Spaceway is the next generation of satellite systems developed by Hughes Network Systems and Boeing Satellite Systems. Spaceway satellites allow the high speed transmission of data for satellite internet users and high definition television feeds.
There are currently three Spaceway satellites in existance. Spaceway-1 and Spaceway-2 are already orbitting the Earth; Spaceway-3 is set to go into orbit in August 2007. The first 2 satellites provide high definition television to DirecTV customers. Spaceway-3 will be used by Hughes Network Systems in conjunction with their business and consumer satellite internet service, HughesNet.

The following are the enhanced data communication benefits of Spaceway-3 for use with HughesNet:
Fast packet switch and on-board processor enables direct user-to-user communication at broadband speed.
Advanced antenna which enables maximum frequency re-use.
10 Gbps of gross capacity (10 times more the capacity of an existing Ku-Band satellite)
Operates in Ka-band which allows transmission speeds up to 10 times faster than typical VSATs.

Both current and new subscribers will experience even greater speed than ever before. Although it is unsure what the new HughesNet package speeds will be, it is known that the speeds will be in competition with cable and DSL. Spaceway-3 will allow upload speeds as high as 16Mbps and downloads as fast as 30Mbps.

High Speeds, Small Dishes
SPACEWAY™ satellite will enable very high speeds in both directions while using compact, cost-efficient terminals. SPACEWAY™ will provide a variety of service options to meet every need—with upload speeds as high as 16Mbps and downloads as fast as 30Mbps.