Hughes, the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today announced that it has been named the leading equipment vendor for FY 05-06 in the satellite broadband (VSAT) category in the Indian Telecom Industry report released by Voice & Data. With revenues of Rs 136.1 crores, Hughes registered a growth of 34.8 percent in FY 05-06 with the industry showing an upward growth rate of 22 percent by reaching Rs 352 crore.

Globally too Hughes commands a leadership position with over 60 percent of the total satellite broadband market.

The strong financial markets and growth in economy in all sectors were the key drivers for satellite equipment market growth. The bullish stock markets, education initiatives by the government and private players and the growth area in the retail sector were the key drivers for the growth in the market.

"Emerging market segments coupled with growing Broadband and Multicast applications have fuelled the growth of satellite broadband in the country. I am confident that in the near future, satellite broadband will pan out as a lucrative alternative to terrestrial solutions", said Mr. Partho Banerjee, President, Hughes Communication India.

Segments that have been the key growth drivers for Hughes are Telecom, Education, Retail and Banking. Some of the key customer wins in this fiscal include Edusat and Indian Railways (IRCOT), BSE, ITC, and Reliance Industries to name a few.

India has a cumulative installed base of 70,000 VSAT terminals with ITC being the leader with over 5500 deployments.

Overall the telecom equipment market grew at a modest 25 percent in FY 05-06 to reach Rs 52,998 crores. 

Sourced From : Text 100 Public Relations Consultancy