Hughes Network Systems (www.hughes.com), which specializes in broadband satellite networks and services, says its new high capacity satellite Internet service -- HughesNet Gen4 — has been successfully activated and is available for new subscribers.  

HughesNet Gen4 delivers dramatically increased speeds (up to 15 Mbps, depending on the plan) and greater download capacity, enabling customers to do more online than ever before, according to Mike Cook, senior vice president, North American Division at Hughes. It's ideal for those living in areas in which high-speed landline connections are just not available, he adds.

In addition to a better web surfing experience, HughesNet Gen4 purportedly delivers the performance required to support high-bandwidth applications, including social media and video and music streaming. HughesNet Gen4 is available in a variety of plans. Also,Hughes is offering an upgrade program for current subscribers.