Gilat and Intelsat partner to connect rural regions
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Gilat and Intelsat partner to connect rural regions

Gilat Satellite Networks and Intelsat have announced a partnership to deliver 2G and 3G connectivity to rural regions.

According to the companies, Gilat’s CellEdge small-cell-over-satellite solution, combined with Intelsat’s global satellite coverage and terrestrial infrastructure, will allow operators to expand their services to remote areas quickly and profitably.

One example of collaboration is with Vancouver-based RuralCom’s 1000-mile long Alaska Highway and British Columbia Coast cellular network. Intelsat provided the coverage through its global satellite fleet, including its Horizons 1 satellite and terrestrial network. The CellEdge 3G network is then said to optimise space segment usage via a hub located at an Intelsat teleport.

According the Bob Hillman, president and CEO of RuralCom, there are vast stretches of the Alaska Highway and BC Coast which have no existing wireless service. “We believe that providing such coverage greatly benefits the public safety and brings significant protection to life and property," he said, adding that the company chose to partner with Gilat and Intelast for their “innovative cost-effective offering coupled with their vast rural expertise in deploying under harsh environmental conditions."

Stephen Spengler, deputy chief executive officer at Intelsat said: “The innovation and collaboration occurring throughout the satellite ecosystem, such as the optimisation of Gilat's platforms on the Intelsat EpicNG infrastructure, result in attractive and efficient solutions for MNOs that connect their subscribers and support profitable growth for their businesses. 

“Our collaboration with Gilat provides MNOs with a seamless and cost efficient way to deploy and expand their wireless networks, and the opportunity to transition over time to the higher performance of Intelsat EpicNG as it begins entering service in 2016." 



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