Elektra Plans To Expand VSAT Network

Elektra, a Mexican-based home appliance retailer, plans to expand its VSAT network with the help of Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks [Nasdaq: GILTF]. Elektra’s network provides internal connectivity services to its retail outlets in Mexico, Central America, and as far as south as Peru. Elektra’s first VSAT network was deployed by Gilat in 2002, with 850 VSATs, and expanded in 2003. The new order calls for 400 Skystar 360E VSATs to be deployed in the first quarter of 2004, while 500 additional sites are to be added during the remainder of the year.