FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hughes Awarded North American Space & Communications
Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan

Germantown, Md., February 20, 2007—Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) today announced that it has been named North American Space & Communications Company of the Year by global growth consulting company, Frost & Sullivan. The prestigious award is presented only to companies that demonstrate and exemplify the criteria set forth by Frost & Sullivan, such as technology innovation, market potential, proof of success, strategic marketing, revenue growth, new market penetration, visibility, and leadership.

“We have seen Hughes continuously exhibit outstanding leadership and execute innovative strategies over the last several years, resulting in significant market growth,” said Tim Street, industry analyst, Frost & Sullivan. “Hughes’ transition to managed services has allowed them to add enormous value to both existing and potential customers by fully maximizing the potential of different broadband technologies.”

“Frost & Sullivan is one of the industry’s leading growth consulting companies and we are honored to be selected for this prestigious award,” said Pradman Kaul, Chairman and CEO of Hughes. “Innovation, technological advancement, and strategic market penetration are core strengths of Hughes. We greatly appreciate being recognized within the industry as the Company of the Year.”

Since introducing the first Ku-band VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network over 20 years ago, Hughes has been leading the way in technological advances and innovative service offerings. Its HughesNet™ brand integrates both terrestrial and satellite broadband solutions into a fully managed service, offering its enterprise customers reliable broadband solutions and market-leading hybrid technology all from a single service provider.

Hughes’ current offerings include:

• HughesNet Managed Network Services—which combines satellite and terrestrial technologies as part of the High Availability VPN, Optimized VPN , and Access Continuity Services;

• HughesNet Digital Media Services—providing digital signage, business IPTV, content distribution, and employee training; and

• HughesNet ISP Services—full-service ISP service including reliable Internet connectivity and a suite of enhanced services such as customized start pages, domain hosting, personalized Web addresses, blogging, and advanced hosting.

“Hughes’ recent announcement of surpassing 325,000 subscribers is another example of their continued market leadership and success as the largest satellite broadband services company in the world for consumers and businesses alike,” said Street. “From their hybrid network solutions to their consumer and small business offerings, Hughes continues to fire on all cylinders throughout all of their core market segments.”

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company’s industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit www.awards.frost.com.

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. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products 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, 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.

###

©2007 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes, HughesNet, and IPoS are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.