Hughes Wins GVF Quarter Century of Excellence Award
Pioneering satellite company lauded for achievements in space and on the ground; also receives Universal Connectivity Award from Euroconsult for effort to close the digital divide
Germantown, MD, September 15, 2022 – On September 14 at World Satellite Business Week, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks, was awarded the Quarter Century of Excellence Award by GVF, the global non-profit association that represents the satellite industry ecosystem. The first-of-its-kind accolade acknowledges Hughes as the company whose advances have had the greatest beneficial impact on society, the telecommunications industry and the company’s own profitability. Also, during World Satellite Business Week, Euroconsult, which hosts the annual industry event, recognized Hughes and its partners with an Excellence in Universal Connectivity Award for helping to bridge the digital divide in Mexico.
“All of us at Hughes are honored by these recognitions that celebrate our long history of innovation, acknowledge our commitment to connecting the unconnected, and reflect the incredible talent and ingenuity of our employees,” said Pradman Kaul, president and CEO, Hughes.
“Hughes has been a driving force in the evolution of satellite and telecommunications since before GVF’s inception 25 years ago and continues to develop innovative technologies, services and partnerships that advance the industry,” said David Meltzer, Secretary General, GVF. “On behalf of our membership, GVF is honored to present Hughes with the Quarter Century of Excellence Award.”
The Excellence in Universal Connectivity Award was presented to Hughes, Stargroup, APCO Networks (Aitelecom), Eutelsat, Axess Networks and Globalsat for their combined effort to connect 7,200 Community Wi-Fi and internet access sites across Mexico as part of the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) Telecomunicaciones e Internet para Todos initiative. Each partner selected the Hughes JUPITER™ System platform to enable the satellite-powered internet services.
“The work of organizations like Hughes, APCO Networks, Stargroup, Eutelsat, Axess Networks, Globalsat and CFE to bring connectivity everywhere is essential to helping bridge the digital divide,” said Pacôme Révillon, CEO, Euroconsult. “This project in Mexico exemplifies the multiplier effect of ecosystem collaboration in the spirit of global connectivity – a mission that inspires so many in our industry and beyond.”
Hughes has been a pioneer in the satellite industry for more than 50 years. The company’s seminal contributions include the commercialization of the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) that makes satellite broadband possible; the launch of HughesNet®, the leading satellite internet service; and the development of the JUPITER System ground platform, the de facto standard for satellite broadband implementations worldwide. Today, Hughes continues to pioneer satellite innovation with low Earth orbit (LEO) ground system engineering for OneWeb; 5G network backhaul and integration; and the upcoming JUPITER 3 ultra-high density satellite, slated to launch in 2023.
“We extend our thanks to GVF and Euroconsult and to all the nominees to our thriving industry – many of whom are also our customers and partners,” added Mr. Kaul. “We are even more excited looking ahead to the next quarter of a century, as we continue to innovate vital technologies and services that will power the networks that connect people everywhere, well into the future.”