Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) has announced the U.S. subsidiary of Telecomunicaciones Bantel C.A., a provider of satellite communications in Venezuela for more than 18 years, has upgraded to the advanced Hughes HN System platform in providing Ku-band broadband services to Latin American markets.

Bantel is operating the powerful HN Network Operations Center (NOC) in Miami and implementing the full range of the latest Hughes HN7000S, HN7700S, and HN7740S satellite terminals for its growing base of vertical sector customers throughout the region. The HN System enables Bantel to provide their customers with higher availability, pan-regional coverage and a direct connection to U.S. Internet points of presence (POPs). They are also exploring the possibility of providing video broadcasting services to enterprises, including digital signage applications.