Gilat Satellite Networks [Nasdaq: GILTF] has been selected by China Telecommunications to provide a large-scale, satellite-based rural telephony network in Tibet. China Telecom will make an initial purchase of a DialAway hub, 14 gateways and 1,300 VSAT terminals for public call offices to serve the region’s remote villages. The contract can be extended to a total of 5,000 VSATs.

Each DialAway remote site supports up to six voice channels on the network, providing as many as 4,000 to 5,000 voice lines. The DialAway VSAT provides on-demand voice, fax, and data services to and from fixed remote locations via satellite.

The first 300 VSATs have been delivered to China Telecom, while the remaining units are to arrive in the second quarter. China Telecom is responsible for the deployment of the system. Gilat provides technical services, training and support to its customers in China through its local Beijing office.