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Accelon Selects Hughes Network Systems' DIRECWAY for Pan-African Satellite Network

Posted on: Wednesday, 17 March 2004, 06:00 CST

GERMANTOWN, Md., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS), the world's leading provider of broadband satellite solutions, which it markets under the DIRECWAY(R) brand, announced today that it has supplied Accelon, a pan-African satellite network operator, with a comprehensive broadband satellite solution. A DIRECWAY Network Operations Center (NOC), installed in Nigeria, is already operational. Together with associated remote satellite terminals, full commercial launch is scheduled for the 2nd quarter of 2004.

The DIRECWAY broadband network enables Accelon to offer reliable, cost- effective broadband connectivity for data, Internet access, and Voice over IP (VoIP) services suitable for business, government, and residential customers in the various African markets. The company's technical, operational, and support resources are available to end customers directly, as well as through a network of channel partners.

Jock Anderson, Chief Operating Officer for Accelon, said the Accelon business model has been tried and tested in Europe and the US, and has been uniquely adapted for the African market. "Accelon's offering is vital to extending access of the global village to a broader market in Africa. Dial-up has reached saturation in many African countries, and alternative technologies are expensive or not extensively available. We aim to establish ourselves as the leading player in each market we enter by making broadband access and services readily available."

"We are pleased to add Accelon to the growing list of successful DIRECWAY operators around the world and are optimistic that Accelon's coverage over much of Africa will help to bridge the 'digital divide,' bringing essential broadband connectivity to businesses and thereby spurring economic development," said Nicholas Marzella, vice president, International Division, HNS.

Robert Tibbs, Chief Executive Officer of Accelon, stated, "We are keenly aware of the operational challenges in Africa. But with the skills and uniquely combined African experience of the Accelon team and the proven broadband satellite solution from HNS, we are confident of delivering world- class service and support to our customers throughout Africa."

About Accelon

Accelon is a pan-African satellite Internet access provider delivering flexible services and reliable Internet connectivity in the West Africa region. Accelon was conceived and developed by its founding shareholder Africa Venture Partner, a South African-based corporation focused exclusively on the telecommunications and technology sectors on the African continent. Among Accelon's shareholders and its most strategic partner is SES Global, the world's leader in global satellite communications with a fleet of 42 satellites. Accelon's financial partner and also a significant shareholder is the South African-based IDC, one of the leading investors into Africa. For addition information, please visit Accelon's Website at http://www.accelonafrica.com/.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corporation (HUGHES), is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 600,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY brand. In addition, HNS is a leading manufacturer of DIRECTV(R) satellite television receivers, having shipped more than 14 million to date.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. HUGHES is a unit of Fox Entertainment Group, part of News Corporation Limited. For additional information, please visit http://www.hns.com/.

HUGHES, Hughes Network Systems, and DIRECWAY are trademarks of Hughes Electronics Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Hughes Network Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Judy Blake of Hughes Network Systems, Inc., +1-301-601-7330, orjblake@hns.com; or Colleen Stroh of Brodeur Worldwide, +1-202-775-2648, orcstroh@brodeur.com, for Hughes Network Systems, Inc.

Web site: http://www.hns.com/http://www.accelonafrica.com/

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