Hughes Honored for Satellite Internet Industry Leadership

Hughes, providers of the popular HughesNet high-speed satellite Internet service, received a 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Market Leadership this week for their efforts in the consumer satellite broadband industry. The award is given to companies that demonstrate superior innovation, customer service and leadership and winners are chosen by a panel of industry analysts.

Speaking about the award, Hughes senior vice president Mike Cook said that the company is “proud to receive the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Market Leadership for our HughesNet high-speed Internet access service.” He went on to say that “from online banking and shopping to social media applications, the demand for broadband is growing unabated and we look forward to continuing to lead the way in meeting the needs of our subscribers.”

It’s been a very positive summer for Hughes, as last month they were able to report a massive gain of 18,000 HughesNet subscribers during the second quarter. The total number of HughesNet subscribers now tops 470,000. HughesNet is an always-on, satellite Internet service that allows those not served by cable or DSL providers to enjoy the full experience of a high-speed Internet connection.

Broadband for All Americans Part of Stimulus Package

The Federal Communications Committee has been tasked with proposing a plan for all Americans to have broadband access as part of President Obama’s economic stimulus package. This plan must be delivered to Congress by February 17, 2010 and take into consideration key opportunities such as how to reach all Americans with broadband service, how to maximize use of current broadband infrastructure and methods for broadband to increase consumer and economic activities.

Cable companies and telcos will receive portions of the stimulus package and it’s likely that unserved and underserved populations will be primary recipients of individual funds. To stay abreast with progress on this initiative, visit FCC.

Dial-Up Makes a Come Back

Just when you thought dial-up had gone the way of the dinosaurs, it makes a steady come back. Who would have thought that dial-up Internet service could compete with DSL, high-speed and satellite Internet connections.

Well it turns out the economy is bringing back dial-up. In times of a recession, budgeting, economizing, down-sizing and saving money, consumers are starting to question the need for speed.

I mean if you're into gaming and downloading movies and tv shows then going back to dial-up is definitely not for you. But, if you're looking into cutting back on spending and you just check e-mail and occasionally surf the Web, then going to an economical dial-up connection is definitely the way to go.

To read more on this topic, read the article Postponing Dial-Up's Demise, that I found on The Wall Street Journal Web site.

Happy Holidays from WhiteFence

Everyone here at WhiteFence wants to wish our loyal readers a very Happy Holiday season!

We hope your:

• Table is filled with yummy food and desserts. Mmmm turkey and stuffing, or tofurky if you're veggie and pumpkin pie, no wait, apple pie, or any pie you like.
• Holidays are filled with friends and family. The more the merrier!
• House is warm and cozy with the power of natural gas.
• Holiday lights are nice and bright and humming with electricity.
• Home phone is connected so you're able to contact friends and family that are far and near.
• TV services like cable or satellite are working perfectly so you can enjoy your favorite holiday shows.
• Pocket book isn't empty from buying presents. But if you spent too much, just click on over to WhiteFence and enter in your address to shop and compare rates to find a lower rate on your home phone, Internet, utilities and more and begin saving money in the new year!

Japan's High-Speed Satellite

Blast off! Japan sent a satellite into orbit over the weekend, full of high-speed aspirations— the idea is that this satellite can provide all of Asia with blazing high-speed internet. A successful launch took place on Saturday evening, with the rocket taking off from the Space Center located at Tanagashima island.

Supposedly, the satellite will be of value to Japan for the next 5 years, supplying a signal that will allow for up to 1.2 GB per second download speeds. While the service won't be available until July, Japan is hoping to provide high-speed internet to rural areas that are hard to access given the current infrastructure.

Find out more at ECanadaNow.

HughesNet Reaches Customer Milestone

Hughes Network Systems announced this week that the number of HughesNet small business and residential subscribers surpassed 325,000 during the fourth quarter of 2006, an 18 percent growth over the same period in 2005, demonstrating continued steady growth in satellite broadband subscriptions among consumers that do not have access other means of obtaining high-speed Internet services.

"There are a considerable number of people in communities across the country who still are unable to receive high-speed Internet access through cable, DSL, or other terrestrial means," said Max Engel, Satellite and Broadband analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "For those consumers, satellite broadband offers an excellent alternative to their dial-up service."

During 2006, the company successfully transitioned to the HughesNet brand and launched a new subscriber platform and service plans, offering subscribers enhanced quality, speeds and performance.

"The continued growth in our subscriber base is a testament to the service quality we are delivering today," said Mike Cook, senior vice president of Hughes. "By focusing on our customers' needs and service innovation, we are satisfying our subscribers and further solidifying our position as the leader in the satellite broadband market."

For more information, check out the press release Hughes Reaches New Pinnacle in Subscriber Numbers.