Drop-off Of SBC-Generated Subscribers Not Surprising, EchoStar CEO Ergan Says

Dow Jones reported late last week that EchoStar Communications Corp. Charlie Ergan was “not surprised” by the drop-off of Dish Network subscribers coming from its partnership with SBC Communications. SBC reported late last month that it added 71,000 Dish Network subscribers in the first quarter, down from 97,000 additions in the fourth quarter of 2004. Ergan, who made his comments during an investor conference call, cited SBC’s continuing work on developing of an IP-based television service as the main reason for the drop-off, the wire service reported.