Broadband services enable consumers to pay with credit and debit cards

Broadband services enable consumers to pay with credit and debit cards
August 10, 2005

GERMANTOWN, Md., Aug 11, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) announced today that it has implemented DIRECWAY broadband services at 220 Burger King restaurants on behalf of Strategic Restaurant Acquisition Corp. (SRAC), the second largest Burger King franchisee. The roll out was completed in less than 30 days and enables the franchises to offer credit/debit payment options to customers. As consumer demand for cashless payment options has increased, this capability became critical for the Burger King restaurants to maintain a competitive market position. "Having online credit capability is essential for our restaurants to compete in the highly competitive quick service restaurant industry," said Steve Grossman, chief financial officer and acting chief information officer at SRAC. "We had a tight timeframe in which to roll out our solution and only Hughes could meet our deadline, while delivering the level of service we demanded at every site." After evaluating several companies, SRAC selected HNS because of its reputation in the QSR industry and its ability to handle rapid deployment of a broadband network. Once awarded the contract, HNS exceeded SRAC's expectations and installed the network in less than one month. "As consumers move away from cash and checks and embrace the ease of credit and debit transactions, having an always-on network becomes increasingly important," said Mike Cook, senior vice president of sales & marketing for North America at HNS. "With DIRECWAY broadband services, SRAC is decreasing transaction times and improving customer service, key factors in maintaining an edge in the quick-service market. We understand the demands placed on QSR operators today and we've designed our services to work the way they do -- quickly, consistently and effectively -- regardless of geography." About Strategic Restaurant Acquisition Corp. Strategic Restaurant is currently the second largest Burger King franchisee. SRAC owns and operate 225 BURGER KING restaurants in seven states across the country. SRAC is headquartered in San Ramon, California. About Hughes Network Systems Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world's leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 800,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. Hughes pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY(R) brand. DIRECWAY terminals are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations. Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (SKYT) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (DTV) each own 50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member. For additional information, please visit http://www.hns.com. HUGHES and Hughes Network Systems are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. DIRECWAY is a trademark of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC