SBCA: DBS Tops 23 Million Subscriber Mark
DIRECTV, DISH Network and VOOM Post Strong 2Q Subscriber Growth

Alexandria, Va., Aug. 11, 2004 – The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today announced the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) industry had surpassed 23 million total subscribers following recent second-quarter announcements. The DBS industry serves approximately 22 percent of US television households.

“This is great news and I’m thrilled to offer my congratulations to each of these companies on a job well done,” said Richard DalBello, president SBCA. “This astounding growth reflects consumers continued desire for the superior quality, service and price offered by the DBS industry.”

DIRECTV announced at the end of the second quarter it had a total of 13.04 million subscribers. This number reflects a growth of approximately 455,000 net new subscribers.

DISH Network recently announced that it passed the 10 million subscriber mark and at the end of the second quarter reported that it had a total of approximately 10.125 million subscribers. DISH Network added approximately 340,000 net new subscribers for the quarter.

Rainbow DBS’s new high definition satellite television service, VOOM, launched service in October of 2003. In the second quarter of this year VOOM more than doubled their subscriber numbers ending the quarter with approximately 25,000 total customers.

The growth of DBS compares favorably to the continued decline of cable, the DBS industry’s main competitor in the multi-channel video marketplace. According to the Television Bureau of Advertising, cable lost approximately 867,000 households during the first seven months of 2004.

“Despite cable’s natural monopoly and an un-level playing field for competitors, the DBS industry continues to gain ground in the multi-channel video marketplace,” continued DalBello.

Reported results are as of June 30, 2004.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, audio, data, music, voice, interactive, and broadband services. The SBCA is composed of DBS, broadband, satellite radio, and other satellite service providers, content providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies that make up the satellite services industry. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.