Hughes’ world leadership in broadband satellite networks and services extends beyond the realm of fixed applications to include the development and supply of advanced mobile satellite systems, terminals and components for many of the world’s premier mobilesat operators.

Mobile Satellite Systems

TerreStar Networks, Inc.
Hughes is developing a leading edge Satellite Base Station Subsystem (S-BSS) and air interface protocol for Terrestar Networks, Inc., including a novel ground-based beam forming (GBBF) subsystem which is a key component of its integrated satellite and terrestrial mobile network. At the component level, Hughes is also designing a satellite chipset platform based on the 3G UMTS standard, enabling wireless mobile devices to communicate over the satellite portion of TerreStar's network.

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV)
Hughes was selected to develop and supply MSV’s Satellite Base Transceiver Sub-System(S-BTS), the central element of the base station which will facilitate communication between MSV’s satellites and terrestrial communications network. To be located in MSV’s North American satellite gateways, the S-BTS together with the spacecraft under construction by Boeing, 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.

ICO
Hughes is developing key architecture and technology for use in ICO Global Communications Limited alpha trial of Mobile Interactive Media (MIM) services, which addresses a wide variety of consumers' entertainment and communication needs, all based upon its next-generation geostationary satellite (ICO G1) and deployment of a terrestrial Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC). ICO MIM will provide full-duplex, IP data communication services using Hughes' proven ETSI standard GMR air interface technology. Hughes is also developing an integrated satellite terminal and antenna system for ICO, incorporating GMR and DVB-SH technologies, plus a GPS receiver.

Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company
With over 250,000 subscribers,Thuraya is one of the world’s most successful mobilesat operators, providing high quality voice and data services over a huge area extending from Europe and across the Middle East to Asia. Hughes developed the original GMR-1 system gateway and integrated GSM/satellite handheld for Thuraya, and was recently tapped to provide a packet data gateway and related terminal equipment. These innovative products enable Thuraya to deliver a range of broadband data services with multiple quality of service options through its new ThurayaIP offering.

Mobile Satellite Terminals

Hughes has developed and supplies a wide range of mobile satellite terminals, such as dual-mode GSM cellular/satellite handsets and broadband data terminals for Thuraya, and broadband mobile data terminals for Inmarsat's BGAN network.

The ThurayaIP terminal offers “always on” high-speed GPRS packet data via satellite. Lightweight and compact, this innovative product offers speeds of up to 444 kbps on a shared channel, facilitating Internet services anytime and anywhere in Thuraya’s coverage area of more than 110 countries.

Operating over Inmarsat’s BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) system, the Hughes 9201 mobile satellite IP terminal was part of the CNN satellite newsgathering solution honored with the Technology and Engineering Emmy award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2008.

Another recent Hughes innovation, the 9250, is designed to deliver high-speed transmit and receive rates of over 460 kbps while on the move within Inmarsat’s global BGAN satellite coverage.