Software-defined radio chipset will enable global satellite standard in mass market cellular devices

GERMANTOWN, Md., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the world's leading provider of broadband satellite networks and services today announced an agreement to develop and implement software that will power the satellite capability in SkyTerra's and TerreStar Network's next-generation integrated device chipsets. This software will enable the GMR1-3G satellite air interface standard to run side-by-side with cellular standards in a commercially available, software-defined radio (SDR) chipset being developed for SkyTerra and TerreStar Networks by Infineon Technologies AG.

With the software being developed by Hughes, a single SDR chip solution can be readily programmed to operate on a variety of cellular standards such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA, and HSUPA, while also providing satellite connectivity via the global GMR1-3G standard. This can revolutionize the cost, power, and size of satellite-enabled wireless handheld devices. SkyTerra and TerreStar both are developing landmark integrated satellite-terrestrial communications networks and services.

"We are excited to work with Hughes on the development of software to enable a single, integrated satellite-terrestrial chipset for burgeoning mass market cellular devices," said Drew Caplan, chief network officer for SkyTerra. "It opens the door to enable advanced generations of combined satellite and cellular devices that can operate on virtually all digital cellular standards globally, at low incremental cost."

Dennis Matheson, chief technology officer at TerreStar Networks, added, "The combination of GMR1-3G and terrestrial wireless on a single SDR platform, coupled with our existing development work, will enable a family of handsets that can operate throughout North America on our planned network. The added flexibility of the SDR technology will permit these devices to operate on today's standards, while ensuring an easy upgrade path for use on 4G networks."

"Hughes is proud to be associated with SkyTerra and TerreStar, both innovative mobile service providers, in developing the software for this integrated cellular phone chipset," said Graham Avis, vice president and general manager of mobile satellite terminals for Hughes. "We share in their vision to deliver universal wireless services to consumers and public safety markets utilizing the best of satellite and cellular technologies."

Hughes will be utilizing Infineon Technologies AG's X-GOLD(TM) series of SDR devices for the GMR1-3G technology platform.

About SkyTerra Communications (www.skyterra.com)

SkyTerra Communications (OTC Bulletin Board: SKYT) delivers mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. The company's next-generation integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. When completed, the network will support communications in a variety of market segments, including public safety, homeland security, telematics, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.

About TerreStar Networks Inc.

TerreStar Networks (www.terrestar.com), a majority owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation (Nasdaq: TSTR), plans to offer a reliable and secure satellite terrestrial mobile broadband network that will provide voice, data and video services dedicated to helping solve the critical communication and business continuity challenges faced by government, emergency responders, enterprise businesses and rural communities. TerreStar expects to offer next generation mobile communications through a network of partners and service providers to users who need "anywhere" coverage throughout the United States and Canada.

About Hughes

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.

(C) Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Judy Blake                    Donna Armstrong
    Hughes                        Brodeur Partners
    +1 (301) 601-7330             +1 (202) 775-2650
    judy.blake@hughes.com         darmstrong@brodeur.com

    Additional Media Contacts:

    Tom Surface                   Kelly Adams
    SkyTerra                      TerreStar
    T: +1 (703) 390-1579          T: +1 (703) 930-6449
    tom.surface@skyterra.com      kelly.adams@terrestar.com

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC