Hughes Network Systems Honored for Innovative TESCO TV Project

Hughes Network Systems Honored for Innovative TESCO TV Project

Named as One of 'The 100 Best IT Projects of the Year' for 2004

GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems Europe (HNSE), a leading provider of broadband satellite solutions, today announced that InfoWorld Magazine (http://www.infoworld.com/) named it as a recipient of one of "The 100 Best IT Projects of the Year" awards for 2004. HNSE was recognized for TESCO TV, a broadband satellite multi-media distribution network for this leading retailer in the U.K., and fourth largest retailer worldwide.

HNSE provided TESCO with a turnkey solution to deliver targeted, in-store advertising and information on customer-facing screens at 100 of TESCO's U.K. stores. TESCO's trials of the network measured an average increase in sales of more than 10 percent among the 62 brands featured. TESCO TV has also enabled the retailer to cross-sell and promote other products within its portfolio.

"TESCO, the leading retailer in the U.K., is always striving to maximize the in-store customer experience," said Bill Pennell, TESCO Media and Revenue Generation Manager. "With this solution, we are providing more information to our customers directly at the point of sale. For our suppliers, this creates a genuine opportunity to better communicate with their, and our, end customers. HNSE was selected by us because of their superior track record, their high- quality, end-to-end solution, and their very professional way of meeting our and our customer's needs."

HNSE is the complete system integrator with Instrumental Media Group (Instrument) responsible for the content that is shown on the screens. In addition to providing the transport infrastructure through its DIRECWAY(R) two-way satellite broadband platform, HNSE has overall responsibility for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the entire implementation, inclusive of the screens.

"We're delighted to be the recipient of this prestigious award. It serves as a testament to the enduring business value delivered to clients through our broadband solutions," said Bernhard Baer, vice president for sales and marketing at HNS Europe. "We give credit to TESCO for being extremely innovative in the way they deliver value to their customers and shareholders."

InfoWorld delivers in-depth coverage and evaluation of IT products for technology experts involved in major purchase decisions for their companies. The annual awards honor companies that demonstrate the most creative use of cutting-edge technologies to further their business goals. Companies were nominated by InfoWorld readers, technology partners, and end-user companies in late summer. Solutions must stretch beyond the typical, off-the-shelf solution, using multiple technologies in innovative ways to serve well-defined business goals. To view the complete list of winners, visit http://www.infoworld.com/awards.

About Hughes Network Systems Europe

Hughes Network Systems Europe (HNSE) is Hughes Network Systems, Inc.'s (HNS) operating and sales organization for the European market. HNSE has facilities in Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Utilizing its satellite hub earth stations and network operations centers in Griesheim, Germany and Milton Keynes, U.K., HNSE provides DIRECWAY broadband satellite services throughout the continent, both directly and through a growing family of value-added service providers. HNSE designs, develops, installs and maintains a wide variety of enterprise network solutions such as broadband Internet/Intranet access, multicasting video distribution, interactive distance learning and video conferencing. Its customer base spans all major market sectors, including oil and gas, retail, automotive, banking, restaurants and governments, with more than 40,000 terminals ordered or shipped. For additional information, please visit http://www.hnseu.com/.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS), a wholly owned subsidiary of The DIRECTV Group, Inc., 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, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY brand.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTV) is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation Ltd. For additional information, please visit http://www.hns.com/.

HUGHES, Hughes Network Systems, and DIRECWAY are trademarks of The DIRECTV Group, Inc.


Source: Hughes Network Systems Europe

CONTACT: Judy Blake of Hughes Network Systems, +1-301-601-7330,
jblake@hns.com; or Leslie Tullio of Brodeur Worldwide, +1-202-775-2672,
ltullio@brodeur.com, for Hughes Network Systems Europe

Web site: http://www.hns.com/
http://www.hnseu.com/
http://www.infoworld.com/awards


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