India, May 5 -- Pradman Kaul, former President and CEO of Hughes Network Systems and a pioneering figure in global satellite communications, has passed away. Kaul retired from Hughes at the end of last year after nearly five decades with the company, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the satellite broadband industry.

Kaul joined Hughes in 1973 as its tenth employee and rose to become President in 2000. Over the years, he spearheaded several industry firsts, including commercialising the first broadband satellite network, the first satellite Internet service, and the first hybrid satellite-plus-wireless offering for consumers. His efforts established Hughes as a significant player in bringing satellite-based connectivity to busine...