Hughes Network Systems Reinforces Industry Leadership with Record Grow

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers/Tradeshow Writers
    2005 International CES

    LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2005--

    Company Hits Milestone with Over 220,000 DIRECWAY(R) Subscribers

    Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS), the world's leading provider of satellite broadband solutions, which it markets under the DIRECWAY brand, announced today that the company has achieved record growth in its consumer and small business segment. HNS ended the year with over 220,000 residential and small business subscribers, reinforcing its leadership position in the satellite broadband category.
    "We're extremely pleased with the growth we experienced in 2004. Our installed base and continued growth gives us the scale to deliver a level of service and support to our customers that is unmatched in the industry," said David Shiff, vice president, Sales and Marketing, HNS. "This scale, combined with our nationwide distribution, extensive installation network, and ongoing product innovations, will drive even more growth in 2005."
    HNS' DIRECWAY service is a two-way broadband satellite Internet solution that is available everywhere in the contiguous United States with a clear view of the southern sky. DIRECWAY delivers high-speed, always-on Internet connectivity that eliminates the need for a phone line.

    About Hughes Network Systems

    Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS), a wholly owned subsidiary of The DIRECTV Group, Inc., is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 800,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY(R) brand.
    Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTV) is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation Ltd. For additional information, please visit www.hns.com.

    Hughes, Hughes Network Systems, and DIRECWAY are trademarks of The DIRECTV Group, Inc.

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CONTACT: Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS) Judy Blakem, 301-601-7330 jblake@hns.com or Brodeur Worldwide Jessica Jobe, 202-775-2675 jjobe@brodeur.com

KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NEVADA MARYLAND TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERNET E-COMMERCE TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS)

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