Hughes To Provide Broadband To Rural E-Gov

By William Welsh, Washington Technology
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A.,
02 May 2002, 11:26 AM CST

IBM Corp. [NYSE:OBM] is adding satellite connectivity from Hughes Network Systems Inc. to bring broadband capability to an
existing program that rural governments can use to operate their own Web sites, the company announced April 30.

IBM of Armonk, N.Y., chose Hughes Network Systems of
Germantown, Md., to provide its proprietary Direcway
broadband satellite connectivity to IBM’s “Totally Web
Government” program.

The satellite service makes Internet access possible for rural
and remote areas of the country that lack either DSL or cable
modem Internet connections.

Through the Totally Web Government program, which is
targeted for communities of less than 50,000, municipalities
can use a template to build a low-cost Web site that enables
citizens to go online and find out about community events,
pay a utility bill or send e-mail to municipal officials.

To date, 65 municipalities in nine states have signed up with
the program, which is affiliated with the National League of
Cities and the National Association of Counties, both of
Washington, IBM said.

The nine states where IBM currently has contracts for the
program are Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan,
New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington, said company officials.

Under IBM’s Totally Web Government program, the new broadband satellite services from Hughes Network Systems are
available for a subscription cost of $1,240 for Direcway Business Edition used by most municipalities and a monthly service fee
of $99.

Reported By Washington Technology, http://www.washingtontechnology.com

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