Sep 28, 2010

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. /quotes/comstock/15*!gilt/quotes/nls/gilt has signed a corporate sourcing contract with France Telecom SA for the provision of satellite communications equipment. Consequently, Orange Business Services, the enterprise communications arm of France Telecom, has installed a Gilat SkyEdge II hub at their Bercenay-en-Othe teleport in France. This hub will facilitate the operation of a new cellular backhaul network in Niger.

The sourcing contract signed between the two companies qualifies the SkyEdge II broadband satellite communications equipment for the Orange brand entities. This equipment covers a range of solutions such as IP/VPN, broadband access and cellular backhaul. SkyEdge II also gives Orange the advantage of network-wide Demand Assigned Multiple Access which matches user demands to available satellite capacity and offers bandwidth savings when compared to traditional Single Channel Per Carrier based solutions.

The network in Niger will be deployed in multi-star topology allowing the expansion of the GSM network coverage to remote locations. One of the advantages of this multi-star topology is that Orange Business Services can manage the network from their Bercenay teleport in France while maintaining direct, single-hop connectivity between the SkyEdge II terminals installed within the GSM network in Niger.

"We are pleased to have added SkyEdge II to our portfolio of value-added satellite business solutions," said Mr. Bruno Henrion, Head of Satellite Factory, Orange. "Gilat's multi-star technology enables us to operate satellite networks for our multinational customers and worldwide subsidiaries in a centralized manner increasing the operational efficiency and utilization of our resources."

Orange Business Services is uniquely positioned in the market combining its terrestrial and satellite capabilities with its extensive global coverage and ITIL-aligned service management. VSAT functions as an alternative way of accessing the corporate MPLS network, similar to terrestrial leased lines, DSL or Ethernet.

"It is a privilege for Gilat to have established this important cooperation with Orange," said Aharon Fuchs, Gilat's Regional Vice President of Sales, Europe. "Both companies share a common goal to produce global connectivity solutions that increase business productivity. Gilat's NetEdge multi-star solution enables Orange to manage multiple networks that combine local VPN services for remote sites with inter-continental Internet access all on a single platform."

 

 

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