Hughes Network Systems has announced that it has been selected by Boeing to provide the Ground Communications Network (GCN) for the MEXSAT Satellite Based Network (SBN) system.

The GCN is installed at two gateway sites, comprising Satellite Base Stations, Core Cellular Network Switching and related equipment, Customer Care and Billing Systems and reference user terminals.

Hughes has already commenced work on the 33-month project, and will supply system design and development engineering, fabrication and development of gateways, factory integration, and test of all subsystems, as well as site installation and final delivery into service.

"Hughes is proud to have been selected by Boeing to develop this essential system and core technologies for the MEXSAT program," said Matthew Mohebbi, vice president and general manager of Mobile Satellite Systems at Hughes.

"Our experience developing mobile satellite systems and terminals for operators around the world, has uniquely qualified us for this project, and we're employing our well-proven GMR1-3G satellite air interface in the design. This technology will be embedded in a range of reference user terminals we will deliver for maritime, aeronautical, and high-speed vehicular applications, including tracking."

MEXSAT will provide secure communications for Mexico's national security needs, as well as enhanced coverage for the country's civil telecommunications. The government of Mexico awarded the contract to Boeing to deliver the end-to-end satellite communications system, which will consist of three satellites, two gateway sites, associated network operations systems, and reference user terminals.