FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mobile Satellite Ventures and Hughes Announce Development and Supply Agreement for Core Element of Satellite Base Station

Reston, Va., November 8, 2006—Mobile Satellite Ventures, LP (MSV) and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) today announced the signing of an agreement under which Hughes will develop and supply MSV’s Satellite Base Transceiver Sub-System(S-BTS), in exchange for payments by MSV expected to total $43 million over its term. The S-BTS is the central element of the base station, which will facilitate communication between MSV’s satellites and terrestrial communications network.

Hughes has committed to deliver the S-BTS in 2009, concurrent with the availability of MSV’s next-generation satellite platform. It will be located in MSV’s North American satellite gateways, and together with the spacecraft currently under construction by Boeing (NYSE:BA), will represent the key components of MSV’s next-generation satellite network.

MSV’s advanced, hybrid satellite/terrestrial network will provide high-performance, IP-based connectivity and services to consumers throughout North America.

“Hughes is uniquely qualified to meet MSV’s stringent requirements for the highest level of satellite IP performance and multi-technology integration,” said Alex Good, MSV’s Vice Chairman, CEO, and President. “This agreement brings together the largest and most powerful commercial mobile satellites ever built with a high performing ground segment that will ensure MSV’s satellite network provides an unparalleled user experience, comprising direct satellite links from compact, commercially competitive cell phones.”

“Developing MSV’s next-generation S-BTS builds on Hughes’ unrivalled record of systems design and integration in the mobile satellite business,” added Pradman Kaul, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hughes.” MSV’s combined satellite and terrestrial network holds the promise to deliver the most powerful suite of satellite-delivered mobile services available anywhere.”

The MSV satellite network component will be fully integrated with MSV’s terrestrial nationwide wireless network, enabling broadband services with a wide range of portable devices, from voice and data handhelds to notebook and media PCs.

About Mobile Satellite Ventures
MSV is developing the first hybrid cellular/satellite communications network, which will create a new category of wireless services and reshape the telecommunications industry through the delivery of ubiquitous, transparent and seamless coverage of North America to conventional handsets. It has extensive patents on the technology and holds the first FCC license to provide these services. MSV conceived and has aggressively developed the hybrid network construct known as ATC (Ancillary Terrestrial Component), and to date holds over 800 patents issued and 500 additional published ATC patent claims. These 1300 issued and published claims span the breadth of all ATC network features, functions and system components, including the satellite, terrestrial and end-user equipment. For North American coverage, MSV and its joint venture partner, MSV Canada, have started construction of two satellites and the associated ground segment of the network. The MSV satellites will be the most powerful and technologically advanced commercial satellites ever built. When completed, the MSV network will transform communications through the delivery of advanced emergency response, aviation and transportation services, as well as content-rich entertainment services, to consumers through interoperable, user-friendly voice, video and high-speed data services. MSV is majority owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications (OTC BB: SKYT.0B).

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 is a fully managed, nationwide broadband offering from Hughes that encompasses all broadband solutions, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than one 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.

# # #