Hughes Honored by Maryland Hi-Tech Council as Technology Firm of the Year

Company named “High Technology Firm of the Year”

Germantown, Md., May 20, 2008—Hughes Communications, Inc. (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite network solutions and services, today announced that the Company was named “High Technology Firm of the Year” by the Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) at its annual dinner and tech awards celebration held May 15, 2008 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

For 20 years, TCM has recognized the outstanding achievements of the IT and biotechnology communities in the state of Maryland. Award winners are selected by a panel of industry TCM members and service providers from throughout the state.

“We are extremely proud to receive this award from the Maryland Hi-Tech Council,” commented Pradman Kaul, president and CEO of Hughes. “It is indeed a special honor for Hughes to be recognized by an organization of its high technology peers.”

The High Technology Firm of the Year Award acknowledges the company that has innovative technologies and products which are making a difference in the way companies do business. Criteria include:

* Innovative products and services relevant to the market * Strong long-term prospects for business * Market penetration and impact * Positive influence in the marketplace * Significant, measurable successes, including increased revenue, profit, and employee growth * A crisply executed growth strategy

In 2006, Mr. Kaul was named “Executive of the Year” by TCM for his outstanding leadership of Hughes.

About The Tech Council of Maryland

The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCM’s mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow, and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com.