SAO PAULO, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today announced that its Brazilian operating unit, Hughes do Brasil, has signed a contract with PrimeNet valued at more than $13 million over 60 months to be a reseller of Hughes broadband satellite Internet access service in Brazil. PrimeNet is one of Brazil's top value-added resellers (VARs) of satellite services and anticipates activating 1,000 new business customer sites by next March.

PrimeNet will resell Hughes high-speed satellite Internet access service to small- and medium-sized businesses across the Brazilian territory with a special focus on the Center-West, North, and Northeast regions. PrimeNet's field technical support, featuring 250 maintenance professionals spread throughout the states, sets the company apart, ensuring a timely response when servicing its customers.

According to the managing partner of PrimeNet, Olavo Concilio Ribeiro, the key element in this relationship is the new sales model. "Being able to change our business model was one of the main advantages. Previously, we had to purchase closed service packages from other VSAT operators, but now we will purchase a bandwidth pool and products according to the needs of our customers. This way, we will be more competitive and gain speed, flexibility, and cost benefits," Ribeiro stated.

"This is a very important contract and brings a successful Hughes North America business model to Brazil," explained Rafael Guimaraes, marketing director at Hughes Brazil. "PrimeNet will purchase VSAT equipment from Hughes and will be responsible for installation and field maintenance. In addition, they will purchase hub access services and a pool of satellite and Internet bandwidth, which they will manage and distribute to end users according to customers' needs. It's a win-win proposition for both companies."

For more information about Hughes do Brasil, please visit [ www.hughes.com.br ].

About PRIMENET

PrimeNet focuses on the deployment of IP-based data communication solutions to small- and medium-size businesses, hotels and inn and government agencies in Brazil. Its capabilities also include the supply of LANs (Local Area Networks), automation, and mobility equipment and services.

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 ].

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

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