GERMANTOWN, Md., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today announced an agreement with American Farm Bureau Inc. (AFB Inc.) to offer Farm Bureau members in participating states who activate a new HughesNet high-speed satellite Internet account an attractive discount on the monthly service plan fee.

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Many Farm Bureau members live in areas that don't have access to affordable, high-speed Internet service such as DSL or cable and will benefit from this new agreement. Currently 16 state Farm Bureaus plan to offer this new benefit to their members according to Ron Gaskill, managing director of AFB, Inc.

"We are pleased to offer HughesNet for Farm Bureau members who live and work in areas where high-speed DSL or cable Internet access is not available," Gaskill said. "Farm Bureau members who activate a new HughesNet account will benefit by getting the nation's #1 satellite broadband service at a discounted monthly rate."

The discount will be applied to the Farm Bureau member's standard monthly service fee for any new HughesNet account. Farm Bureau members who qualify for assistance under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are ineligible for discounted rates offered through the Farm Bureau program.

"Hughes is excited about this opportunity to serve Farm Bureau members. With HughesNet they will enjoy fast, always-on connections for both their personal and business needs," said Allen McCabe, vice president for Channel Sales at Hughes. "We're proud to be teaming with the American Farm Bureau and look forward to helping Farm Bureau members save money with the nation's largest and reliable satellite broadband service."

To determine eligibility for the Farm Bureau program and to sign up for a new HughesNet account, Farm Bureau members should call the Hughes toll-free telephone number for Farm Bureau members, 1 (866) 556-9661, and provide their Farm Bureau membership number.

About American Farm Bureau Inc.

American Farm Bureau Inc., located in Washington, D.C., is an affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation. They negotiate agreements that provide enhanced services and reduced costs to Farm Bureau members. The HughesNet offering is only the latest addition to a long list of Farm Bureau membership benefits that offer discounts on everything from prescriptions to mobile phone service, apparel, tools, vehicles, hotel stays, car rentals, and Visa Business card services. More information on these and other membership benefits is available at http://fbcountry.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 2.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50% market share. Its products employ global standards approved by TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For more information, please visit www.hughes.com.

©2011 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC