Hughes Network Systems will build and supply an 11,000-site broadband satellite network for the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) across the whole country to bring high-speed Internet and voice connectivity to previously unserved locations. According to the contract, the new network valued at $24 million is scheduled to be completed in five months and aims connect schools, hospitals, government locations, community centers and public calling offices across all of the 32 Mexican states.
   The network will be operated by Telecomunicaciones de Mexico (Telecomm Telegrafos), a decentralized government office in charge of Mexican telecommunications. Hughes won the contract after a competitive selection process, comprised of major Mexican and international broadband satellite equipment providers. "Hughes has been providing products and services to SCT for 25 years, and has proven it is a reliable supplier to the Mexican government," SCT Agency for Knowledge and Information Coordinator Monica Aspe Bernal said in a statement. "On a project of this scope and importance, an open public competitive bidding process is mandatory. Other major broadband satellite equipment providers participated in the bid and Hughes’ proposal came out on top."