[Satellite TODAY 02-28-13] The Peruvian Ministry of Education has awarded a $12.8 million three-year contract to Gilat Satellite Networks to provide SkyEdge II-c hub and ‘Aries’ VSAT equipment, installation, maintenance and technical support. The deal will help to provide Internet connectivity to 2,600 schools across Peru in an effort to reduce educational disparities in the country.

   "Broadband-over-satellite forms a crucial component of our goal to provide an increasing number of school children with access to computer technology," said Sandro Marcone Flores, head of the Directorate General of Educational Technologies. 

   Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c Aries is a compact high-throughput VSAT, designed to enable high-speed broadband services and FUP (Fair Use Policy) while meeting cost efficiencies.