EchoStar Communications Corp. reported revenue of $9.8 billion in 2006, up from $8.5 billion in 2005, the company announced March 1.

Profits slipped from $1.5 billion in 2005 to $608 million in 2006. Earnings in 2006 benefited from $593 million in tax benefits and a $134 million gain related to the settlement of EchoStar-4 satellite insurance and related claims.

EchoStar’s  Dish Network closed 2006 with about 13.1 million subscribers.