Gilat Signs O3b Deal

[Satellite Today 09-22-08] Gilat Satellite Networks will design a line of satellite ground-segment equipment for O3b networks, Gilat said Sept. 22.
    Gilat’s planned line of VSAT terminals and gateway components will be based on its SkyEdge platform and cover multiple aspects of O3b Networks’ ground segment as well as enable automatic tracking of the satellites and seamless handoff between satellites. Specific terminals are planned for high-growth markets, including 3G cellular/WiMax backhaul, IP trunking, and broadband connectivity for SMEs and ISP backhaul.
    O3b Networks, funded by Google, Liberty Global and HSBC Principal Investments, plans to deploy a medium-Earth orbit satellite constellation to provide Ka-band broadband Internet access to millions of consumers and businesses in emerging markets.

O3b CEO Greg Wyler spoke with Satellite News on how he believes his company will strengthen the emerging African broadband market. Full-length feature stories are available to premium subscribers of Satellite News, the top source of information for satellite industry executives. To get the latest news from inside the industry, subscribe to our premium weekly newsletter at www.satellitetoday.com/VIP