29 October 2010

Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced the signing of a $115 million loan agreement with BNP Paribas and Societe Generale to finance the launch of Jupiter, its next generation, high-throughput, Ka-band satellite. The loan is guaranteed by COFACE, the French Export Credit Agency, and Arianespace has been contracted by Hughes to launch Jupiter in the first half of 2012.

Loan draw-downs will occur over the launch vehicle construction period leading up to the launch and will commence shortly. Terms of the loan include a fixed interest rate of 5.13 percent, and a repayment period of 8.5 years starting after launch. Funding under the facility is subject to customary closing conditions which are expected to be met shortly.

Commenting on the signing, Pradman Kaul, Hughes chairman and CEO, said "I am very pleased to have entered into this COFACE-backed facility with attractive terms that include a fixed interest rate and long tenor. I would like to thank all of our colleagues who have made this happen, including COFACE, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, and Arianespace."