Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) has announced that its Brazilian operating unit, Hughes do Brasil, has signed agreements with two top Brazilian cellular operators to provide satellite backhaul services connecting remote cellular base transceiver stations (BTS) to their GSM networks. The two contracts call for providing turn-key managed services for connecting a total of 79 BTS sites over a 60 month period. The federal government in Brazil has created incentives for cellular operators to provide service to remote, unserved areas. In exchange for granting spectrum and licenses for delivery of 3G voice, data, and video services in lucrative urban locations, the government is requiring operators to provide cellular service in remote areas that have no cellular coverage today.

Hughes do Brasil deployed the two networks in record time. All 79 sites were operational  within 70 days after the agreements were signed, including importing the required satellite equipment, shipment to the remote locations and activation of the links. The service commenced in May and is expected to eventually provide cell phone access to approximately half a million consumers and businesses in the central and northeastern regions of Brazil, bringing cellular service to these areas for the first time.