GERMANTOWN, Md., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today announced that Brad's Electronics located in Pontotoc, Mississippi, a member of the HughesNet((R)) dealer network, has reached Platinum status by successfully installing well over 60 new HughesNet subscribers within a ninety-day period. Brad's Electronics sells and installs HughesNet satellite broadband Internet access, the leading high-speed satellite Internet service in the U.S., bringing consumers broadband access in areas where landline solutions like cable and DSL are not available.

"The HughesNet service is very popular with my customers because it is a reliable, always-on connection that enables my customers to work and play online much faster than with dial-up," said Brad White, owner of Brad's Electronics. "Many customers didn't realize they had an alternative to dial-up until they came into the store and saw the service for themselves. I'm very proud to achieve this distinction from Hughes and look forward to continuing to provide top-notch service to my current customers and new ones in the near future."

White's sentiment is confirmed in a recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, which reported that nearly one in six people (17 percent) with a dial-up connection or no Internet service said that a broadband connection was unavailable to them based on where they live(1). HughesNet is available everywhere in the U.S. and to anyone with a clear view of the southern sky.

"Dealers like Brad's Electronics help educate people around the country that they don't have to be stuck with dial-up and can get a high-speed connection like so many other Americans," said Allen McCabe, assistant vice president for Channel Sales at Hughes. "We are pleased to have Brad's as part of our valued dealer network as their company has consistently provided a high quality level of service for our HughesNet customers."

With more than 473,000 subscribers, HughesNet is the leading broadband satellite Internet service in the United States. For more information about HughesNet and the range of available plans, please visit www.hughesnet.com or call 1-866-859-2268.

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((R) )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 1.9 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.

Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

(1) "Home Broadband 2009," Pew Internet and American Life Project, June 2009

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC