Hughes Network Systems (Hughes) entered into a partnership with Facebook to launch HughesNet Wi-Fi Hotspots throughout Brazil and Mexico, supported by the Facebook Express Wi-Fi platform. HughesNet said its Wi-Fi Hotspots empower local merchants of villages and towns to offer affordable internet access to their customers on a prepaid basis. The company uses a platform that combines its Hughes satellite VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and Wi-Fi equipment with Facebook's Express Wi-Fi platform.
Hughes customers deployed over 32,000 of its satellite-enabled Community Wi-Fi Hotspots in Russia, Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia, bringing the benefits of internet access to more than 25 million people around the world. Any user can access the internet with a Wi-Fi capable handheld or laptop, either on a prepaid or government-subsidised (USO) basis, depending on the service model. The platform can be readily deployed virtually anywhere within the satellite footprint, including areas unserved or underserved by wireline or wireless infrastructure.
