[Satellite Today – 4-8-08] Hughes Network Systems LLC has been issued $2.6 million in task orders by the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency and other government agencies to provide digital compressed satellite services for the Government Education and Training Network (GETN), Hughes announced April 8.
    Hughes will provide an audio and video communications network for broadcast training to GETN students in locations throughout the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Broadband satellite VSAT systems will broadcast compressed digital video and audio distance learning programs, support viewer response systems, including audio conferencing and integrated voice and data response systems, and also address agency-specific needs such as interactive television, streaming video to the desktop, large file transfers and encrypted video capabilities.
    GETN is a network of federal agencies using a common satellite carrier for a network that enables agencies to share distance learning programs using common facilities. GETN uses 12 digital Ku-band satellite uplink broadcast centers reaching more than 2,300 sites.