[August 30, 2012] Hughes Network Systems launches EchoStar XVII satellite Tweet Aug 30, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC, a provider of broadband satellite networks and services, has announced that the EchoStar XVII satellite built by Space Systems/Loral was launched and placed into geostationary transfer orbit by Arianespace, setting the stage for the new HughesNet Gen 4 satellite internet services offering. According to the company, the Ariane 5 rocket lifted off from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 ECA launcher. Extensive tests will be completed after the spacecraft is maneuvered into a circular orbit 22,300 miles above the equator at 107.1 degrees West longitude. Hughes expects to begin commercial operations this fall. The Ka-band EchoStar XVII with JUPITER high-throughput technology will enable HughesNet Gen4-Hughes' fourth-generation satellite Internet service. HughesNet Gen4 will dramatically increase Internet browsing performance and support high-bandwidth applications such as, video and music. HughesNet Gen4 customers will be able to experience faster speeds and download capacity, the company said. "The addition of EchoStar XVII to our existing satellite capacity, ground network, and services takes satellite Internet to the next dimension," said Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes. "Our HughesNet Gen4 customers will be able to enjoy a media-rich world like never before. We congratulate the Arianespace and Space Systems/Loral teams on a flawless launch." http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]