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Hughes to provide distance-learning network for GETN

GERMANTOWN, Md. — Hughes Network Systems LLC, a global leader in broadband satellite network solutions and services, announced it has been issued $2.6M in task orders by the Defense Information Systems Agency and other participating government agencies to provide Digital Compressed Satellite Services (DCSS) for the Government Education and Training Network (GETN). This effort is through the U.S. General Services Administration’s SATCOM-II vehicle and is anticipated to be a multi-million dollar effort. These task orders have a minimum one-year period of performance in addition to four option years, not to exceed Nov. 1, 2012.

In this effort, Hughes will provide an audio and video communications network for broadcast training to GETN students in decentralized locations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The Hughes network solution will utilize broadband satellite Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems to broadcast compressed digital video and audio distance learning programs; support viewer response systems, including audio conferencing and integrated voice and data response systems; and also address agency-specific needs such as interactive television, streaming video to the desktop, large file transfers and encrypted video capabilities.

The Hughes team in support of GETN includes Technicolor Enterprise Services, part of the Technicolor Services Division of Thomson that specializes in custom media distribution networks for business television, interactive distance learning and out-of-home advertising, such as digital signage.

GETN is a network of Federal agencies using a common satellite carrier for an interoperable, interactive network that enables user agencies to share distance-learning programs using common facilities. GETN utilizes 12 digital Ku-band satellite uplink broadcast centers reaching over 2,300 fixed dish downlink sites.

GETN user agencies include the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.