Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich Declares September 19-23 'Broadband for Everyone Week'

GERMANTOWN, Md., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of a continued effort to ensure broadband access for everyone in Maryland, Governor Robert Ehrlich today proclaimed Sept. 19-23 "Broadband for Everyone Week." In celebration, Maryland-based Hughes Network Systems (HNS), the leading provider of satellite broadband services, is committing resources to both youth and small businesses to advance national access.

Governor Ehrlich's "Broadband for Everyone Week" proclamation stated, "Broadband access is important to our nation's children because it holds promise for facilitating the delivery of services that can assist in everyday life. Maryland recognizes the vital role broadband access plays in preparing our future generations."

Governor Ehrlich will join Pradman Kaul, chairman and CEO of HNS on Friday, Sept. 23 when the company donates $5,000 to KIPP Harbor Academy in Annapolis. The contribution demonstrates HNS' commitment to "bridging the broadband digital divide" for underserved communities throughout the United States.

"From email to instant messaging to high-speed Internet access, many of America's children have technology knowledge that surpasses that of their parents and teachers," said Kaul. "Yet, thousands of Maryland families live in areas that are not served by cable or DSL providers.

"Even more surprising is the number of rural small businesses that do not have broadband access, fighting to succeed in the global economy. Many are unaware of the technology options available and the benefits of broadband. A big part of HNS' business is providing broadband connectivity to everyone, regardless of geography. We strongly support Governor Ehrlich's effort to make sure Maryland residents, and people across the country, are able to participate in the broadband revolution," said Kaul.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, HNS will join with the Rural Broadband Coalition (RBC) to address issues of access in rural America. In conjunction with this event, HNS will announce the results of its recent small business broadband access survey, which indicates that education and awareness are major obstacles to the adoption of broadband among small businesses.

The RBC and HNS together will work to raise awareness and eliminate the education gap so that all businesses, especially those in rural areas, understand that viable, affordable broadband solutions exist today and are not restricted by geography.

"For over 30 years, HNS has been the leader in broadband satellite technology and services. We're proud to join the Governor and our colleagues at the RBC to promote the adoption of quality broadband access to all people and businesses in Maryland and nationwide," said Kaul.

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 brand. DIRECWAY terminals 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, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SKYT) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. each own 50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member. For additional information, please visit http://www.hns.com/.

HUGHES and Hughes Network Systems are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. DIRECWAY is a registered trademark of The DIRECTV Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Judy Blake of Hughes Network Systems, +1-301-601-7330, jblake@hns.com; or Donna Taylor of Brodeur, +1-202-775-2650, dtaylor@brodeur.com, for Hughes Network Systems.