[Satellite Today 03-31-09] Hughes Network Systems released Hughes Utilities Solutions, an IP-based managed communications and monitoring service for the electric utility industry, the company announced March 30.
    The broadband IP network is designed to distribute satellite transmissions to sub-station facilities as part of the electric utility industry’s smart grid efforts to become more efficient in the distribution of power to consumers. The solution also aims to help utility companies meet North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s (NERC) critical infrastructure protection requirements.    
    The system includes DSL, cable, T1, EVDO, and satellite elements to deliver broadband coverage to infrastructure assets.
    NERC, which is overseen by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and government authorities in Canada, has established mandates for the security of data to and from utility generation stations and substations through a set of critical infrastructure protection requirements.