Optus embarks on massive broadband satellite rollout

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 08 August 2006 03:38

Business IT - Networking

Optus is to expand its broadband satellite network to thousands of new sites across rural and remote Australia and New Zealand to deliver broadband services to both corporate users and consumers.
Israel's Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd says it will supply Optus with additional SkyEdge hub infrastructure and several thousand VSATs to expand the network as part of stage one of the government's Broadband Connect program. Since 2004, Optus has deployed Gilat VSAT equipment, including several hubs and over 12,000 VSATs to serve corporate, government and residential customers.

According to Gilat, the deal will see Optus carry one of the largest SkyEdge networks worldwide. "The network expansion will provide customers throughout Australia with a wide range of broadband communications services, including distance learning, business continuity services and broadband internet access with speeds comparable to metropolitan areas," Gilat said.

According to Erez Antebi, CEO of Gilat Network Systems (GNS), a business unit of Gilat Satellite Networks, "Nearly two years ago, Optus became the first Gilat customer to begin upgrading its VSAT network to the SkyEdge platform. This new agreement reflects Optus' success with SkyEdge and with our dedicated customer support in the region."

Gilat was founded in 1987 and claims to have shipped over 600,000 Very VSATs to more than 85 countries across six continents.