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Hughes Providing Satellite Communications Solution to Yukon Quest Dog Sled Crews on 1,000-Mile Race through Alaska and Canada

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Dog Sled Crews on 1,000-Mile Race through Alaska and Canada


Germantown, Md., February 4, 2014—Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is providing broadband satellite Internet access to a dog sled race that takes “mushers” through 1,000 miles of some of the most remote territory in Alaska and Canada. Reliable Internet access enables the race staff to stay in touch with mushers (racers) by email and VoIP calls and get them aid quickly in an emergency. Journalists covering the race also are using the Hughes service to file stories and photos, and update blogs and social media sites.

WHAT: The Yukon Quest checkpoints are equipped with Hughes HX satellite terminals to provide broadband Internet connectivity to race staff, dog sled crews, and journalists. The Hughes HX System delivers a high QoS (Quality of Service) satellite service that supports reliable, clear, and crisp Voice over IP (VoIP), a top priority for the race organizers.

WHO: Founded in 1984, the Yukon Quest international sled dog race gets its name from the “highway of the north,” the Yukon River. It follows the winter land routes traveled by prospectors, adventurers, and mail and supply carriers.

WHEN: Start date – Feb. 1, 2014

WHERE: Start – Fairbanks, Alaska
Finish – Whitehorse, Canada

WHY: Providing Voice over IP and email services via satellite is essential for staying in touch with racers on the American leg of the Yukon Quest as there is no reliable cellular service between Fairbanks and the Canadian border. Voice service is especially critical on the first 300 miles, the YQ300, which is popular with novice racers.