[Via Satellite 03-06-2014] The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Hughes Network Systems a contract to provide commercial satellite communications (COMSATCOM) end-to-end solutions to enable the network’s distance learning capabilities. The task will support the Government Education and Training Network (GETN), a coordination of eight federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, executive branch agencies and federal judiciary agencies that share satellite technology, facilities, and distance learning programs. The task order was awarded through GSA’s Custom Satellite Communication Solutions (CS2) contract vehicle.

Hughes will provide a one-way and two-way audio network for GETN users via broadband satellite, specifically including satellite capacity, project management, COMSATCOM engineering system design and implementation, and operational support. Digital and audio training programs will be broadcast to students in the 50 states and the Caribbean through a geosynchronous satellite, with return channels allowing students to interact with the instructor.