Hughes Launches New Online Training Course in Collaboration with Global VSAT Forum (GVF) and SatProf

Interactive platform enables rapid, cost-effective training for installers of Hughes broadband satellite systems

GERMANTOWN, Md., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and solutions, today announced that it has launched a new online training course, "GVF503H - Hughes Terminal Installation" in collaboration with the GVF and SatProf. The training course is targeted at independent installers outside the U.S. seeking to become certified as installers of the Hughes HN and HX families of broadband satellite terminals.

The online course introduces students to the Hughes family of satellite terminals and includes spacelink access methods, satellite terminal hardware overview, approved IFL and connectors, terminal web interface, commissioning process, antenna pointing, and terminal troubleshooting steps and tools. The course is a self-paced, 3D animated, highly interactive training simulation, allowing students to use simulations to practice the installation procedure.

"We are very pleased to be offering this new course in collaboration with GVF and SatProf," said Payam Herischi, senior director, International Division at Hughes. "Technicians who successfully complete this training will receive certification that validates their ability to deliver high-quality installation service to customers using Hughes satellite system products."

GVF503H is part of the existing GVF course sequence that certifies installers in satellite communications, antenna pointing, and terminal installation and commissioning. Taken in conjunction with prerequisite online fundamentals courses and the GVF hands-on skills test, students will receive the Hughes-endorsed GVF Hughes Remote Terminal Installation Specialist Certification.

"This course in an important addition to GVF's international certification program," said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of the GVF. "Hughes is the largest provider of broadband satellite solutions, so it is critical that installers receive certification on their product lines."

Students should go to the GVF Training Portal at http://gvf.coursehost.com to register for the new GVF503H course and the prerequisite fundamentals courses.

About SatProf, Inc. (www.satprof.com)

SatProf, Inc. was founded by Ralph Brooker and Peter Zilliox, both veterans of the satellite ground equipment and system engineering industry. SatProf offers standard and custom technical e-learning material and engineering support for satellite installers, technicians, engineers, and managers.

About GVF (www.gvf.org)

GVF is the international association of the satellite communications industry. Supported by 200 companies based in more than 100 nations in every major region of the world, GVF promotes higher standards of service, greater levels of market access, improved regulatory conditions, and heightened awareness by the private and public sectors of the advantages afforded by state-of-the-art satellite-based fixed and mobile solutions.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.9 million systems to customers in over 100 countries.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. ( HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

©2009 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC