[Satellite TODAY 01-05-12] Hughes Network Systems has unveiled the latest version of its satellite Internet service, HughesNet Gen4, which will launch in the first half of 2012, the company announced Jan. 4.

   HughesNet Gen4 is built upon a network of high-capacity satellites, ground technology, and in-home devices that are integrated to deliver enhanced performance. Hughes said it has been making enhancements to the HughesNet service during the past few months to improve customers’ browsing and download experience by adding new features such as larger download allowances and the ability to bank unused daily data allowances for future use. 

   “Our Gen4 satellite Internet service will be available mid-year 2012. Since the summer of 2011, Hughes has increased the download allowance of the HughesNet service by 1.5 Gigabytes per month, while the maximum download speed has been increased by 25 percent,” Hughes Senior Vice President of North American Mike Cook said in a statement. “With the new service capabilities, customers will gain a ten-fold increase in network capacity and extensive nationwide coverage, keeping them connected to the world from wherever they choose to live and work.”