Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Utilizes Digital Signage Network to Communicate with Department Personnel and Inmates

On-demand training feature allows employees to conveniently stay abreast of industry developments while continuing to serve the community

LINDON, Utah, January 26, 2009 -- Helius, a Hughes company, today announced that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff Lee Baca, has selected the Helius digital communications system to inform and train its employees, as well as to keep inmates abreast of correctional facility rules and regulations. The Helius solution, chosen in part because traditional communications channels were often inefficient, will allow the Sheriff's Department to optimize the flow of information from central command to local offices and ensure that timely information is disseminated quickly and efficiently.

“We tested other solutions, but in the end we chose Helius because the system allowed us to conveniently provide digital signage, on-demand training, and department-wide communications in an affordable, all-in-one package,” said Sergeant Steve Strange

As the largest sheriff's department in the world, Los Angeles County will deploy screens in high traffic areas at each of the 23 stations and 10 correctional facilities under its jurisdiction, reaching an estimated 18,000 deputies and professional staff.

The Helius-powered network will provide deputies and professional staff with current news and weather data, crime data, and other important messages. Additionally, the network will provide personnel with access to training information that can be used to supplement classroom-based work. According to Sergeant Strange, “A deputy's typical workday makes traditional in-class training very difficult to schedule. The Helius system gives the department access to on-demand training, which can be viewed at a time that is convenient to each individual.”

At the 10 correctional facilities where this network will be deployed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will use separate screens for employees and inmates. Employee-facing screens will operate similarly to those in patrol stations. Inmate-facing screens will be used to inform incoming inmates of their processing status, and correctional facility rules and guidelines. The inmate-facing screens will be presented in different languages to address the cultural diversity of Los Angeles County.

“The Sheriff's decision to implement our multi-purpose solution further validates the importance of using a media system that offers both communication and training capabilities. We welcome the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to our broad base of corporate and government customers who use our system at tens of thousands of sites across North America,” said Mike Tippets, president of Helius. “Helius is proud to offer solutions that enable law enforcement and first responders to remain current and receive key information as they valiantly serve and protect our communities.”

To learn more about Helius digital signage and IPTV solutions or how Helius can create a customized solution to fit your specific needs, please visit www.helius.com.

About Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is the largest sheriff's department in the world with over 18,000 employees, over 9,500 of whom are sworn deputies. They operate one the largest United States jail systems, which provides short-term incarceration services for the entire County. For more information, visit www.lasd.org.

About Helius
Helius, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), provides digital communications solutions for business. Our patented expertise helps organizations implement applications such as digital signage, distance learning, and corporate communications. For more information, visit www.helius.com or call Jeff Crapo at 801-764-9020.

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA-, ETSI-, and ITU-standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.