May 15, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) --

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) today announced its DISH Network satellite TV service recorded the highest ranking for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies providers, as reported by the 2007 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

"The 2007 ACSI results mark the third time in four years that DISH Network(tm) has scored a No. 1 ranking -- a testament to the significant investments we've made in our customer care and service levels, and the hard work of our employees, retailers, regional service providers and telco partners," said Carl Vogel, president and vice chairman for DISH Network. "We continue to put a strong emphasis on delivering the highest-quality, all-digital programming -- including the most national HD channels in the country -- as well as offering cutting-edge technology such as award-winning DVRs and value-driven programming such as the DishDVR Advantage."

The ACSI is a national economic indicator of customer evaluations of the quality of products and services available to U.S. household consumers, and reflects customers' overall satisfaction with the service. Consumers were surveyed in the first quarter of 2007 for their ratings about perceived overall quality, perceived value and expectations. The results mark the seventh consecutive year DISH Network has scored above all cable TV providers, covering every year that the index has been compiled for pay-TV companies.

The ACSI index is produced by the Stephen M. Ross Business School at the University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the international consulting firm, CFI Group.