SATCOM-II Sets the Stage for U.S. Government Broadband Satellite Solutions

Satellite communications is taking on growing significance for governments worldwide. Providing the only true alternative communications path to terrestrial networks, satellite communications has emerged as a critical infrastructure component to maintain government continuity of operations (COOP) when disaster strikes.

Recent disasters have made U.S. government agencies keenly aware of terrestrial network vulnerabilities that affect their ability to respond to a catastrophe and to continue to operate in its aftermath. Additionally, connecting remote locations that are not served by landline communications is an ongoing challenge. This is further exacerbated by the need to provide broadband to a growing population of government teleworkers, which is critical to serving citizens continuously—before, during, and after emergencies.

The U.S. government’s recently announced Satellite Services-II (SATCOM-II) program aims to significantly extend the reach of broadband satellite technology throughout the federal government— and thereby make dramatic advances in COOP capabilities. The program enables federal agencies to procure a comprehensive range of broadband satellite solutions through flexible contracts, structured so agencies can order the products and services they need—as they need them. 

As part of the multiple-award program, the General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Hughes a five-year contract to serve as a satellite integrator and provide a broad array of advanced broadband satellite solutions to agencies globally, including:

• Broadband primary, high-availability, and backup networks
• Satellite capacity
• Point-to-point and mesh connections
• Transportable services
• Mobile satellite voice and data services
• Broadcast satellite services
• Managed network services
• Applications solutions such as distance learning, streaming video, telemedicine, and COOP

Speaking about the program, GSA Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Jim Williams said, “GSA’s customers have critical national missions that need the exceptional capabilities offered by SATCOM-II. We’re not only providing satellite communications today, but we’ve designed SATCOM-II to keep pace with the phenomenal growth in satellite technology we expect over its five-year contract life. That’s important news for our customers.” 

A Winning Team

In its role as global satellite integrator, Hughes has assembled a highly experienced team of subcontractors to provide agencies with end-to-end solutions.

• CACI International, Inc. and IMC will assist Hughes with design, maintenance, and engineering services.
• Space segment partners include Intelsat, Eutelsat America, SES Americom, GlobalSat LLC, and XTAR LLC.
• Mobile satellite solution partners include Satmex, Telenor Satellite Services Inc., Stratos, Mobile Satellite Ventures, and Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co.
• Partnering with Hughes for applications services such as transportable communications, distance learning, business TV, and telemedicine are C-Com, MotoSAT, AEP Networks, and Helius Co.

Making a Difference

“What’s really exciting is that Hughes has the opportunity to become a change agent for the U.S. government,” said Tony Bardo, assistant vice president of government services for Hughes. “Never before has the federal government announced such a broad satellite services contract. It’s up to us to make sure that agencies know about these services, so they can take full advantage of the benefits of satellite technology and the SATCOM-II program.”

“The Hughes SATCOM-II team is open for business and ready to execute flawlessly to help agencies leverage the power of satellite to address their unique requirements today as well as to plan for their needs in the future,” said Dave Tuscano, senior director of government sales operations for Hughes.

In addition to the SATCOM-II contract, which is available exclusively to federal agencies, Hughes is a subcontractor to two companies that recently won GSA Networx awards, a program that supplies a comprehensive suite of terrestrial and satellite services to federal agencies. Hughes also offers a complete array of HughesNet services to federal, state, and local agencies through its GSA Schedule.

Added Bardo, “Hughes is a longtime leader in the provision of global broadband services for enterprises and consumers. Now we’re poised to become a leader in the government marketplace—helping agencies achieve diverse networks, connect remote locations, facilitate telework, and enable COOP. We’re committed to making a difference and boosting government readiness to serve under any conditions.” For additional information please visit gov.HughesNet.com.