Telecom Fiji Expands Gilat
SkyEdge Network for Cellular Backhaul Application
PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Feb. 11, 2009 (GLOBE
NEWSWIRE) -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT), today announced that
Telecom Fiji Ltd., ("TFL") has added Gilat's SkyAbis cellular backhaul solution
to its satellite communications network to enhance Fiji's mobile service.
The addition of Gilat's SkyAbis cellular
backhaul solution has enabled TFL's expansion of CDMA services to regions where
it was not economically feasible before. Remote islands are now able to receive
high quality mobile voice and data services similar to those offered in the rest
of Fiji.
The expansion followed TFL's successful
deployment and operation of a Gilat SkyEdge network which provides a number of
diverse services and applications in the remote Fiji islands. TFL provides high
speed IP services to more than 120 remote villages and private resorts
throughout Fiji as a DSL alternative, where there is no terrestrial
infrastructure. In addition, solar powered SkyEdge VSATs provide rural services
to villages that previously had no telephony connectivity. The network also
includes a mobile vehicle-mounted VSAT solution to provide a high speed
communication link for emergency response.
Gilat's SkyAbis is a prepackaged solution
for cellular backhaul, based on the SkyEdge multi-service platform. The solution
enables operators to deploy hybrid networks that extend the reach of their
terrestrial and cellular infrastructure to remote communities. SkyAbis features
traffic optimization and dynamic bandwidth allocation for CDMA/GSM backhaul,
with much higher space-segment efficiencies when compared to SCPC.
TFL is also in the process of exploring
future network options for distance learning, community health care and
corporate networking applications throughout the island chain. TFL together with
the Fiji Ministry of Education announced their plans for a Distance Learning
trial to begin during the first semester of 2009, which will use Gilat's SkyEdge
network to provide access to specialized teacher training in remote classrooms.
"Gilat's SkyEdge is an ideal platform on
which to provide efficient, high-quality, broadband communications services to
many of our more than 300 islands. We are also pleased with the platform's
robustness and reliability, which has been able to withstand the cyclones which
pass through the island group without a single site losing communication
throughout the network," said TFL Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Taito Tabaleka.
"We look forward to continuing to work with Gilat and play a role in impacting
the region's economy as well as providing equal opportunities to the country's
citizens through our future initiatives."
Oded Sheshinski, Gilat's Regional Vice
President for Australia and the Pacific Rim, said, "Gilat's expansion of VSAT
solutions to Pacific Rim countries demonstrates our superior solution for the
delivery of broadband services to remote locations. We look forward to
continuing to work with TFL in the future to meet all of their communications
requirements and help improve the quality of life for the citizens of Fiji."
About Telecom Fiji
Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) is the sole
provider of local and national (trunk) telephony services, and owns the only
public switched telephone network in Fiji. The TFL network consists of 55
telephone exchanges throughout Fiji and Rotuma, connecting more than 101,000
customers.
TFL provides and operates
telecommunication services in Fiji under the provisions of the Post &
Telecommunications Decrees 1989. Visit Telecom Fiji at www.tfl.com.fj.
About Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
(Nasdaq:GILT) is a leading provider of products and services for satellite-based
communications networks. The Company operates under three business units: (i)
Gilat Network Systems, a provider of network systems and associated professional
services to service providers and operators worldwide; (ii) Spacenet Inc., a
provider of managed services in North America to the business and government
segments; and (iii) Spacenet Rural Communications, a provider of rural telephony
and Internet access solutions to remote areas primarily in Latin America.
Gilat was founded in 1987 and has shipped
over 750,000 Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) to more than 85 countries
across six continents. Gilat's headquarters is located in Petah Tikva, Israel.
The Company has 16 sales and service offices worldwide. Gilat markets a full
line of high-performance VSATs under the SkyEdge(tm) and SkyEdge II Product
Family.
The Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. logo is
available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5848
Certain statements made herein that are
not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "estimate," "project," "intend,"
"expect," "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic
and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat's
products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products
and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat's products, loss of
market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of
competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion,
loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel,
inability to protect the Company's proprietary technology and risks associated
with Gilat's international operations and its location in Israel. For additional
information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with
Gilat's business, reference is made to Gilat's reports filed from time to time
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Gilat Satellite Networks Kim Kelly +972-3-925-2406 Kimk@gilat.com