Global Eagle's Row 44 and Hughes Announce Launch of New Satellite Coverage Areas

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Row 44, a subsidiary of Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENT), and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) announced today that satellite coverage to connect airline passengers on Row 44 WiFi-equipped flights has expanded further across Europe, within Russia and for the first-time, connects North America and Europe with North Atlantic coverage.  Row 44 and Hughes have entered into three large, multi-year contracts, which include the provision of space segment, Network Operations Center (NOC) operations, maintenance and other ancillary services.  The agreement includes significant capacity increases to Row 44's leased bandwidth, which now supports customers on four continents.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110112/NE29456LOGO)

Row 44, a leading provider of satellite-based inflight WiFi and device-based entertainment for airlines around the world, also announces that it completed its first installation aboard an Icelandair 757, with more installations to continue through the remaining 3^rd and 4^th quarters of 2013.  Installations of the Row 44 connectivity platform now exceed 500 aircraft on four continents.

"Our partnership with Hughes is a tremendous asset for us, as it has afforded us the ability to offer our customers a connection to the world's most advanced and expertly operated satellite network," said John LaValle, Chief Executive Officer of Global Eagle Entertainment.  "Through Hughes, we continue to be well-positioned for global growth with our industry-leading technology and our integrated content and connectivity platform."

Recent additions beyond the expansion of the domestic capacity to the Row 44 fleet include leasing transponders on IS905 for Europe and Yamal 300k for Russia, which are both active today, and on two beams of SES 6 for the North Atlantic, which are scheduled to activate in October.

"Hughes and Row 44 have built upon a deep technology and service collaboration to support the launch of new services for their in-cabin connectivity platform," said Paul Gaske, Executive Vice President and General Manager, North American Division for Hughes.  "Our expertise in broadband satellite solutions and services has bolstered the performance of the Row 44 network and contributes substantially to the ongoing performance of both the inflight connectivity and live TV products."

Row 44 operates its inflight connectivity service with a network of Ku-band satellites over which Hughes provides high-quality ground systems operations.  In addition to delivering consistent, universal coverage for WiFi connectivity, Ku-band is also the only broadband technology, whether satellite or air-to-ground, that can cost-effectively deliver live television programming to all aircraft in a large continental region.

About Row 44 Inc.

Row 44, Inc., a subsidiary of Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., is a satellite-based in-flight WiFi and entertainment content provider for commercial airlines. Row 44 enables airlines worldwide to provide their travelers with high-speed Internet connectivity, access to world-class entertainment content, including live television and streaming Video-On-Demand, and local activities that can be booked en route, all streamed directly to their WiFi-enabled devices. Row 44, through their airline partners, has a fleet of more than 500 high-speed WiFi-enabled planes that operate over land and sea. The Row 44 platform uses Ku-band satellite technology for connectivity to deliver airline passengers a quality travel experience, and airlines incremental revenue and growth opportunities. To learn more, please visit www.row44.com.

About Global Eagle

Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. is the only full service platform offering both content and connectivity for the worldwide airline industry. Through its combined content, distribution and technology platforms, Global Eagle provides airlines and the millions of travelers they serve with the industry's most complete offering of in-flight video content, e-commerce and information services. Through its Row 44 subsidiary, Global Eagle utilizes Ku-band satellite technology to provide airline passengers with Internet access, live television, shopping and travel-related information. Currently installed on more than 500 aircraft, Row 44 has the largest fleet of connected entertainment platforms operating over land and sea globally. In addition, through its AIA division, Global Eagle provides film and television content, games and applications to more than 130 airlines worldwide. Global Eagle is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and maintains offices and support personnel around the world. Find out more at www.globaleagleent.com.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. With over 725,000 subscribers, HughesNet^® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the world, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 3.3 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED