US-based broadband satellite network specialist Hughes Network Systems has expanded its high-speed satellite Internet service, HughesNet, into Ecuador –  a market where 61 percent of residents in rural areas don’t have internet access.

The firm said that operating over the Hughes 63 West High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) payload, its broadband coverage now reaches more than 90 percent of homes throughout Ecuador, including  areas unserved or underserved by terrestrial providers.

“We are committed to bringing affordable Internet service to people and businesses everywhere in the world to help promote education, social well-being and economic development,” said Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes. “Following on our successful launch of HughesNet service in Brazil, Colombia and Peru, we take pride in bringing our signature high-speed satellite Internet to Ecuador to help connect the unconnected and bridge the digital divide.”

Hughes Networks Systems said that to date, some 1.3 million consumer and business subscribers in the Americas have signed up to its  HughesNet high-speed internet service. “Service plans offered in Ecuador come with built-in Wi-Fi and include speeds of up to 50 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload,” it added.

“This next step in Ecuador continues our strategy to expand HughesNet service across the Americas” said Vinod Jain, vice president International at Hughes. “Ecuador is an important and growing market, and we intend to bring consumers and businesses attractive pricing plans with fast and reliable service— enabling them to do more online, including email, shopping, downloading music and video, using social media or just browsing the web.”

HughesNet is powered by the latest generation of the Hughes JUPITER System, which employs the DVB-S2X standard for highly efficient use of satellite bandwidth. The JUPITER System supports a wide range of applications, including broadband Internet/ Intranet access, to community Wi-Fi hotspots, cellular backhaul, digital signage and mobility, including airborne services.