Hughes, SES and Row 44 Announce Trans-Atlantic Broadband Agreement


September 9, 2013

SES and Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced a multi-year, multi-transponder satellite capacity and infrastructure deal to connect airline passengers on trans-Atlantic flights with Row 44’s inflight connectivity and entertainment services. Row 44 is a subsidiary of Global Eagle Entertainment (Nasdaq: ENT) and a leading provider of satellite-based inflight WiFi and device-based entertainment for airlines around the world.

As part of the agreement, Hughes is providing critical ground transport infrastructure and SES is delivering Ku-band capacity aboard its SES-6 satellite plus teleport support from Betzdorf, Luxembourg to enable seamless and reliable coverage over the North Atlantic.

“Through this agreement, we have significantly expanded our satellite capacity to meet the growing demand from airline passengers for seamless broadband connectivity and entertainment content in the sky,” said John LaValle, Chief Executive Officer for Global Eagle Entertainment. “This agreement ensures that we have the ground and satellite system expertise and technology in place to continue to deliver the world’s most widely deployed satellite-based in-flight WiFi service.”

“Hughes is committed to delivering advanced broadband technology and services as Row 44 continues to launch new in-flight solutions designed to serve more and more airline passengers around the world,” noted Paul Gaske, Executive Vice President and General Manager, North America, Hughes. “Commercial airliners equipped with Row 44 in-flight WiFi and entertainment solutions are certainly leading the way to meeting passenger demand for connectivity anywhere.”

“Row 44 is a true innovator of in-flight communications and entertainment solutions that keep airline passengers connected and tuned in at 30,000 feet,” said John Matlaga, Vice President of Mobility Solutions for SES in North America. “Together with Hughes, SES is committed to the exciting mobility market, enabling the delivery of high-speed broadband, live television and compelling programming line ups, as part of this exciting new frontier.”

“SES is investing in the development and delivery of satellites and satellite beams designed to meet the fast-growing demand for mobility services across the Americas region and around the world,” added Elias Zaccack, Senior Vice President of the Americas Region for SES. “The SES-Hughes partnership is aimed squarely at putting high-powered connectivity where it’s needed on the go.”