HUGHES Managed Networks Bring Distance Learning to Indian Nations Schools

Satellite Links Reach Remote Schools, Even in the Heart of the Grand Canyon

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Jun 29, 2010, 08:00 ET

GERMANTOWN, Md., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today announced the installation of a satellite uplink enabling distance learning at the Havasupai Elementary School, located in the heart of the Grand Canyon. This installation is the 150th site installed under the National Indian Programs Training Center's (NIPTC) Enhanced Learning and Knowledge Network (ELKNet), delivering distance learning to schools, federal agencies, and juvenile detention centers located in remote areas of Indian Country.

"Education is a key component of successfully building Nation-to-Nation relationships and promoting safe communities in Indian Country," said Larry Echohawk, assistant secretary of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior. "ELKNet creates professional development, training, and educational opportunities throughout Indian Nations, delivering on the Administration's promise to increase federal collaboration with Tribal Nations and to promote activities that reduce crime in Indian Country."

Hughes provides managed network services for ELKNet enabling real-time distance education via satellite to schools, federal agencies, and juvenile detention centers. Courses and workshops are developed by NIPTC instructors and shared through Interactive Television (ITV) with one-way video and two-way audio services. Hughes ultimately will manage distance education for Tribal Nations at 205 sites across 25 states.

"Hughes is honored to work with the NIPTC to enable distance learning for Indian Nations and the federal agencies that support Indian programs," said Tony Bardo, assistant vice president for government solutions at Hughes. "This Grand Canyon installation -- much like the other installations under the ELKNet program -- demonstrates that effectively managed satellite networks can deliver connectivity everywhere in the United States. It also demonstrates the capability of satellite services to enhance the lives of remote and rural communities."

NIPTC is a member of the Government Education and Training Network (GETN), a group of federal agencies that share satellite services, facilities, and programs for distance learning. Hughes was awarded the task order to provide managed network services for GETN under the U.S. General Services Administration's SATCOM-II contract in April 2008. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, NIPTC is a national training center for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.

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. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries.

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). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC