Hughes Network Systems, Inc (HNS), a provider of broadband satellite solutions, has selected Grintek Telecom, a South African information and communications technology specialist, as its representative in SA, with special focus on the Telkom SA Limited account. Telkom is SA's leading telecommunications operator.
Grintek will work together with HNS to pursue the VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) networking business with Telkom, including pre- and post-sales support of HNS's DIRECWAY broadband satellite solutions. Grintek will distribute the complete satellite product line that HNS offers.
HNS selected Grintek after conducting an extensive search that considered factors such as technical competence, company ethics, work methodology, sales strategy and logistics infrastructure.
"The South African VSAT market represents a vibrant and growing opportunity for HNS. Our satellite solutions are widely used in the region to provide connectivity to enterprises, particularly the financial services and retail sectors, as well as government agencies," says Soheil Mehrabanzad, regional director, Middle East/Africa, Hughes Network Systems. "Aligning with companies like Grintek Telecom helps HNS continue its tradition of providing outstanding customer service by expanding the support and expertise available to our customers and resellers."
"Both HNS and Grintek Telecom have strong pre-existing relationships with Telkom SA, making the pairing of our companies a natural fit," says Phumlani Moholi, managing director at Grintek Telecom. "HNS's VSAT offerings are ideally suited for the African market. We are confident that Grintek will be effective in expanding opportunities for HNS in this market. Satellite is a solution that goes to the heart of the needs of the continent," Moholi added.
The companies plan to extend the market for satellite solutions to include the delivery of broadband entertainment services such as live video and audio streaming, as well as tapping the telemedicine and distance education markets.
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Hughes Network Systems, Inc (HNS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corporation (HUGHES), is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 500 000 systems installed in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY brand, and is a major supplier of mobile satellite networks, including GSM-enabled portable handsets and Internet devices. In addition, HNS is a leading manufacturer of DIRECTV satellite television receivers, having shipped 11 million to date.
Headquartered outside Washington, DC in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. The earnings of HUGHES, a unit of General Motors Corporation, are used to calculate the earnings attributable to the General Motors Class H common stock (NYSE: GMH). To learn more about HNS, please visit www.hns.com.
Grintek Telecom
Grintek Telecom, a division of JSE-listed Grintek Ltd, is one of SA's leading empowerment ICT solutions and integration companies. Grintek Telecom provides tailored and innovative ICT solutions from initial project and business requirement consulting, through to implementation, integration and ongoing support.
The company's ICT solutions have been implemented in more than 500 top South African companies and it provides solutions, services and maintenance in 23 African countries. Over 25 international vendors have selected Grintek Telecom as their local service provider and partner.
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