OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EMBARQ(TM) announced today that it has signed an agreement with Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), the global leader in broadband satellite solutions and services, to be a reseller of HughesNet(R) broadband satellite Internet access to EMBARQ business customers. Now EMBARQ business customers in certain rural areas of the United States will have high-speed Internet access comparable to the services available in other EMBARQ markets.

HughesNet gives business subscribers a fast, always-on Internet connection that allows them to surf the Web more quickly and download files in a fraction of the time it takes a dial-up modem, enabling small businesses to provide their customers with faster and better service.

"Selling HughesNet high-speed Internet service to the small-business owner is the latest initiative to highlight our commitment to this market segment," said Susan Sarna, vice president of marketing and product management for EMBARQ. "This service will help businesses in some of our rural communities increase productivity by giving their employees instant access to the Internet and the ability to download files faster, all while keeping phone and fax lines open."

HughesNet service is available in a variety of packages. With download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 2Mbps and a price range of $59.99 per month to $179.99 per month, this service is designed to fit the needs and budgets of all EMBARQ business customers.

"We are very pleased that EMBARQ will be selling our HughesNet services to their small business customers," said Mike Cook, senior vice president at Hughes. "In order for businesses to grow, they need broadband access no matter where they are located. HughesNet provides them with the capability to remain competitive and to take advantage of a massive range of online resources."

For more information about satellite broadband services from EMBARQ, please contact your EMBARQ representative at 877-4EMBARQ.

About EMBARQ

Embarq Corporation (NYSE: EQ), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., offers a complete suite of communications services. The company has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500.

For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network(R) -- all on one monthly bill.

For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, business-class high-speed Internet, wireless, enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment, and managed network services.

EMBARQ believes that, by focusing on the communities the company serves and by employing common sense and practical ingenuity, it is able to provide customers with a committed partner, dedicated customer service, and innovative products for work and home. For more information, visit http://www.embarq.com.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.2 million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products 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. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUGH). For additional information, please visit http://www.hughes.com.

Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

SOURCE Embarq Corporation

/CONTACT: Vicki Soares of EMBARQ, +1-702-203-0002, vicki.soares@embarq.com/

/Web site: http://www.embarq.com http://www.hughes.com /