Arqiva Signs 30-plus Channel Contribution Deal with EchoStar

-- EchoStar renews Arqiva's contract for the downlink and distribution of more than 30 channels from Europe and Asia to head-ends in the US

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Arqiva

Oct 26, 2010, 05:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, today announced that it has reached an agreement with EchoStar Broadcasting Corp., a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) to extend its long-term contract for global contribution. The multi-year deal consists of full-time delivery of more than 30 international channels from Europe and Asia to EchoStar's teleports in Cheyenne, WY and Gilbert, AZ.

"The EchoStar renewal demonstrates the confidence it has in Arqiva's seamless global delivery. By utilizing our extensive fiber and teleport infrastructure in Europe, we are able to reliably deliver a portion of EchoStar's international programming fare to its US locations," said Jon Kirchner, EVP, Arqiva Broadcast & Media, from the company's Washington, DC offices and teleport.

The EchoStar contribution deal includes full-time downlinks of the 30-plus channels as well as operation of a multiplex system at Arqiva's Chalfont (UK) Teleport. The signal is then sent by fiber to EchoStar's teleports. In addition, Asia-region downlinks are delivered directly to Cheyenne via Arqiva's fiber network in the US.

"We've enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Arqiva and look forward to continued teleport services from Europe and Asia," said Jeff McSchooler, SVP, EchoStar Broadcasting Corp.

About EchoStar Broadcast Corporation

EchoStar Broadcast Corporation is a subsidiary of EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS), spans more than 25 years of delivering innovations in TV entertainment, advanced set-top boxes, and end-to-end video delivery systems. EchoStar designs and engineers products for satellite, IPTV, cable, terrestrial, and consumer electronics markets worldwide by combining engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and service into one company. With approximately 2,400 employees worldwide, EchoStar provides services from 10 satellites and uplink facilities. Visit www.echostarsatelliteservices.com.

About Arqiva

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets. The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's five mobile network operators and the emergency services.

www.arqiva.com

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