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 is a fully managed, nationwide broadband offering from Hughes that encompasses all broadband solutions, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. 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. (NASDAQ: HUGH).

HNS has over 30 years experience in global operations, with over 350,000+ consumer and small business subscribers in the United States and 1.2 million systems world wide in over 100 countries. HughesNet is the secure Internet solution of choice for 36% of convenience stores nationwide with retail installations in over 50,000 gas station/convenience stores. According to the 2005 annual VSAT industry report prepared by Communications Systems Limited (COMSYS), HNS had a worldwide market share of 55% in 2004 based on the number of terminals shipped. HNS holds a Protection of Cardholder Information (PCI) Data Security certification; the standard developed by VISA and MasterCard to secure bankcard transactions, and maintains the largest managed communication services network to accommodate secure transaction processing. Independent auditing of the HNS network is conducted by the Internet Security firm Internet Security Systems (ISS).

HNS’ invention of small satellite dishes, generally 1.8 meters or less wide, commonly known as very small aperture terminals, or VSATs, over 20 years ago enabled it to provide large enterprises highly reliable, end-to-end communications with guaranteed quality of service regardless of the number of sites or their geographic location. HNS’ networks are used for a variety of applications such as Intranet and Internet access, voice services, connectivity to suppliers, franchisees and customers, credit authorization, inventory management, content delivery and video distribution. HNS often customizes the applications for particular markets.

HNS currently serves more than 200 large companies in the Fortune 1000, mainly in businesses which have numerous widely dispersed operating units like gas service stations, convenience stores, fast food franchises, automotive dealerships and retail stores. HNS leveraged its experience in these areas and adapted its technologies to service growing markets like small business and residential. HNS is currently the largest satellite broadband Internet access provider to consumers in North America, with approximately 350,000 subscribers.

WildBlue was founded as KaSTAR Satellite Communications in Colorado in April 1995. In May 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned WildBlue fixed-satellite service (FSS) licenses for 2 orbital locations. WildBlue launched its Internet service in June 2005 after gaining access to the U.S. capacity of Telesat Canada's Anik F2 telecommunications satellite which launched in July 2004. WildBlue's second satellite, WildBlue-1, was contracted to be built by Space Systems/Loral and was launched in early 2007. WildBlue-2 is in the process of being procured.

Nationwide Satellite has been offering satellite Internet services from Hughes Network Systems since 1998. With thousands of residential and business customers installed from coast to coast, we have the knowledge and experience to help small businesses and consumers alike harness the full potential of the Internet.