UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 12, 2006

ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NEVADA		0-26176		88-0336997
(State or other jurisdiction of		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer
incorporation)				Identification No.)

9601 S. MERIDIAN BLVD.
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO		80112
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(303) 723-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o		Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o		Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o		Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o		Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

Item 8.01 Other Events

On April 12, 2006, one of our subsidiaries completed an initial equity investment of $34 million in a non-U.S. satellite services project. We have committed to provide up to an additional $116 million in equity and debt funding for the project, subject to the satisfaction of various project milestones and customary financing conditions.

Most of the initial funding and contingent commitment is expected to be used to fund a portion of the construction costs of a satellite to be used by the project. EchoStar also has the right but not the obligation to provide substantial additional financing to the project to fund its future capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.