Hughes Adds Virginia to U.S. State Broadband Contract List

[Satellite TODAY 03-31-10] Hughes Network Systems won a contract from the Virginia Information Technologies Agency to provide satellite broadband technology to public sector entities throughout the state, Hughes announced March 30.
    The one-year, multiple-award contract, authorizes Hughes to sell broadband technology to public sector entities located in any zip code in Virginia. The contract also includes four one-year renewal options.
    Hughes said satellite was the only technology of the seven different types of broadband options included in this multiple award vehicle, in which an entire tier of service was awarded to one supplier. “Virginia’s commitment to incorporating satellite technology, among its suite of broadband options, enables these entities to improve service delivery in key areas such as emergency preparedness, telework, backup networks, remote Internet access and distance learning,” Tony Bardo, assistant vice president for Hughes Government Solutions, said in a statement.
    The contract follows a similar seven-year contract Hughes won with New York in December to provide a suite of managed services and connectivity to statewide agencies, local governments and eligible non-profit, educational and charitable organizations.
    In a December interview with Satellite News, Bardo said Hughes’ U.S. state contract strategy has worked to sell government services across its portfolio. “We’ve found success in meeting face-to-face with these local governments and knowing their specific needs. Depending on their size, population and geography, each state has both remote areas with no access to broadband and the need for public safety connectivity,” Bardo said.
    Separately, Hughes Network Systems announced the appointment of Robert Feierbach as vice president of international sales and marketing.
    Feierbach, who previously served as head of Eutelsat‘s high-throughput Ka-band satellite project and its Tooway consumer broadband service, will be responsible Hughes’ broadband satellite products and systems to the global market.

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