DIRECTWAY ACHIEVES 26% GROWTH IN SMALL BIZ SUBSCRIBERS.

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) has announced that its consumer and small business user base reached 253,000 subscribers at the close of Q2 2005, representing 26 percent growth over the same period last year. Gross subscriber additions in the first half of the year averaged 10,000 per month, with solid demand coming from all areas of the country.

"2005 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for the DIRECWAY consumer and small business service," said Mike Cook, senior vice president at HNS. "We continue to generate strong demand for our subscription business with double-digit growth in both customer numbers and revenue. By focusing on our customers' needs and service innovation, we are both satisfying our subscribers and operating profitably-further solidifying HNS' position as the leader in the satellite broadband market."

Increased interest in DIRECWAY aligns with a growing trend toward broadband use. According to data released in early July by the Federal Communications Commission, high-speed Internet use by U.S. businesses and households rose 34 percent in 2004. Digital subscriber line (DSL) service increased by 45 percent and Cable modem use rose 20 percent. However, many homes across the United States cannot take advantage of DSL and cable offerings. For those consumers and small business owners who have been overlooked by these providers, DIRECWAY provides much-needed broadband capabilities, enabling subscribers to stay connected and conduct business online.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 800,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY(R) brand. DIRECWAY terminals are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTV) and SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SKYT) each own 50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member.

For more information, visit http://www.hns.com or call 301/601-7330