The town of Center, located in rural south central Colorado, voted June 28 to shut down its city-run cable TV service Aug. 15 rather than pay exorbitant fees to upgrade its 20-year-old cable plant.

"To maintain and upgrade our cable system, we were facing as much as a half million dollar investment," said Center Mayor Adeline Sanchez.

"By switching to Dish Network, our cable customers will get about three times as many channels, digital picture and sound, and, for the first time, access to high definition television and digital video recorders."

Mayor Sanchez added, "Our agreement with the local RadioShack dealer means that the Town of Center will make money for each resident that becomes a Dish Network subscriber. That's a huge benefit when the alternative is managing a cable TV system that is draining our town's financial resources."

A fleet of Dish Network vans rolled into Center last week with hundreds of satellite TV Dishes, digital video recorders (DVR) and high definition satellite TV receivers.

"Dish Network is willing to help any municipality burdened with operating an antiquated cable TV service, creating a win-win situation that makes financial sense for the town and improves the TV entertainment value for its citizens," said Robert Kondilas, EchoStar's vice president of Customer Service.

The service level difference between the town's cable operation and Dish Network is significant.

Dish Network customers can take advantage of a variety of programming packages and new satellite TV technologies, including approximately 70 channels of all-digital programming, including Denver local TV channels, a set-top box and Dish, all for $29.99 per month. Center Cable provided only 22 channels for $17 per month.

"We're pleased to team with Dish Network and the town of Center to offer residents a better alternative to the cable system," said Stephanie Steffens, owner of InterMountain First Aid and Safety, a RadioShack dealer franchise in Center.

"A team of Dish Network technicians will assist us with hundreds of installations during this very busy first month. After that, we'll take the reins, providing long-term support for Center residents."

As part of Dish Network's Digital Home Advantage offer, customers can have up to four TVs connected with free installation. Customers can also choose a Dish Player digital video recorder (DVR) or high definition TV receiver at no cost for the equipment.

A DVR allows a viewer to record up to 100 hours of programs without the hassles of videotapes. It also enables the viewer to pause live TV, skip pre-recorded commercials, and perform slow-motion instant replays, fast-forward and fast-reverse at four different speeds.

A $49.95 Digital Home Advantage activation fee will be credited to the customer's first bill.

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