Mobile Satellite Ventures and Hughes Network Systems Develop New GPS-Equipped L-Band Terminal For Satellite Network


MONTREAL , Aug. 10, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- (APCO Booth No. 1925) -- In response to the growing demand for dispatch radio services in the public safety market, Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS) announced today, at APCO International's 70th Annual Conference & Exposition in Montreal, that the companies have entered into a manufacturing contract to develop a new L-Band satellite terminal that will operate over the MSV mobile satellite network.

The terminals will have several new features, including GPS functionality, smaller antenna size and a compact handset that can support both voice and dispatch radio services. The GPS functionality will give MSV customers the ability to offer location-based services, enabling public safety and other users to automatically track the location of their vehicles. The new terminals are scheduled for general availability in the fourth quarter of 2005.

"Demand for dispatch radio service is very strong and continues to grow within the government and public safety markets. MSV is delighted to work with a leading manufacturer of satellite products like HNS on a new terminal that will support the needs of our current voice and dispatch radio service customers, particularly those in the emergency response community who continue to require a common talkgroup capability," said Phil Clarke, director, Business Development, for MSV.

Graham Avis, vice president of HNS' San Diego division, added, "We're pleased to bring a new generation terminal to MSV's existing network that will offer the best in leading edge, miniaturized circuitry. This terminal will provide significant added value to MSV's growing base of public safety customers."

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS), a wholly owned subsidiary of The DIRECTV Group, Inc., is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 750,000 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(r) brand. In addition, HNS is a leading manufacturer of mobile handsets and data terminals for major international mobile carriers, Inmarsat and Thuraya.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTV), formerly Hughes Electronics Corporation (NYSE:HS), is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation Ltd. For additional information, please visit www.hns.com.

About MSV

Mobile Satellite Ventures is North America's premier provider of mobile satellite communications. Delivering service since 1996, MSV offers customers a wide choice of wireless data, voice, fax and dispatch radio services via its two MSAT satellites. MSV provides superior capacity and reliability for customers across North America, northern South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and in coastal waters.

MSV is dedicated to developing the next generation hybrid wireless network over North America that will utilize a powerful satellite constellation working in unison with MSV's patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology to deliver seamless wireless services to end-users over standard wireless devices.

MSV is headquartered in Reston VA with an office in Ottawa ON. For more information, visit MSV online at www.msvlp.com.

HUGHES, Hughes Network Systems, and DIRECWAY are trademarks of TheDIRECTV Group, Inc.

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