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Technology Stocks : Echostar Comm. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Satellite Mike who wrote (515)	12/21/1997 11:04:00 PM
From: Frank Byers	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1394

Whatever happened to DISH's plans to split off their equipment design and manufacturing business? I think it was mentioned at the time of the Murdick deal that this would happen and nothing has been said since, although they have announced at least 1 design win that I know of ( I think it was a Spanish DTH or cable operator). FB

To: Satellite Mike who wrote (515)	12/22/1997 1:40:00 PM
From: John J. Thrall	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 1394

This is really to all on this thread. I firmly believe in the long term strategy of this company, but there are several issues that concern me as an investor in the stock (besides the slow bleed off in price the last several weeks) 1. First of all, the lack of enthusiasm shown by the market to the 1 million subscriber mark. I was hoping this might attract the attention of new investors. Instead it seems to have attracted only the sell off of speculators who were waiting for the announcement. While the downward trend has been on less than spectacular volume, it still indicates a lack of interest in the stock. 2. What is going on with these press releases? The hint "first service to offer local channels" sounds great, but where are the details? Does anyone know the specifics of Echostar III and IV besides that they will offer "complementary programming." Are the satellites in the same orbits as E II, because if they are not, then we would need a seperate DISH to view the extra programming. I find it hard to value this stock in lieu of the great expense of these satellites without a specific mention of what they will offer, especially considering DISH is doing well with its current (cable-like) offerings. How big a market is there for E III's marginal programming. 3. The decision not to mke broad use of retail outlets. Every time I go into a Wallmart, Kmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, etc. all I see is Dirict TV/USSB. The people who buy these sat systems often buy through these channels!! One side by side comparison of price/features and DISH wins!, but Echostar seams all too willing to pass up the sales (and higher profile) that such a market offers. Too many mainstream americans have never seen a DISH setup, and see it as a marginal competitor. Echostar must find inexpensive ways to raise its profile. These are just a few of my concerns, and any insights would be great. Lets really start to pick apart what DISH's longterm strategy is here, and that includes a possible telecom deal, new satellites, programming choices, and marketing strategy. On the up side, with the market cap and volume of this company, any speculative interest could send the stock through the roof. John Thrall