StarBand Launches Customer E-Channel with Kaplan Inc.
Partnership for Innovative Long Distance Learning From the Sky

McLean, Virginia, December 13, 2001 StarBand Communications, America's leading consumer two-way satellite Internet service provider, today launched an education channel for StarBand customers with Kaplan, Inc., one of the nation's premier providers of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses.

Kaplan, Inc., has been a pioneer in creating educational programs that have assisted more than three million students in the last six decades prepare for college, secondary school and graduate school testing and admissions. Kaplan's kaptest.com is the leading online provider of test preparation, admissions and guidance products, advice and services. "Kaplan is delighted to partner with another pioneer in the delivery of online services to consumers," said Sharon Miller, Vice President and General Manager of kaptest.com. "Our goal is to help individuals achieve their educational and career aspirations. Unfortunately not everyone has access to the powerful online learning and professional development tools afforded by high-speed Internet service."

"Now, together with the incredible coverage of StarBand satellite-delivered Internet service, Kaplan is reaching out to a whole new market for online learning by targeting those who have been unable to access the high-speed Internet through cable and DSL. Kaplan can now be virtually everywhere with StarBand's high-speed connection," added Miller.

"The StarBand-Kaplan partnership is an important milestone in delivering educational offerings to StarBand customers," said StarBand President and Chief Marketing Officer David Trachtenberg. "The StarBand Model 360 satellite modem can connect virtually everyone to a high-speed connection. We have already lit up schools and customers from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to above the Arctic Circle in Alaska - even the most remote spots on the islands of Hawaii. Now we have an important partner to provide course material and other innovative tools to take advantage of our always-on, two-way, high-speed connection."

To access a preview of the StarBand education channel visit: www.StarBand.net For information on StarBand visit: www.StarBand.com.

About StarBand Communications Inc.
StarBand Communications Inc. is America's first nationwide provider of two-way, always-on, high-speed Internet access via satellite to residential customers.

DISH Network and StarBand are the first to offer consumers complete single-dish hardware and services for two-way, high-speed Internet access combined with hundreds of channels of satellite TV programming, including educational programming. StarBand service is available from qualified DISH Network retailers.

Founded in early 2000, StarBand investors and strategic partners include EchoStar Communications Corporation, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., Microsoft Corporation, and FS Private Investments. StarBand has exclusive rights to Gilat's two-way high-speed consumer Internet technology in the United States, Canada and Mexico. StarBand Communications is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

Visit StarBand at www.StarBand.com. StarBand is a trademark and service mark of StarBand Communications Inc.

About Kaptest.com
Kaptest.com, the online arm of Kaplan Test Preparation & Admissions is the leading online provider of test preparation, admissions and guidance products, advice and services.

Kaptest.com delivers the expert content students, parents and educators expect from the Kaplan brand through integrated online and center-based programs, online test prep courses and one-to-one admissions consulting services.

Kaplan Test Preparation & Admissions is a unit of Kaplan, Inc. (www.kaplan.com), a leading provider of educational and career services and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO).

Press Contacts:

StarBand:
Sheila S. Blackwell
voice: 703.245.6410
mobile: 301.245.6410
e-mail: sheila.blackwell@starband.com

Kaplan:
Bonnie Eissner
voice: 212-707-5287
e-mail: bonnie_eissner@kaplan.com

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