Wednesday, January 09, 2002
New Delhi
The three Indian companies of Hughes Network Systems (HNS)Hughes
Software, Hughes Tele.com and Hughes Escorts Communicationwill
together maintain a yearly growth of more than 30 per cent
for the next three years. This was stated by HNS chairman
and chief executive officer Pradman Kaul. He said, I expect
that the growth of the combined entity will continue to exceed
30 per cent in the next 2-3 years.
Talking about the future plans of the company in India, Mr
Kaul said that HNS planned to bring its new generation satellite
broadband service-Spaceway to India and other Asian countries
by the end of 2004.
The technology and equipment is currently under development
and the first deployment is scheduled to be launched in North
America by mid-2003. We would like to deploy similar systems
in Europe, Asia and Latin America, he added.
The project for the Asian region would cost around $750 million
and the company was currently in discussions with telecom
service providers in major countries of Asia including India,
to participate in the project as partners, he added. While
HNS will investment in the North American project on its own,
it will look for partners in other regions, he said.
HNS and its other companies are committed to work towards
developing broadband products and services in India as a long
term goal and we will deliver Internet, education and telephony
across the country through Spaceway, stated Mr Kaul.
Talking about the merger of basic telephony business of Hughes
with Tata Teleservices, he said that the the companies were
in active and advanced discussions and the deal should be
closed within next 30 days.
Mr Kaul said that the company would require an investment
of $400 million in the Indian operations during the next one
year and the majority of investments would be made in Hughes
Tele.com. HNS will provide around $75 million as vendor finance
and the company is negotiating with banks for securing the
remaining part.
Talking about Hughes Software, Mr Kaul said that the company
would continue to focus on 3G, wireless, and IP-based network
products and solutions.
Last updated : February 2, 2004
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