3-27-06 Hughes Unveils New Comprehensive Service Brand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hughes Unveils New Comprehensive Service Brand

HughesNet Reflects Expanded Range of Services and eritage of Technology Innovation and Market Leadership

Germantown, MD, March 27, 2006—Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES^®), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today introduced its new HughesNet™ brand, replacing DIRECWAY^®. Reflecting the company’s heritage of technology innovation and market leadership, the new name ushers in an expanded range of broadband solutions and services for all its customer segments—enterprise, government, small business, and consumer.

The new HughesNet brand encompasses all broadband solutions and services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. These include managed network services, digital media, and enhanced broadband offerings for business and government agencies, as well as high-speed satellite Internet access for consumers and small businesses.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new era for Hughes,” said Pradman Kaul, Chairman and CEO. “The new HughesNet brand underscores our corporate commitment to enable our customers to realize the full potential of broadband solutions and services, utilizing the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies.”

Hughes has more than 30 years experience in designing and managing complex data networks. The company invented the VSAT (very small aperture terminal) and has been the market leader in providing satellite networks since 1986, when Wal-Mart first chose Hughes technology to connect their growing number of stores. In June of 2005, the editors of Fortune called Wal-Mart’s deployment of VSAT technology one of the top 20 decisions that “shaped the modern world of business.”

Further explaining the change, Kaul said, “It only took us a few years to establish DIRECWAY as the world’s leading ‘broadband by satellite’ service brand. But we’re now expanding to become the leading provider of broadband solutions and services that integrate the best of both satellite and terrestrial technologies to deliver unmatched business value,” he added. “HughesNet is a more compelling representation of our company’s overall market reach and capability.”

Hughes, a leading managed network services provider, will organize its HughesNet enterprise and government offerings around three core segments:

Managed Network Services. HughesNet Managed Network Services combine satellite and terrestrial technologies to create High Availability Networks, Optimized Networks, and Access Continuity Services.
Digital Media Services. For businesses that need to distribute digital content, HughesNet Digital Media Services will provide digital signage, business IPTV, general content distribution, and training offerings.
Enhanced Network Services. For companies with more specialized broadband needs, HughesNet Enhanced Services will include VPN, enhanced security, Internet access, and customized mail offerings.

In the consumer and small business sectors where the company currently serves more than 275,000 customers in the US, HughesNet will encompass a variety of new, enhanced services that will be rolled out over the course of the year. All services are designed to enhance the user experience and position the company as a comprehensive Internet Service Provider (ISP). Anticipated services include customized start pages, domain hosting, personalized Web addresses, blogging, and advanced hosting.

HughesNet services are delivered directly by Hughes in North America, South America, Europe, India, and China, and by a growing family of authorized service providers worldwide.

To learn more about Hughes or the HughesNet service brand, please visit www.hughes.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. Hughes has shipped more than 1 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. (OTCBB:HGCM). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

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