The first U.S. municipality to legally and permanently change its name to “Dish” could be a hero among its residents. That’s because EchoStar Communications, parent company of the DISH Network, will give all the households in that community free satellite TV programming for 10 years.
“As part of DISH Network’s re-branding efforts and new advertising campaign trumpeting ‘Better TV for All,’ we invite a city or town to join us by re-branding itself DISH,” EchoStar President Michael Neuman said in a statement.
To participate in DISH’s City Makeover campaign, the town government must agree to change the name legally and permanently on government buildings, post offices, official letterhead, schools and hospitals if applicable, street signs where necessary, and any other government signage that contains the city or town’s name. The municipality must also file all necessary state and federal documentation. Participating municipalities need to e-mail proof of a name change to [email protected].
In exchange, EchoStar will provide every household within the municipal limits a free DISH Network satellite TV receiver, free standard installation and America’s Top 60 programming package free for 10 years. A town of 1,000 households, for example, would receive approximately $4 million worth of free programming, equipment and installation from EchoStar.
EchoStar last week launched a consumer sweepstakes, Reach for the Stars, which will place the winner’s name permanently on the next satellite it launches. That sweeps runs through Sept. 30.