Hughes and NMS Communications Certify Interoperability for Optimization of Cellular Satellite Backhauling

Germantown, MD/Framingham, MA, December 18, 2006—Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) (NASDAQ: HUGH) and NMS Communications (NASDAQ: NMSS) today announced the successful completion of interoperability testing between the Hughes HX family of IP satellite broadband modems and NMS' AccessGate™ Radio Access Network (RAN) backhaul optimization offerings. As a result, 2G and 3G cellular operators can now take advantage of optimized satellite backhaul solutions, which Hughes and NMS are offering together.

GSM/UMTS operators are increasingly using geostationary satellites for backhauling cellular traffic from remote cell sites to their switching centers, particularly in those locations where geography and/or distance challenge the viability of more traditional backhauling technologies, such as microwave or terrestrial leased lines. The Hughes and NMS optimized solutions marry the sophisticated bandwidth allocation techniques in the HX product platform with the patented deep packet inspection capabilities pioneered by NMS in its AccessGate family of RAN optimizers.

“NMS' AccessGate interoperated very effectively with our HX satellite broadband platform, enabling further backhaul cost efficiencies that are so critical to Wireless operators,” said David Jupin, vice president of International Applications Engineering at Hughes. “NMS has a solid reputation in the RAN backhaul optimization market, and we are pleased to be bringing this comprehensive solution to market with them.”

“Hughes is a pre-eminent provider of broadband satellite networks and services around the world. We're pleased to be working with them to deliver a backhaul optimization solution with such a compelling value proposition for wireless network operators,” said Dan Daly, vice president for NMS' Network Infrastructure group.

About NMS Communications

NMS Communications (NASDAQ:NMSS) is a leading provider of technologies and solutions for mobile applications and infrastructure. NMS develops products that enable new mobile voice, data and Video applications and improve the performance and quality of wireless networks, helping our customers grow their revenues and profits. Visit www.nmscommunications.com for more information.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet™ encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than one million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

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