Hughes Network Systems announced that its European operating entity, Hughes Europe, had completed the roll-out of an HN System solution for Telefónica España to deliver satellite-based VoIP (Voice-over-IP) rural telecoms services. "The rapid implementation of our Hughes satellite-based system network enables Telefónica to provide a high-quality and cost-effective communications service to meet its Universal Service Obligation under Spanish law", said Christopher Britton, managing director of Hughes Europe. "Customers living in rural and remote areas can, for the first time, have access to all the benefits of broadband communications, such as internet access, data transmission, Fax Group III, and access to emergency services", said Britton. The network comprises approximately 8,000 terminals, of which 80% are residential, 15% public telephony for city councils, and 5% for small-medium-sized enterprises. The satellite platform incorporates dedicated equipment supporting VoIP, including IP gateways and voice servers, and shares resources with other satellite-based networks providing broadband access to rural areas of Spain and residential/SME access.
New communications services are made possible through the installation of a second switching centre interconnecting the rural satellite VoIP network to the national telephony network. These services are available to new customers based in remote/rural areas and to existing customers migrating from the existing TRAC network (Telefonia Rural de Acceso Celular—Rural Telephony with Cellular Access) to the satellite-based VoIP network.
