Spotlight: HNS Finds New Turkish Partner

Germantown, Md.-based Hughes Network Systems (HNS) is teaming up with a Turkish company to expand the international reach of its DirecWay satellite broadband service. The new partner, DEXAR Multimedia ve Telecommunications, the telecommunications subsidiary of Turkey’s ZORLU-VESTEL Group, will offer the DirecWay broadband service of HNS from a teleport in Istanbul in early September 2003.

DEXAR is providing high-speed Internet access to consumers, small office/home office users and enterprises throughout Turkey, Europe, and many parts of the Middle East. In addition, DEXAR will develop distance-learning applications to be offered over the DirecWay system.

HNS was an appealing partner due to its reputation as a “technology innovator” and market leader in broadband satellite services, said Zuhal Ertan, general manager of DEXAR. “DirecWay allows us to be among the first telecom operator companies to offer two-way, high-speed satellite services to our geographically dispersed customer base.”

In addition, the satellite broadband service will allow DEXAR to expand its service offerings and make Internet access available to everyone in the region, Ertan said.

The relationship is part of DirecWay’s effort to expand its satellite broadband service customer base worldwide. “We look forward to continued expansion of DirecWay broadband satellite throughout the region,” said Ali Mohadjer, international vice president at HNS.

–Paul Dykewicz

(Arunas Slekys, Hughes Network Systems, 301/428-5502)