Hughes Incorporates Helius Technology into HughesNet Digital Media Service Offering

GERMANTOWN, Md. & LINDON, Utah -- Aug. 14, 2006 -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) and Helius Inc. today announced an agreement that will utilize Helius technologies in Hughes' new HughesNet(TM) Digital Media suite of services.

HughesNet Digital Media services give customers access to a more complete, single-source, managed solution for the delivery and management of multimedia content for a variety of business IPTV and digital signage applications.

"HughesNet Digital Media services are a natural extension of our satellite broadband services," said Mike Cook, senior vice president at Hughes. "Many of our customers in the retail and financial services sectors are developing internal- and external-facing applications involving IP video, and Hughes is pleased to be able to offer industry-leading technology to support them."

"We are pleased to join Hughes in the rapidly growing market for distributed IP video technologies," said Mike Tippets, president and COO of Helius. "Working together with Hughes, we will deliver unique and powerful applications that will enhance customers' experiences with HughesNet Digital Media services."

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1 million systems to customers in more than 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products 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, Md., Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications Inc. (OTCBB:HGCM). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

About Helius Inc.

Helius Inc. provides leading business-class data broadcasting solutions through secure and reliable delivery of broadband IP over satellites and local area networks. Helius products serve as the communications bridge between the satellite transmission and terrestrial integration of business-critical data, addressing in particular the stringent requirements for video transmission. This reliable and secure integration gives organizations the ability to implement new high bandwidth applications such as digital signage, distance learning, and corporate sales training and deliver these applications from satellite distribution straight to employee desktops. For more information, visit www.helius.com.

Helius is a trademark of Helius Inc. Hughes, HughesNet and IPoS are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.