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Hughes Network Systems Acquires Additional Capacity Aboard SES AMERICOM AMC-9 Satellite for Broadband Satellite Services; Agreement Provides Added Bandwidth for Distribution of Popular DIRECWAY ServicePRINCETON, N.J. --(Business Wire)-- Nov. 3, 2005 -- As further proof of the growing demand for broadband access services in the biggest cities and the smallest rural communities, SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges: SESG), today announced that Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) has contracted for additional transponders aboard the AMC-9 satellite to serve its rapidly growing base of DIRECWAY(R) broadband satellite customers throughout North America. SES AMERICOM also announced its full support of HNS's new DIRECWAY DW7000 broadband platform and the global Internet Protocol over Satellite (IPoS) standard on which it is based, as part of an ongoing effort to deliver high-speed, high quality satellite connections virtually anywhere. Under the multi-year agreement, HNS, the world's largest provider of satellite broadband products and services, will expand its use of Ku-band transponders aboard the dependable AMC-9 spacecraft. HNS, which has relied on SES AMERICOM satellites for nearly a decade, is already using the AMC-3 and AMC-4 satellites to deliver a broad range of IP-based private network solutions and high-speed Internet services. "Our DIRECWAY customers, from large enterprises to small- and medium-sized businesses, to consumers expect reliable broadband access at any and all times," said Paul Gaske, executive vice president at HNS. "SES AMERICOM is a proven satellite operator with unsurpassed technical and service excellence that enables us to meet growing demand with confidence. Its satellites, including AMC-9, are among the most reliable in the industry and provide HNS with the capacity required to continue expanding our DIRECWAY service." "Together Hughes Network Systems and SES AMERICOM are bridging the communications gap with satellite-centric solutions, like DIRECWAY, that enable customers in small communities to enjoy the conveniences of reliable connectivity that were once limited to the big cities," said Orlando Skelton, vice president of North American enterprise solutions for SES AMERICOM. "As HNS's broadband, IP-based services continue to grow, we at SES AMERICOM look forward to providing the reliable distribution platforms that can grow right along with them." About AMC-9 Launched in 2003, AMC-9 is an Alcatel Spacebus 3000B3 hybrid C- and Ku-band satellite, which is located at 83 degrees west longitude. Enterprise networks, television programmers, and government agencies are the beneficiaries of the spacecraft's increased power levels, and expanded coverage areas, and SES AMERICOM's reliability and high levels of redundancy. About Hughes Network Systems Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 800,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY(R) brand. DIRECWAY terminals are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by TIA, ETSI, and the ITU standards organizations. Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:SKYT) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTV) each own 50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member. For additional information, please visit www.hns.com. About SES AMERICOM The largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite, the company today operates a fleet of 18 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES GLOBAL family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region of the world via a fleet of 40 satellites. In addition, AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary, is dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. government. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions. DIRECWAY is a registered trademark of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. |
