04-08-08 Hughes to Provide Distance Learning Network for the Government Education and Training Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hughes to Provide Distance Learning Network for the Government Education and Training Program

Germantown, Md., April 8, 2008 — Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite network solutions and services, today announced it has been issued $2.6M in task orders by the Defense Information Systems Agency and other participating government agencies to provide Digital Compressed Satellite Services (DCSS) for the Government Education and Training Network (GETN). This effort is through the U.S. General Services Administration's SATCOM-II vehicle and is anticipated to be a multi-million dollar effort. These task orders have a minimum one-year period of performance in addition to four option years, not to exceed November 1, 2012.

In this effort, Hughes will provide an audio and video communications network for broadcast training to GETN students in decentralized locations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The Hughes network solution will utilize broadband satellite Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems to broadcast compressed digital video and audio distance learning programs; support viewer response systems, including audio conferencing and integrated voice and data response systems; and also address agency-specific needs such as interactive television, streaming video to the desktop, large file transfers, and encrypted video capabilities. The Hughes team in support of GETN includes Technicolor Enterprise Services, part of the Technicolor Services Division of Thomson that specializes in custom media distribution networks for business television, interactive distance learning and out-of-home advertising, such as digital signage.

“GETN's mission is to provide its user agencies with a cost-effective and efficient means to distribute training and education nationwide,” said Tony Bardo, assistant vice president of government services at Hughes. “We look forward to supporting the needs of the GETN program—leveraging our heritage as the leading provider of broadband satellite networks and services to deliver cutting-edge distance learning and business IPTV solutions.”

GETN is a network of Federal agencies using a common satellite carrier for an interoperable, interactive network that enables user agencies to share distance learning programs using common facilities. GETN utilizes 12 digital Ku-band satellite uplink broadcast centers reaching over 2,300 fixed dish downlink sites.

GETN user agencies include the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet^® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Hughes has shipped more than 1.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com .