GERMANTOWN, Md., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- [ Hughes Network Systems, LLC ] (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, placed #4 among the Global Top Twenty operators worldwide on the World Teleport Association's annual [ Top Teleport Operator Rankings ] for 2010.

The World Teleport Association's (WTA) annual rankings are based on the services, facilities, and business results of the top teleport companies, from independents and niche service providers to multinationals and global hybrid network operators, such as Hughes. The rankings are reported in three categories: Independent Top Twenty; The Fast Twenty; and Global Top Twenty.

"We saw an interesting shift in the Top Operator rankings this year," said Robert Bell, WTA executive director. "In the Global Top Operator list, 45 percent are independent teleport operators while the other 55 percent are satellite operators that operate their own teleports. We also saw a couple of those satellite operators penetrate the Fast Twenty list for the first time. That's consistent with many of the findings WTA has published within the last 12 months. Satellite operators are investing in their ground-based business, and as we saw in the Inside the Top Operators of 2009 published last month, several operators expect big increases in teleport and terrestrial revenues but only small increases in revenues from the space segment."

Teleports are the ground-based side of satellite networks. They are the channel by which satellites are integrated into complex networks involving fiber-optics, microwave, wireless and mobile technologies to extend their reach beyond the edge of the network. Teleport operators like Hughes are experts at bridging once-incompatible systems and solving "impossible" problems in content delivery or end-to-end networking, according to WTA.

About World Teleport Association

Since 1985, the World Teleport Association (WTA) has focused on improving the business of satellite communications from the ground up. At the core of its membership are the world's most innovative operators of teleports, from independents to multinationals, niche service providers to global carriers. WTA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of teleport operators in the global telecommunications market and promoting excellence in teleport business practice, technology and operations.

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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Hughes Ranked a 2010 Top Teleport Operator

Hughes Ranked a 2010 Top Teleport Operator

Hughes is #4 on the World Teleport Association Global Top Twenty List