s to access integrated digital TV, super-high-speed broadband access and voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services via a new fiber network. The "dish" In July 2003, SBC partnered with EchoStar Communications Corp. to build a co- branded satellite service - the SBC DISH Network. The service, which was launched in March 2004, allowed SBC to become the first major telecom provider in the nation to offer TV, wireless, broadband and local/long-distance service, all combined in one monthly bill. The companies said that they also have plans to develop set-top boxes that combine the features of satellite TV, digital video recording, broadband, home networking and telecommunications services. Through the alliance, EchoStar has also been granted access to SBC's sales and marketing team for selling the DISH Network service, which reaches about 8.5 million customers nationwide. As another part of the agreement, SBC will help fund the development of the co-branded bundled video services similar to its co-branding approach currently used for its SBC Yahoo! DSL Internet access service. In a separate transaction completed in March, SBC also has agreed to make a $500 million investment in EchoStar. Top honors In February 2004, SBC was named "America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company" by Fortune magazine. It's an accolade to which it seems SBC has grown Visit Vault at www.vault.com for insider company profiles, expert advice, VAULT CAREER career message boards, expert resume reviews, the Vault Job Board and more. LIBRARY Vault Guide to the Top Telecom Employers SBC Communications Inc. accustomed. It was the fifth time in a row and eighth time overall that the magazine has bestowed the honor on SBC. And in June 2003, for the fifth consecutive year, Fortune named the company one of the "Best Companies for Minorities." SBC's diversity has won accolades and awards from several other publications, including Hispanic and Hispanic Business, which rated SBC as a top employer for Hispanic employees. More than 10 percent of its e