Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite solutions and services, today announced that it has signed a contract with Thaicom Public Company Limited (Thaicom), a leading satellite communications provider in Asia Pacific, to provide its broadband satellite technology for in-flight connectivity services, in partnership with Global Eagle Entertainment (Nasdaq: ENT).
This contract follows the announcement last fall of an agreement between Thaicom and Global Eagle Entertainment to jointly develop, implement and support in-flight connectivity for airlines in SE Asia. Hughes satellite technology has been deployed in conjunction with Global Eagle Entertainment’s in-flight connectivity system to provide in-cabin services on more than 550 aircraft globally.
“Thaicom has expanded our In-flight Connectivity (IFC) offering as a part of our Mobility Services, utilizing the latest satellite-based communications technologies that have extensively served sea-air-land connectivity targeting customers in Thailand and Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Sakon Kittivatcharapong, senior vice president, Ground System Operations at Thaicom PLC. “With In-flight Connectivity our airline partners will gain significant advantages by reducing operational costs while adding more value to their services.”
Dr. Kittivatcharapong continued, “The Hughes broadband satellite solution, in conjunction with the end-to-end services provided by Global Eagle Entertainment, is an ideal choice for us and our airline partners, as it enables state-of-the-art in-flight connectivity in real time and is one of the most proven solutions available today. Launching this service represents another significant milestone for Thaicom as we develop additional innovations and end-to-end solutions for more value-added services to our customers and bring economic benefits to our country. This will also strengthen the capability of Thailand’s satellite systems to grow and stay competitive with other global players.”
“Thaicom’s selection of Hughes technology for its in-flight platform is yet another validation of our leadership in broadband satellite solutions–whether on land, air or sea,” said Vaibhav Magow, senior director of Asia/Pacific region at Hughes. “We are confident that it will enable Thaicom to deliver a reliable and enjoyable in-flight connectivity service for airlines across Thailand and the Asia Pacific region.”
About Thaicom Public Company Limited
Thaicom Public Company Limited, a leading satellite communications provider in Asia Pacific, was granted a 30-year Domestic Communication Satellite Operating Agreement by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (currently transferred to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT). The company was the first in the region to offer Ku-band and Digital Direct-to-Home broadcasting services, and was the world’s first operator to employ MPEG-2 DVB compression since 1994. Thaicom also developed and launched the world’s first Internet Protocal (IP) satellite, IPSTAR. At present, IPSTAR offers broadband and mobile backhaul services to operators and service providers in 13 countries across Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.thaicom.net and www.ipstar.com.
About Global Eagle Entertainment
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: ENT) is a worldwide provider of media content, technology, and connectivity solutions to the travel industry. Through the industry’s most comprehensive product and services platform, Global Eagle Entertainment provides airlines with a wide range of inflight solutions. These include Wi-Fi, movies, television, music, interactive software, as well as portable IFE solutions, content management services, e-commerce solutions and original content development. Serving over 150 airlines worldwide, Global Eagle Entertainment delivers exceptional quality and value to its customers to help them achieve their passenger experience objectives. The company’s headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California, with offices and teams located in North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Oceania and South America. Find out more at www.globaleagleent.com.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the world’s leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 4 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.
