Hughes Net Launches Service in China

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010 -- Hughes Network Systems and China UnifiedNet have formed a joint venture called HughesNet China Co. Ltd.

According to the press release, "HughesNet China and its licensed partner, Beijing UnifiedNet (together known as "Hughes China") will offer a wide range of managed broadband network services to leading telecom carriers and major enterprise customers, and will support the government's initiatives in expanding rural development through access to education and emergency communications across China."

Hughes China, headquartered in Beijing, expects to commence commercial services in the fourth quarter of this year.

Bahram Pourmand, executive vice president, International Division, Hughes, said, "This is an important major step in our Hughes global services strategy ... We look forward to working with our Chinese partners in bringing our extensive operating experience gained from [operating] Hughes service companies..." all over the world.

Dr. Li Zhimin, director general, Center for Science and Technology Development, Ministry of Education, said, "Satellite broadband access from Hughes China will be an important part of extending education and training to the people residing even in the most remote areas of China, which will play a crucial role in rural development."