Hughes Network Systems facts for kids
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Satellite networks and services |
| Founded | 1971 (Digital Communications Corp) |
| Headquarters | Germantown, Maryland, U.S. |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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| Services | Global communications |
| Revenue | $1.97 billion (2022) |
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Number of employees
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2,000 (2022) |
| Parent | EchoStar |
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Hughes Network Systems, LLC is a company that provides internet service using satellites. It's based in Germantown, Maryland, USA, and is part of a bigger company called EchoStar. Many people in North and South America use HughesNet, their satellite internet service.
Contents
History of Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems started in 1971. Back then, it was called Digital Communications Corporation (DCC). A group of seven engineers and a lawyer, including John Puente and Dr. Burton Edelson, created the company. They worked out of a garage in Rockville, Maryland, making circuit boards for phone and communication products.
By 1977, DCC had grown quite a bit. In 1978, another company called Microwave Associates bought DCC. The company then became MA/COM-DCC and began to focus on products related to satellites.
A big invention for the company came in 1985. They created the very small aperture terminal, known as a VSAT. This technology helps connect places far away using satellites. One of their first customers for VSAT was Wal-Mart, which used it to link its stores in rural areas.
In 1987, Hughes Aircraft Corporation bought MA/COM-DCC. The company was then renamed Hughes Communications. Later, in 2004, News Corp bought a large part of Hughes, mainly for its DirecTV unit. Hughes then became part of SkyTerra Communications Inc.
In 2007, Hughes Communications became an independent public company again. Finally, in 2011, EchoStar bought Hughes for about $2 billion. Since then, Hughes has been a part of EchoStar.
How Hughes Connects the World
Hughes Network Systems offers different ways to connect people and businesses using satellites. Their main service for homes is called HughesNet.
Satellite Systems and Technology
Hughes uses special satellite systems to provide internet. In 2012, they launched the Jupiter System. This system helps connect homes and businesses to the internet using satellites. It also supports things like Wi-Fi hotspots, connecting cell towers, and even providing internet on airplanes.
About 1,000 airplanes use Hughes technology to give passengers internet access. In 2018, Hughes made the Jupiter system even better, allowing for faster internet speeds. Hughes also has other satellite platforms, like HX and HT, which are used by telecom companies and the military around the world for internet, phone calls, and video.
Hughes has set up over 9 million VSAT terminals in more than 100 countries. This means they have a large share of the market for these satellite dishes.
Satellite Services for Cell Phones
Hughes also helps extend cell phone service to remote areas. They use satellites to connect cell towers in places where it's hard or expensive to lay down cables, like in mountains or very rural areas. This helps bring 4G/LTE service to more people around the world.
HughesNet for Homes
HughesNet is Hughes Network Systems' satellite internet service for families and small businesses. It first started in 1996 as DirecPC, then became Direcway, and finally HughesNet in 2012.
In 2017, HughesNet became the first satellite internet provider to meet the US government's definition of "broadband" internet. This happened after they launched powerful new satellites called EchoStar XVII and XIX.
HughesNet has expanded to many countries outside the US. In 2016, it launched in Brazil. Later, it expanded to Colombia in 2017, Peru in 2018, Ecuador in 2018, and Mexico and Chile in 2019.
Reports from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) have shown that HughesNet often meets or goes beyond its advertised internet speeds. It has also been named a top rural and satellite internet provider by U.S. News & World Report.
However, because HughesNet uses satellites far away in space, there can be a slight delay, called latency. This delay is longer than with internet that uses cables on the ground. This means it might not be the best for things like online video games or video calls where a very quick response is needed.
Managed Network Services for Businesses
Hughes also offers special services for large businesses and government groups. These are called managed network services. They help businesses manage their internet, Wi-Fi, and other digital tools.
See also
In Spanish: Hughes Communications para niños
- Hughes Europe
