[Satellite TODAY 06-10-10] Hughes Network Systems has released its Hughes Emergency Solutions offering, designed to provide expedited broadband Internet connectivity for business and government when a disaster occurs, the company announced June 9.
    Hughes’ broadband satellite services network aims to provide connectivity when terrestrial networks, including cell towers, are severely damaged and incorporates satellite services, such as e-mail, order processing, information sharing and inventory control into emergency planning and response activities for businesses and government agencies.
    The solution’s Internet service is powered by Hughes Spaceway 3 Ka-band satellite system and features download speeds of up to 5 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 1 Mbps. The service plan includes technical support and next-business day field maintenance. Hughes can also provide mobile satellite service using Inmarsat BGAN service and Hughes BGAN terminals.
“According to researchers from John Hopkins and Texas A&M University, during the last five major hurricanes, nearly 30,000 businesses and government entities were forced to cease operations due to power outages and loss of Internet connectivity. The 2010 hurricane season is expected to be above normal with an estimated 16 named storms and nine hurricanes — five of which will be Category 3 or higher,” Hughes said in a company statement.