Valued at approximately $18.5 million, the project is hosted by the Ministry's Social Telecommunications Program ("Compartel") and the Ministry's "Fondo de Tecnologias de la Informacion y las Communicaciones", and is scheduled to commence in 2012, concluding by mid 2013.

Gilat's SkyEdge II solution, featuring the Company's innovative WebEnhance VSAT, will provide broadband connectivity featuring data rates of up to 2 Mbps.

The network is expected to connect 1,676 schools located in five separate districts across rural Colombia, and is part of a national bid for over 6,800 schools awarded to seven operators.

The program is part of the Colombian government's ongoing efforts to reduce the communication gap in Colombia, and further investment in improved access to advance communications services in schools.

"Thanks to these awards more than 6,800 rural schools in the country will have access to the Internet with twice or four times the speeds they enjoyed before.

More than 1,130,000 children and adolescents will have the same opportunities as urban students to use information technologies in their schools," said Diego Molano Vega, Minister of IT and communications.

"Gilat has been at the forefront of delivering communication services in Colombia for over a decade, and we are proud to be able to continue this important work and be a valid contributor to improving the lives of children across rural areas," said Amiram Levinberg, Gilat's CEO and Chairman of the Board.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Luxembourg (SPX) Dec 23, 2011 - SES has signed an agreement with the UK networks systems integrator Rustyice Solutions Ltd for the distribution of SES' satellite-based broadband service ASTRA2Connect. The service will be marketed with packages of up to 10 Mbps by the company's subsidiary, Apogee Internet UK, and will be available throughout the United Kingdom.

Apogee Internet UK is the only Scotland-based company to offer satellite broadband services to primarily residential customers, but to commercial customers as well. SES announced on 20 December that it increased the speed of its ASTRA2Connect broadband service to 10 Mbps.

Rustyice Solutions has specialized in network engineering for business customers in the UK since 1998. The company provides complete network solutions and services specifically tailored to the customers' needs, from IT infrastructure to network security and web services.

With the new strategic partnership, Rustyice Solutions is expanding its offer to a new business area by providing broadband internet access via satellite to customers who may have no access to line-based broadband services.

"We are pleased to cooperate with a partner for ASTRA2Connect who can draw on many years of experience in providing high-quality network solutions in the UK," said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES.

"The cooperation with Rustyice Solutions is a further step in the development of our satellite broadband business in Western Europe."

Paula Livingstone, Managing Director of Rustyice Solutions, said: "We are extremely pleased to add SES' proven satellite broadband service to our portfolio of products and services.

"This strategic partnership will further enhance our market position whilst enabling us to offer our customers a complete connectivity solution wherever they may be in the UK.

"As the network develops and the services it carries become increasingly fundamental to both residential and business customers, this is an important element of our longer term strategy.

We are convinced that this new agreement will be another chapter in the successful cooperation between Rustyice Solutions and SES."

ASTRA2Connect is an interactive broadband internet service that is offered via distribution partners to consumers and businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The service is independent from any terrestrial network and is immediately available anywhere within the footprint of the satellite.

To date, ASTRA2Connect has more than 80,000 end-users in Europe, thereby representing the largest satellite-based broadband network on the continent.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Petah Tikva, Israel (SPX) Dec 16, 2011 - Gilat has been selected by JSC NC 'Kazsatnet', a Republic of Kazakhstan telecommunications company, to deploy a SkyEdge II broadband satellite network to complement its fiber and IP networks.

Gilat's Sky Edge II solution will provide JSC NC 'Kazsatnet' with an end-to-end solution for fiber backup and IP-connectivity, linking 14 regional centers in a multi-star topology to the SkyEdge II hub located in Astana.

The regional centers will deploy Gilat's high-performance NetEdge gateway solution, and together will connect over 200 VSATs in remote sites. The deployment will also include 14 of Wavestream's 40W Ku Band solid state BUCs (Block Upconverters).

"Gilat's ability to provide a scalable and reliable network solution has been a decisive factor in our selection process," said Mr. Kanat Abildin, Chairman of the Board of JSC NC 'Kazsatnet'.

"Featuring the unique capabilities of Gilat's NetEdge gateway, this project establishes a broad satellite network that can support a diverse range of broadband services with maximum bandwidth efficiency - allowing us to serve multiple customer profiles and scale the network as demand grows."

"We are proud to be selected by JSC NC 'Kazsatnet' for this important national project which allows us to continue with support of the Republic's ongoing demand for a robust IP infrastructure.

"We are excited to have Gilat's expertise in deploying multi-star networks receive once again the industry's vote of confidence," said Mr. Arie Rozichner, Gilat's Regional Vice President of Eurasia.

JSC NC 'Kazsatnet' is responsible for the implementation of short and long term programs in the area of telecommunications, responsible for the implementation of advanced informational technologies programs aimed at social-economic solutions, and the provisioning of unified policy for information security.

The Company provides a wide range of up-to-date communication services across the Republic of Kazakhstan.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Petah Tikva, Israel (SPX) Dec 01, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Networks introduced the satcom-on-the-move (SOTM) solution for airborne applications, featuring a very small Ku-band broadband antenna customized for airborne use.

"Gilat's strategy which led to the acquisition of Wavestream and RaySat Antenna Systems has enabled us to produce a fully integrated solution that benefits from the combined core competencies and technological advancement of the three companies", said Moshe (Chico) Tamir, Gilat's Vice President of Defense and Homeland Security.

"Our integrated solution, featuring what we believe is the industry's smallest and most lightweight antenna in its category, is optimal for the defense and military markets as it addresses the critical need for reduced weight in order to increase the endurance of unmanned aerial vehicles."

The solution is comprised of Gilat's MLT-1000 ruggedized spread spectrum satellite modem, RaySat Antenna Systems' SR-71 - a two-way, on-the-move, flat panel tracking antenna, and Wavestream's compact 40W Ku-band block up-converter (BUC) and power amplifier, part of the AeroStreamTM airborne product family, all of which have been tightly integrated to produce a lightweight, compact and low-power terminal that is ideal for airborne applications.

RaySat Antenna Systems' SR-71 is a very compact and lightweight broadband mobile antenna. Part of the StealthRayTM family of products, it includes a 6 inch broadband array which tracks any Ku-band satellite position. The SR-71 can support high broadband user experience of up to 1 Mbps transmit and 2 Mbps receive.

The MLT-1000 supports very low SNR (signal to noise ratio) of -13dB, optimally integrating with the small dimensions of the SR-71 antenna. Complementing the solution is a 40W BUC that delivers high output-power with low power-draw in a compact and lightweight enclosure.

Gilat recently conducted a successful live paid demonstration of the terminal showcasing high performance transmissions of IP data and video communications.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Abu Dhabi, UAE (SPX) Dec 01, 2011 - The global energy business represents trillions of dollars per annum. The industry involves hundreds of huge exploration, production, refinery and storage facilities around the globe. The majority of oil and gas sites are located in remote on-shore areas or at sea.

Hence, for efficient operations and communications between the different teams and locations, energy professionals rely heavily on satellite communications, especially during exploration phases and off-shore activity which require mobility and flexibility.

Thuraya, the leading international mobile satellite operator has consistently pioneered the most compact satellite telecom solutions in the market that empower digital oil-field operations for the energy sector.

Supported by a robust network, Thuraya's cutting-edge product portfolio feature the world's smallest satellite broadband solution to support 384 Kbps streaming "Thuraya IP" and the smallest robust satellite handheld "Thuraya XT" which both provide vital and reliable communications for energy professionals.

The Thuraya IP, XT phone, together with the soon-to-be-launched MarineNet Pro (for maritime high-speed data), Seagull 5000i (for maritime voice, fax and SMS services) and specialized antenna for Comms-on-the-Move will all be on display at the world's largest energy event, World Petroleum Congress, taking place from 4 to 8 December 2011 in Qatar.

Thuraya's ubiquitous coverage area spanning Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia covers most of the world's largest energy operation and reserves and the Company's high-speed data and voice solutions have been deployed by several prominent energy companies for on-shore and off-shore communications.

"Thuraya has a full suite of satellite communications solutions that we are proud to be displaying during the World Petroleum Congress. Industry professionals will be able to experience and get familiar with our range of products and accessories that includes high-speed data, voice, marine communications, tracking and other solutions.

"What differentiates Thuraya's solutions in the satellite market is that it has packaged those solutions in the most compact hardware terminals and with the most flexible pricing packages. In the case of energy consumers, we have the unique flexibility of offering our services on the basis of monthly contracts," said Thuraya's Vice President Corporate and Marketing Communications, Mr. Ebrahim K. Ebrahim.

The Thuraya IP solution is used by energy oil and gas engineers and professionals for sending maps, photos, videos, vector drawings, CAD files and urgent field operational reports.

Additionally, the terminal can boost SCADA systems by enabling the monitoring of oil wells and pipelines. It's also an instrumental tool for efficiently communicating reports and information on the pressure, corrosion and pipeline temperature.

For off-shore communications, Thuraya will be exhibiting the soon to be launched MarineNet Pro solution that provides broadband maritime services with speeds up to 444 Kbps Standard IP and 384 Streaming IP. On the other hand, the Seagull 5000i is a cost effective maritime voice solution, providing voice, data, SMS and fax services.

Held every three years, the World Petroleum Congress and Exhibition is the largest oil and gas industry gathering in the world.

Thuraya is a leading international mobile satellite services operator that provides quality, affordable communication solutions in more than 140 countries across Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Thuraya's portfolio encompasses data, voice and maritime products and services that support dual GSM and satellite mode and advanced applications, to provide people and businesses with constant connectivity when they need it most. Thuraya specifically designs successful satellite communication solutions for vertical sectors such as energy, media, government, NGOs and maritime.

Thuraya's robust, powerful satellite network enables two-thirds of the globe's population to communicate clearly and effectively in areas underserved by terrestrial networks.

Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecommunications operators and reputed regional and international investment firms, and is the world's leading provider of mobile satellite handhelds in its coverage area, with nearly 65% market share.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Petah Tikva, Israel (SPX) Nov 29, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Networks has announced the appointment of Glenn Katz as CEO of its wholly owned subsidiary, Spacenet Inc.

Currently serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Spacenet, Glenn Katz will assume the responsibility of CEO effective January 1, 2012. Mr. Katz has been serving in his current role since 2006, fostering the company's year over year growth in revenue and managing its strategic business initiatives. An industry veteran, Mr. Katz serves as the driving force behind Spacenet's ongoing improvements to its product portfolio and service delivery.

Andreas M. Georghiou, Spacenet's current CEO, will continue to serve as external advisor to Gilat's executive management team. Mr. Georghiou was appointed CEO in 2006, and under his leadership Spacenet has demonstrated improvements across key business indicators, delivering growth in revenues and profitability. Mr. Georghiou has been instrumental in broadening the strategic direction of Spacenet to include Managed Network Services for both enterprise and government customers.

With the acquisition earlier in 2011 of CICAT Networks, a US nationwide provider of broadband network solutions, Spacenet expanded its business in the broadband Managed Network Services market and is further leveraging its core network management, call center and field services capabilities. The acquisition marked an important step as Spacenet solidifies its position as a leading provider of a comprehensive range of communications solutions to help nationwide multi-site organizations manage their networks more efficiently and effectively.

"I would like to thank Andreas for his valuable contribution during the past few years, and I am pleased that we will continue to benefit from his familiarity with Spacenet and his tremendous knowledge of our industry," said Amiram Levinberg, Gilat's Chairman of the Board and CEO.

"In the past year, Spacenet has made strategic steps to become an important player in the Managed Network Services market, and has enjoyed a strong track record with enterprise customers across the industry. Glenn has contributed significantly to this positioning, and I am confident that with his business and managerial experience he will lead Spacenet to future achievements in this new stage of growth."

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead Spacenet as it continues its strong momentum in the enterprise and government markets, and as it further builds its position in the Managed Network Services industry," said Glenn Katz, Spacenet's CEO-elect. "With a strong management team in place, new products and services, and a trusted customer base, we have a great opportunity to continue showing profitability and delivering ongoing growth."

Prior to joining Spacenet, Mr. Katz was the Interim CEO and CIO of StarBand Communications Inc., a consumer broadband satellite company. As the Interim CEO he led the merger between StarBand and Spacenet Inc. that was concluded in 2006. Prior to joining StarBand, Mr. Katz held several executive roles with Gilat Satellite Networks in both Gilat's headquarters and US subsidiary, and helped launch Gilat Latin America, Inc. serving as Chief Technical Officer and VP of Operations.

Before joining Gilat in 1993, Mr. Katz worked with Digital Transmission Systems, and Scientific Atlanta, serving as a design and development engineer in both companies. Mr. Katz holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Petah Tikva, Israel (SPX) Nov 25, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Networks has been selected by a leading Latin American operator for the delivery of a full scale SkyEdge II network comprised of hubs and VSATs. The network will provide national connectivity to the Latin American country's national post office.

As part of the project, Gilat will supply the national operator with a fully managed network connecting approximately 7,000 branch offices with SkyEdge II VSATs. The SkyEdge II network will also be integrated into the MPLS backbone as well as the operator's network management system.

The network will serve to drive the growing need for postal services across the country, supporting local and regional communities with essential communications and transactional connectivity.

Russell Ribeiro, Gilat's Regional Vice-President of Latin America said, "The selection of our VSAT technology for such a sizable project is indicative of the long-term trust and confidence in Gilat by the region's tier-1 operator.

Our SkyEdge II system was selected following a rigorous public tender, having provided an excellent Total Cost of Ownership solution by offering the most efficient solution for allocating bandwidth across remote locations, economically serving the different traffic requirements across network sites."

Gilat's SkyEdge II is a multi-service platform enabling the delivery of high-quality voice, broadband data and video services for diverse environments including enterprises, rural networks, cellular backhaul and government network applications.

SkyEdge II is a standards-based system using DVB-S2 and DVB-RCS. With better efficiencies and full adaptivity for both the inbound and outbound channels, it provides higher performance and service up time that serves the growing requirements of a range of end-users.

Gilat's diverse portfolio of SkyEdge II VSATs are all supported by a unified platform, offering service providers the most suitable product for their application needs as well as the flexibility to evolve their networks.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Petah Tikva, Israel (SPX) Nov 21, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Networks has signed agreements with Russian-based service provider RTComm, the satellite service arm of Rostelecom Group), Russia's national telecommunications operator, and with NIIR FSUE, an institute for technology advancement of the Ministry for Telecommunications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation.

As part of these agreements, Gilat will supply network equipment and Ka-band end-user terminals for RTComm's future constellation of multi spot-beam satellites. The cooperation between the parties includes transfer of technology required for local manufacture in Russia, and R and D cooperation. As part of a frame MOU, the parties signed two specific agreements which will go into implementation this year.

The announcement showcases the President and the Government's ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide across the Russian Federation.

Supported by Gilat's capabilities and track-record for success, this high priority project will ensure that high-speed broadband access is delivered to consumers and businesses across our vast nation, ensuring even the most remote locations can become active participants in the digital society," said Naum Marder, the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation.

Rostelecom has the largest domestic backbone network and last mile connections in Russia. With licenses to provide a wide range of telecommunication services to residential, corporate and governmental subscribers and third party operators across all regions of the Russian Federation, the Group has announced consolidated revenues of RUB 275.7 billion in 2010.

"The realization of the project is utmost important for Rostelecom Group in the view of the government and commercial challenges for the company. In particular, the project involves the advanced communications services for remote regions of Russia and access to e-government services," said Oleg Rumiantsev, Director of External Communication Department of Rostelecom.

RTComm is one of the leading telecommunication companies in Russia and already operates Ku-band satellite networks. The use of Gilat's Ka-band equipment will allow RTComm to offer an advanced broadband connectivity service to consumers, as well as to SME's, enterprises and government agencies across the Russian Federation.

The launch of Ka-band high-throughput multi-spot beam satellites, part of which are RTComm's, is scheduled for 2012-2014, and is planned to support over two million subscribers.

"We chose Gilat as the best partner for bringing Ka-band to Russia - both in terms of technology and as a long-term partner. We rigorously evaluated a number of satellite broadband solutions, and we are confident that the technological level of Gilat's solution, as well as positive experience of Ku-band projects implementation, will enable fast and effective roll-out of this nationwide project approved by the Government of the Russian Federation," said Valeriy Lokhin, RTComm's General Manager.

NIIR FSUE is the leading system-level research institute of the Ministry for Telecommunications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation. As part of the agreement, Gilat will provide NIIR with manufacturing rights, know-how and marketing rights for the Ka-band gateways which NIIR will adapt to Russian market requirements.

"Gilat's cutting-edge technology opens new opportunities for the Russian market. NIIR's experience in system-level integration and development, as well as in the manufacturing of various equipment for satellite networks, coupled with Gilat's technology, will enable making the first Ka-band project in the Russian Federation a success," said Valery Butenko, NIIR's General Manager.

"This is an important award for Gilat, reinforcing our position in the Ka-band marketplace. We see Ka-band technology expanding to more regions in the world, and offering new opportunities with much higher capacities and at lower prices to the subscribers," said Amiram Levinberg, Gilat's Chairman of the Board and CEO.

"It is an honor for us to be part of this prestigious initiative which aims to bring high speed connectivity throughout the Russian Federation. RTComm is becoming one of the leading providers of satellite communications within Russia, and NIIR is a prominent design house with high technical expertise. We view this partnership as a clear vote of confidence in our technology and in Gilat in general," said Arie Rozichner, Gilat's RVP Eurasia.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Washington DC (SPX) Nov 14, 2011 - Intelsat S.A., the world's leading provider of satellite services, has announced new contracts with customers utilizing Intelsat's premier African video distribution satellite neighborhoods and broadband capacity.

"Intelsat's rich history of providing reliable and robust critical communications infrastructure to Africa, which spans more than 40 years, has resulted in many firsts on the continent.

From introducing direct-to-home (DTH) platforms, to supporting reliable broadband in remote regions, Intelsat's satellite network has been a springboard for technology advancement in Africa, supporting the continent's socioeconomic development," said Intelsat's SVP of Global Sales, Kurt Riegelman.

"As we prepare to launch three satellites in 2012 that will provide incremental capacity to the region, we look forward to supporting the continued growth of our customers."

Leading Programmers Join Video Neighborhoods
In Africa, Multichoice Africa Limited, the region's premier pay-TV platform operator and programming distributor, expanded its commitment for capacity on Intelsat 904 for contribution services. This agreement complements Multichoice's DTH capacity on Intelsat 7, Intelsat's leading African media distribution neighborhood at 68.5 degrees East.

Mumbai, India-based Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, one of India's leading television, media and entertainment companies, also will begin distributing its programming at 68.5 degrees East. The multi-year agreement spans Intelsat 10, and the follow-on Intelsat 20 satellite, scheduled for launch in mid-2012.

Dubai-based operator Strong Technologies LLC renewed its multi-year commitment to the Intelsat 10 video neighborhood at 68.5 degrees East for its DTH platform. The service includes a mix of movies, sports, news and general interest content, carried on such networks as FOX and BBC World, and on several popular local African channels.

Intelsat will provide distribution on its industry-leading African video neighborhood on Intelsat 10, and the follow-on Intelsat 20 satellite, and will offer access to Sub-Saharan Africa as Strong expands its program offerings, regions served and subscribers.

Broadband Infrastructure Providers Select Intelsat
Intelsat also continues to build on its leading position in providing wireless backhaul and other services to Africa's premier mobile phone operators and enterprise VSAT providers.

Recently, Intelsat entered into a multi-year agreement to provide capacity on Intelsat 14 at 315 degrees West to Sonema, a telecom services integrator and operator based in Monaco.

The contract renews and expands capacity for enterprise network solutions, allowing Sonema, a global leader for VSAT satellite networks, to provide services to organizations in the banking, multimedia and telecommunications, insurance, oil, gas, mining, and government sectors.

Intelsat's Multi-Billion Dollar Investment in Africa With the launch of Intelsat New Dawn earlier this year, Intelsat's African fleet grew to 22 satellites, representing a multi-billion dollar investment in the region.

The satellite has supplied critical Ku-band communications infrastructure to African customers from a geostationary orbital slot at 32.8 degrees East.

Intelsat continues to invest in infrastructure to serve Africa, with plans to launch three satellites - Intelsat 20, Intelsat 22 and Intelsat 23 - in the next 10 months that will provide incremental capacity to the continent.

Intelsat's African infrastructure also includes five DVB platforms on four satellites, and the flexibility to set up customized IntelsatONESM Network Broadband VSAT services.

These broadband platforms provide direct access to Intelsat's Internet backbone and global IntelsatONE fiber network. Intelsat's partnership with BT, announced earlier this year, expands the reach of the IntelsatONE terrestrial network to new locations across the globe, including Nigeria and South Africa.

Intelsat Managing Director for Africa, Jonathan Osler, said, "Intelsat's commitment to the African business community is unparalleled. No other satellite operator can provide the coverage, restoration and depth of services that Intelsat offers.

Nearly 200 companies on the continent, including virtually all of the region's wireless operators, trust our highly reliable network to provide the infrastructure they need to offer best-in-class services to their customers.

"We also continue to build on our strong history of training our customers' engineers and technicians across Africa as part of the industry's overall effort to reduce interference."

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Petah Tikva, Israel (SPX) Nov 11, 2011 - Gilat Satellite reports that its wholly owned subsidiary Wavestream introduced the AeroStream family of airborne-qualified solid-state transceivers for integration into both military and commercial airborne and unmanned satellite communication systems.

The AeroStream product line introductions include compact Ku-band transceivers in 25W and 40W transmit output and full Ku-band receive options for pressurized and non-pressurized airborne environments.

"The demand for bandwidth and constant connectivity is continuing to escalate, driven by both military and commercial consumers who require access to video, voice and data in real time, wherever they happen to be - on land, on the sea or in the air," stated Terry Magee, executive vice president of Portfolio Management at Wavestream.

"For airborne applications in particular, Wavestream technology is well suited to meet the rigorous specifications for size and weight limitations to minimize the impact on aircraft structures, while providing the power, efficiency and reliability required for SATCOM antenna systems and high bandwidth applications in extreme airborne environments.

"We are very excited about entering this new, expanding market and to offer our proven solid state technology to meet the growing demand for in-flight SATCOM connectivity."

AeroStream products are designed to meet the requirements of RTCA/DO-160G, Boeing, Airbus, and ARINC specifications for commercial aircraft, and MIL-STD requirements for military aircraft.

Based on Wavestream's patented Spatial Power Advantage technology, AeroStream provides high output power with greater efficiency and reliability, all in more compact, lighter product package designs suitable for the extreme airborne environment.

The new AeroStream 25W and 40W Ku-band transceivers offer the necessary interfaces to work seamlessly with leading modems and Antenna Control Units, providing system integrators with a convenient turnkey solution.

"For military and defense applications, it's all about staying connected to save lives and support operations, including humanitarian, relief and rescue missions worldwide," continued Magee.

"For commercial customers, it's about constant connectivity to ensure access to the same applications, Internet video and voice found at home or the office while traveling anywhere either for work or for pleasure.

"Wavestream's new AeroStream products will help integrators provide that in-flight connectivity to meet both market requirements, as SATCOM systems continue to offer flexible solutions that other technologies cannot provide."

AeroStream Ku-band products are available for integration into airborne SATCOM antenna systems based on customer-defined application requirements and specifications. Ka-band support is planned for early 2012.

]]> Wed, 08 FEB 2012 08:55:27 AEST Subscribe to our daily selection of space, military, environment and energy newsletters responseText http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016gbbKsaiGSpQFojVO8ZoHw%3D%3D