The EchoStar 9 satellite is equipped with one of the first commercial Ka-band spot-beam payloads for use over the United States and will be critical to the development of future generations of Ka-band services. EchoStar's Ka-band portion of the satellite will be used to test, verify and deliver future broadband initiatives for the company. The satellite payload also includes 32 Ku-Band fixed satellite services (FSS) transponders, at approximately 120 Watts, that will enhance EchoStar's current U.S. DISH Network satellite TV service, including additional service for Alaska and Hawaii. The satellite will operate at the 121 degree West Longitude orbital location.

With the successful launch of EchoStar 9, constructed by Space Systems/Loral based in Palo Alto, Calif., EchoStar continues to invest in new satellite technologies to expand services for its 8.18 million customers nationwide. EchoStar 9 will join EchoStar's current fleet of eight satellites that provide DISH Network customers with hundreds of all-digital television channels, including interactive TV services, sports programming, high definition television and international programming.