Global news broadcaster, CNN, garners top innovation awards for its digital news gathering. The use of Inmarsat BGAN terminals provided by Hughes – with GateHouse communication software – was a driving force behind the awards.

Inmarsat BGAN – with its two geostationary satellites - enables high-speed internet access and multimedia connectivity at speeds up to 492 kbits/s. With the use of laptop-sized satellite terminals a broadband access can be set up from almost every location on the planet. The BGAN technology, deployed by CNN during its coverage of the Lebanon conflict in 2006, was a key factor behind the prestigious awards won by CNN at the IBC2007 Conference International Broadcasting Conference) in Amsterdam in September. CNN won a “Judges’ Prize” for top innovation of the past year and an award for “Content Creation” that cited the use of such an innovation.

The reason for the awards was that CNN journalists - by using portable IP transmission gear - could file live reports from remote locations close to the action. In this way CNN brought its viewers close to the story as it unfolded. Technically, it is the first complete newsgathering tool that works over any existing IP infrastructure, giving the journalist immediate live and video FTP submission, real time content monitoring, editing and voice communication.

From GateHouse, where software for the satellite terminals used by CNN has been developed, Business Unit Director Claus Krohn Vesterholt states: "As a supplier of communication software for the Hughes 9201 BGAN terminal, GateHouse also has a share in the award. We have worked intensively in cooperation with Hughes during development and field trials of the terminal to make sure that this advanced satellite terminal is fit for purposes like this. We are therefore proud to be a part of such a prestigious award and very pleased with the awareness that such an award attracts to the product and the BGAN technology. This award points out the advantages of the BGAN satellite terminal--for instance that it provides broadband connectivity while at the same time being lightweight, battery driven and very easy to set up and use".
 
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. Hughes has shipped more than 1.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations. 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. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com .

About GateHouse

GateHouse offers a large range of technical software products – mainly within satellite communications and asset tracking (e.g. surveillance of vessels) – and consultancy services ranging from full turnkey operation of software development to specified test operations. In addition, GateHouse is involved in the defence market. To ensure top quality and continuous improvement in software development, GateHouse works with CMMI and is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

Please direct enquiries to:  

Marketing Coordinator Mette D. Lilkær

Phone: +45-7020-1909

E-mail: mdl@gatehouse.dk

 www.gatehouse.dk

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