Type: Subsidiary
On the web: http://www.hughes.com
Employees: 2,254
Employee growth: 1.4%

Hughes Communications aims even higher than visionary company namesake Howard Hughes did. Through operating subsidiary Hughes Network Systems, the company provides broadband satellite equipment and services, based largely on very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology. Over a network of owned and leased satellites, it provides consumers, businesses, and government agencies worldwide with broadband Internet access via the HughesNet service. The network also enables voice calling, video transmission, and data services such as credit authorization. Hughes also sells network hardware systems used by fixed and mobile communication systems operators. EchoStar bought the company for almost $2 billion in 2011.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2010:
Sales: $1,043.3M
One year growth: 3.3%
Net income: $22.8M

Officers:
President, CEO, and Director; Chairman and CEO, Hughes Network Systems: Pradman P. Kaul
EVP and CFO, Hughes Communications and Hughes Network Systems: Grant A. Barber
Director Marketing Communications: Judy Blake

Competitors:
Gilat Satellite
ViaSat
VT iDirect

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