sale of Enron commercial paper to a third party broker. That commercial paper was ultimately purchased by Enron. During November 2003, an action was commenced in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, against approximately 100 defendants, including us, who invested in Enron’s commercial paper. The complaint alleges that Enron’s October 2001 purchase of its commercial paper was a fraudulent conveyance and voidable preference under bankruptcy laws. We dispute these allegations. We typically invest in commercial paper and notes which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. At the time of our investment in Enron commercial paper, it was considered to be high quality and considered to be a very low risk. The defendants moved the Court to dismiss the case on grounds that Enron’s complaint does not adequately state a legal claim, which motion was denied but is subject to an appeal. It is too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Bank One
During March 2004, Bank One, N.A. (“Bank One”) filed suit against us and one of our subsidiaries, EchoStar Acceptance Corporation (“EAC”), in the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio alleging breach of a duty to indemnify. Bank One alleges that EAC is contractually required to indemnify Bank One for a settlement it paid to consumers who entered private label credit card agreements with Bank One to purchase satellite equipment in the late 1990s. Bank One alleges that we entered into a guarantee wherein we agreed to pay any indemnity obligation incurred by Bank One. During April 2004, we removed the case to federal court in Columbus, Ohio. We deny the allegations and intend to vigorously defend against the claims. We filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint which was granted in part and denied in part. The Court granted our motion, agreeing we did not owe Bank One a duty to defend the underlying lawsuit. However, the Court denied the motion in that Bank One will be allowed to attempt to prove that we owed Bank One a duty to indemnify. The case is currently in discovery. A trial date has not been set. It is too early in the litigation to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.
Church Communications Network, Inc.
During August 2004, Church Communications Network, Inc. (“CCN”) filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The action was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. CCN claimed approximately $20.0 million in actual damages, plus punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for, among other things, alleged breaches of two contracts, and negligent, intentional and reckless misrepresentation. On March 17, 2006, the Court granted summary judgment in our favor limiting CCN to one contract claim, and limiting damages to no more than $500,000. We can not predict whether CCN will appeal.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Vivendi
In January 2005, Vivendi Universal, S.A. (“Vivendi”), filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that we have anticipatorily repudiated or are in breach of an alleged agreement between us and Vivendi pursuant to which we are allegedly required to broadcast a music-video channel provided by Vivendi. Vivendi’s complaint seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, and damages in an unspecified amount. On April 12, 2005, the Court granted Vivendi’s motion for a preliminary injunction and directed us to broadcast the music-video channel during the pendency of the litigation. In connection with that order, we have also agreed to provide marketing support to Vivendi during the pendency of the litigation. In the event that the Court ultimately determines that we have a contractual obligation to broadcast the Vivendi music-video channel and that we are in breach of that obligation, we may be required to continue broadcasting the Vivendi music-video channel and may also be subject to substantial damages. We intend to vigorously defend this case.
Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit
During March 2005, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against EchoStar, its chairman and chief executive officer Charles W. Ergen and the members of its board of directors in the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado. On November 7, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Dismissal asking that the suit be dismissed without prejudice.
Other
In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Reauthorization of Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act
SHVERA requires, among other things, that all local broadcast channels delivered by satellite to any particular market be available from a single dish by June 8, 2006. We currently offer local broadcast channels in 164 markets across the United States. In 38 of those markets a second dish was previously required to receive some local channels in the market. While we have subsequently reduced the number of markets where a second dish is necessary, we can not entirely eliminate the second dish necessity in all markets absent full operability of EchoStar X.
In the event EchoStar X experiences any anomalies, satellite capacity limitations could force us to move the local channels in some two dish markets to different satellites, requiring subscribers in those markets to install a second or different dish to continue receiving their local broadcast channels. We could be forced, in that event, to stop offering local channels in some of those markets altogether. The transition of all local broadcast channels in a market to a single dish could result in disruptions of service for a substantial number of our customers. Further, our ability to timely comply with this requirement without incurring significant additional costs is dependent on, among other things, the continued operation of our EchoStar V satellite at the 129 degree orbital location until commencement of commercial operation of EchoStar X. EchoStar V or EchoStar X anomalies could force us to cease offering local channels by satellite in many markets absent regulatory relief from the single dish obligations. If impediments to our preferred transition plan arise, it is possible that the costs of compliance with the single dish requirement could exceed $100.0 million.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
10. Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors
EchoStar DBS Corporation’s senior notes are fully, unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries other than minor subsidiaries, as defined by Securities and Exchange regulations. The stand alone entity EchoStar DBS Corporation has no independent assets or operations. Therefore, supplemental financial information on a condensed consolidating basis of the guarantor subsidiaries is not required. There are no restrictions on our ability to obtain cash dividends or other distributions of funds from the guarantor subsidiaries, except those imposed by applicable law.
11. Segment Reporting
Financial Data by Business Unit
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”) establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to stockholders. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) of an enterprise. Under this definition we currently operate as two business units. The All Other category consists of revenue and expenses from other operating segments for which the disclosure requirements of SFAS 131 do not apply.
                                                         
            EchoStar                   ECC   Other   EDBS
    DISH   Technologies   All           Consolidated   EchoStar   And
    Network   Corporation   Other   Eliminations   Total   Activities (1)   Subsidiaries
Year Ended December 31, 2003
                                                       
Total revenue
  $ 5,518,183     $ 131,684     $ 97,983     $ (8,554 )   $ 5,739,296     $ (7,574 )   $ 5,731,722  
Depreciation and amortization
    347,331       6,717       44,158             398,206       (13,108 )     385,098  
Total costs and expenses
    4,852,543       115,012       72,747       (8,554 )     5,031,748       (21,798 )     5,009,950  
Interest income
    64,750             308             65,058       (46,220 )     18,838  
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (551,768 )     (161 )     (561 )           (552,490 )     145,460       (407,030 )
Income tax benefit (provision), net
    (12,604 )     (1,085 )     (687 )           (14,376 )     843       (13,533 )
Net income (loss)
    182,809       15,445       26,252             224,506       95,075       319,581  
 
                                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2004
                                                       
Total revenue
  $ 6,926,528     $ 125,881     $ 107,675     $ (8,868 )   $ 7,151,216     $ (8,188 )   $ 7,143,028  
Depreciation and amortization
    446,822       6,718       49,361             502,901       (12,203 )     490,698  
Total costs and expenses
    6,222,175       154,147       80,457       (8,868 )     6,447,911       (18,857 )     6,429,054  
Interest income
    41,717             570             42,287       (11,678 )     30,609  
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (504,612 )     (133 )     (987 )           (505,732 )     72,368       (433,364 )
Income tax benefit (provision), net
    (11,464 )     (385 )     240             (11,609 )     544       (11,065 )
Net income(loss)
    215,582       (28,767 )     27,954             214,769       84,644       299,413  
 
                                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2005
                                                       
Total revenue
  $ 8,150,841     $ 174,194     $ 113,977     $ (13,511 )   $ 8,425,501     $ (4,005 )   $ 8,421,496  
Depreciation and amortization
    736,943       4,597       56,352             797,892       (5,512 )     792,380  
Total costs and expenses
    7,016,590       190,478       64,696       (13,511 )     7,258,253       (4,527 )     7,253,726  
Interest income
    42,316             1,202             43,518       (8,877 )     34,641  
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (372,752 )     (105 )     (987 )           (373,844 )     68,579       (305,265 )
Income tax benefit (provision), net
    514,048       (2,712 )     (3,887 )           507,449       (400,175 )     107,274  
Net income(loss)
    1,488,180       (19,097 )     45,457             1,514,540       (377,927 )     1,136,613  
 
(1)   “Other EchoStar Activities” represents the activity of affiliates consolidated in ECC’s consolidated financial statements but not included in our consolidated financial statements.

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
Geographic Information and Transactions with Major Customers
                         
    United States     Europe     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Long-lived assets, including FCC authorizations
                       
2004
  $ 3,373,389     $ 2,872     $ 3,376,261  
 
                 
2005
  $ 4,135,383     $ 2,860     $ 4,138,243  
 
                 
 
                       
Revenue
                       
2003
  $ 5,679,619     $ 52,103     $ 5,731,722  
 
                 
2004
  $ 7,096,480     $ 46,548     $ 7,143,028  
 
                 
2005
  $ 8,379,600     $ 41,896     $ 8,421,496  
 
                 
Revenues are attributed to geographic regions based upon the location from where the sale originated. United States revenue includes transactions with both United States and international customers. Europe revenue includes transactions with customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Revenues from these customers are included within the All Other operating segment.
During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, United States revenue included export sales to one international customer which totaled $178.4 million, $125.3 million and $127.6 million, respectively. These international sales accounted for approximately 2.1%, 1.8% and 2.2% of our total revenue during each of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Revenues from these customers are included within the EchoStar Technologies Corporation operating segment.
12. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 are as follows:
                                 
    Balance at   Charged to            
    Beginning of   Costs and           Balance at
    Year   Expenses   Deductions   End of Year
    (In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2003:
                               
Assets:
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 9,276     $ 61,303     $ (62,427 )   $ 8,152  
Reserve for inventory
    9,641       1,584       (4,461 )     6,764  
 
                               
Year ended December 31, 2004:
                               
Assets:
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 8,152     $ 65,710     $ (65,433 )   $ 8,429  
Reserve for inventory
    6,764       8,266     $ (4,809 )     10,221  
 
                               
Year ended December 31, 2005:
                               
Assets:
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 8,429     $ 57,340     $ (56,970 )   $ 8,799  
Reserve for inventory
    10,221       3,917       (4,151 )     9,987  

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ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
13. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Our quarterly results of operations are summarized as follows:
                                 
    March 31   June 30   September 30   December 31
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
Year ended December 31, 2004:
                               
Total revenue
  $ 1,577,533     $ 1,776,042     $ 1,860,355     $ 1,929,098  
Operating income
    125,583       186,628       197,805       203,958  
Net income (loss)
    (24,983 )     111,558       123,569       89,269  
 
                               
Year ended December 31, 2005:
                               
Total revenue
  $ 2,023,676     $ 2,094,347     $ 2,127,207     $ 2,176,266  
Operating income
    291,712       333,959       291,584       250,515  
Net income (loss)
    325,669       427,245       229,918       153,781  
14. Related Party Transactions
During December 2005, we paid a dividend of approximately $200.0 million to EOC. In addition, during 2005, we advanced EchoStar approximately $139.6 million for general corporate purposes.
During 2003, we recorded a $289.0 million payable to our affiliate, EOC II, related to our purchase of the EchoStar IX satellite. We repaid this amount during 2004.
EchoStar owns 50% of NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our exclusive provider of security access devices. Nagra USA, a subsidiary of the Kudelski Group, owns the other 50% of NagraStar. NagraStar purchases these security access devices from NagraCard SA, a Swiss company which is also a subsidiary of the Kudelski Group. Because EchoStar is not required to consolidate NagraStar, but it does have the ability to significantly influence its operating policies, EchoStar accounted for its investment in NagraStar under the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, we purchased from NagraStar approximately $121.4 million, $123.8 million and $68.4 million, respectively, for security access devices. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, amounts payable to NagraStar totaled $3.9 million and $22.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2005, we were committed to purchase approximately $35.5 million of security access devices from NagraStar.
We purchase certain programming content from Satellite Communications Operating Corporation (“SCOC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECC, and our affiliate. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, we paid SCOC approximately $11.6 million, $13.2 million, and $15.6 million, respectively, for programming services. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, there were no amounts payable to SCOC.
We lease transponders and provide certain other services to Transponder Encryption Services Corporation (“TESC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECC, and our affiliate. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, we recognized approximately $124.6 million, $114.9 million and $89.8 million, respectively, of revenues from TESC for leasing and other services. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, amounts payable to TESC were $51.0 million and $40.5 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — Continued
15. Subsequent Events
$1.5 Billion Senior Notes Offering
On February 2, 2006, we sold $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year, 7 1/8% Senior Notes due February 1, 2016 in a private placement in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933. Interest on the notes will be paid February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing August 1, 2006. The proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to redeem our outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and are also intended to be used for other general corporate purposes.
9 1/8% Senior Notes Redemption
Effective February 17, 2006, we redeemed the balance of our outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2009. In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the remaining principal amount of the notes of approximately $442.0 million was redeemed at 104.563% of the principal amount, for a total of approximately $462.1 million. The premium paid of approximately $20.1 million, along with unamortized debt issuance costs of approximately $2.8 million, were recorded as charges to earnings in February 2006.

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Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
3.1(a)*
  Articles of Incorporation of EDBS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-31929).
 
   
3.1(b)*
  Certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar DBS Corporation, dated as of August 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EDBS for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.333-31929).
 
   
3.1(c)*
  Bylaws of EDBS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-31929).
 
   
4.1*
  Indenture, relating to the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2009, dated as of December 28, 2001 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
4.2*
  Registration Rights Agreement, relating to the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2009, dated as of December 28, 2001, by and among EDBS and Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Lehman Brothers Inc. and UBS Warburg L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
4.3*
  Indenture, relating to EDBS 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008, dated as of October 2, 2003, between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.4*
  Indenture, relating to EDBS 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011, dated as of October 2, 2003, between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).

 


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
4.5*
  Indenture, relating to EDBS Floating Senior Notes due 2008, dated as of October 2, 2003, between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.6*
  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 2, 2003 among EDBS and the other parties named herein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.7*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2009, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.8*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 5 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.9*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the 6 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2011, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
4.10*
  First Supplemental Indenture, relating to the Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2008, dated as of December 31, 2003 between EDBS and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.1*
  Form of Satellite Launch Insurance Declarations (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish Ltd., Registration No. 33-81234).
 
   
10.2*
  Manufacturing Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1995, between HTS and SCI Technology, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish Ltd., Commission File No. 33-81234). **
 
   
10.3*
  EchoStar 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration No. 33-91276).**
 
   
10.4*
  Amended and Restated EchoStar 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to EchoStar’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated August 24, 2005).**
 
   
10.5*
  2002 Class B CEO Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to EchoStar’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 9, 2002).**
 
   
10.6*
  Agreement between HTS, ESC and ExpressVu Inc., dated January 8, 1997, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1996, as amended, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.7*
  Agreement to Form NagraStar L.L.C., dated as of June 23, 1998, by and between Kudelski S.A., EchoStar and ESC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1998, Commission File No. 0-26176).

 


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
10.8*
  License and OEM Manufacturing Agreement, dated July 1, 2002, between EchoStar Satellite Corporation, EchoStar Technologies Corporation and Thomson multimedia, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.9*
  Amendment No. 19 to License and OEM Manufacturing Agreement, dated July 1, 2002, between EchoStar Satellite Corporation, EchoStar Technologies Corporation and Thomson multimedia, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2002, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.10*
  Satellite Service Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2003, between SES Americom, Inc., EchoStar Satellite Corporation and EchoStar Communications Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.11*
  Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement dated March 31, 2003 between SES Americom Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.12*
  Satellite Service Agreement dated as of August 13, 2003 between SES Americom Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.13*
  Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.14*
  Amendment No. 1 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated March 10, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.15*
  Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated February 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.16*
  Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated February 4, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.17*
  Letter Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated March 25, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.18*
  Amendment No. 2 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 30, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.19*
  Second Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated May 5, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.20*
  Third Amendment to Whole RF Channel Service Agreement, dated October 12, 2004, between Telesat Canada and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).

 


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
10.21*
  Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated October 21, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.22*
  Amendment No. 3 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004 between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.23*
  Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated November 19, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.24*
  Amendment No. 6 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission File No.0-26176).
 
   
10.25*
  Description of the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated January 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).**
 
   
10.26*
  Description of the 2005 Cash Incentive Plan dated January 22, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).**
 
   
10.27*
  Settlement Agreement and Release effective February 25, 2005 between EchoStar Satellite L.L.C., EchoStar DBS Corporation and the insurance carriers for the EchoStar IV satellite (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.28*
  Amendment No. 4 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated April 6, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.29*
  Amendment No. 5 to Satellite Service Agreement, dated June 20, 2005, between SES Americom, Inc. and EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission File No. 0-26176).
 
   
10.30*
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Form A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.31*
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Form B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.32*
  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Form A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.33*
  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Form B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.34*
  Incentive Stock Option Agreement (1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**

 


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
10.35*
  Nonqualifying Stock Option Agreement (2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
10.36*
  Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of EchoStar filed July 7, 2005, Commission File No.0-26176).**
 
   
31.1H
  Section 302 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
31.2H
  Section 302 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
   
32.1H
  Section 906 Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
32.2H
  Section 906 Certification by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
H   Filed herewith.
 
*   Incorporated by reference.
 
**   Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

EX-31.1 2 d33917exv31w1.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CHAIRMAN & CEO exv31w1
 

EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Section 302 Certification
I, Charles W. Ergen, certify that:
1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of EchoStar DBS Corporation;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
  b)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
  c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
  d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 17, 2006
         
     
/s/ Charles W. Ergen      
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer     
     
 

EX-31.2 3 d33917exv31w2.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE VP & CFO exv31w2
 

EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Section 302 Certification
I, David J. Rayner, certify that:
1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of EchoStar DBS Corporation;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
  b)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
  c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
  d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 17, 2006
         
     
/s/ David J. Rayner          
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer         
     
 

EX-32.1 4 d33917exv32w1.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CHAIRMAN & CEO exv32w1
 

EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Section 906 Certification
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, the undersigned officer of EchoStar DBS Corporation (the “Company”), hereby certifies that to the best of his knowledge the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
 
  Dated:   March 17, 2006
 
       
 
  Name:   /s/ Charles W. Ergen
 
       
 
  Title:   Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2 5 d33917exv32w2.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE VP & CFO exv32w2
 

EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Section 906 Certification
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, the undersigned officer of EchoStar DBS Corporation (the “Company”), hereby certifies that to the best of his knowledge the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
 
  Dated:   March 17, 2006
 
       
 
  Name:   /s/ David J. Rayner
 
       
 
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
       
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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