WildBlue Inks Distribution Deals With DirecTV and EchoStar

DENVER, June 12, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― WildBlue Communications, Inc. has signed five year wholesale broadband Internet distribution agreements with DirecTV, Inc. (NYSE:DTV) and EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH). Under the agreement, EchoStar and DirecTV will offer WildBlue satellite-based Internet solution to their respective customers for the next 5 years.

WildBlue provides broadband Internet access via satellite to homes and small businesses in communities not currently served, or that are underserved, by other broadband providers.

WildBlue said DirecTV and EchoStar will begin offering WildBlue high-speed Internet service in the coming months across the contiguous United States, although further details on availability and pricing are still being finalized. The offerings will be provided separately under the DirecTV and EchoStar brand names, and sub-branded as "powered by WildBlue." The WildBlue broadband offering will be focused on small town America and rural markets.

“Our agreements with DirecTV and EchoStar are a turning point for WildBlue,” said David Leonard, WildBlue's chief executive officer. DirecTV and EchoStar currently offer digital television entertainment via satellite to a combined total of more than 27 million customers nationwide.

Bruce Churchill, president of New Ventures for DirecTV, Inc said the agreement is an exciting step in providing broadband access and other services to our rural customers.

“More and more people are embracing the convenience of getting their Internet service through their pay-TV provider, and EchoStar is pleased that we are now able to provide a high-speed Internet solution to our DISH Network customers,” said Nolan Daines, executive vice president of Business Development for EchoStar.

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