Hughes Network Systems wrote the book on satellite data and Internet access network services. The pioneering company is a leading provider of broadband satellite network equipment and services to the very small aperture terminal (VSAT) business market. It is also a leading provider of satellite Internet access to consumers in North America serving about 575,000 subscribers with its HughesNet service. Hughes sells communications equipment for mobile satellite-based voice and data network operators and cellular mobile network operators, as well as other users of terrestrial microwave technology. Hughes Network Systems is the primary operating subsidiary of Hughes Communications, which was acquired by EchoStar in 2011.