Hughes Network Systems Introduces New Inmarsat Mobile Satellite Terminal

GERMANTOWN, Md., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) announced today that it has introduced the first Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) Class 1 terminal to work over the new Inmarsat I4 satellite system. HNS will wholesale the product to distribution partners who will bundle it with the Inmarsat service and sell to end customers.

The unique features of the Class 1 HNS 9201 broadband satellite IP terminal are:

* Highest data rates offered by Inmarsat: 492/492 Kbps transmit/receive * Up to eleven simultaneous users * Simultaneous use of all four interfaces: Ethernet, ISDN, USB and WLAN * WLAN access point built in * Selectable IP Quality of Service (QoS) * Rugged design for permanent outdoor installation

These features allow customers to perform broadband intensive functions such as sending e-mail, transferring large files, and video conferencing. Additionally, customers will have access to voice and data applications, such as VoIP (Voice over IP), VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

"We have a long-standing relationship with HNS," said Alan Howell, director of Inmarsat BGAN's core program. "HNS was one of our key manufacturers for the Regional BGAN terminal and we are pleased to have them manufacturing the Class 1 BGAN terminal. We look forward to HNS developing an extensive distribution network, which will help to advance Inmarsat services globally."

"We are proud of the work we have done with Inmarsat and are pleased to be offering the HNS BGAN 9201 terminal to distributors. HNS is ideally positioned to build upon the success of its Regional BGAN product with the global launch of the HNS 9201 high-performance broadband terminal. It is a win-win situation for all parties," said Graham Avis, vice president of HNS' mobile terminal group.

HNS has recently signed supply agreements with multiple world-class distribution companies. The HNS 9201 will be available for sale coincident with the start of BGAN service scheduled for later this year.

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat is the pioneer of global mobile satellite communications. Today it stands at the forefront of 3G wireless telephony, capitalizing on almost a quarter of a century's experience to deliver broadband communications solutions to enterprise, maritime and aeronautical users around the globe.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 800,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY(R) brand. DIRECWAY terminals are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. The DIRECTV Group, Inc. and SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SKYT) each own 50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member. For additional information, please visit http://www.hns.com/.

HUGHES and Hughes Network Systems are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.