Eutelsat Communications  announced its selection of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. to power a new range of broadband services in Western Russia.

Eutelsat has selected Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c hub with X-Architecture and SkyEdge II-c small user terminals to deliver broadband services using the new Express AMU1/EUTELSAT 36C satellite. The hub will be installed at the Dubna satellite centre operated by RSCC, near Moscow. The satellite’s High Throughput payload comprises 18 Ka-band beams delivering continuous coverage of Western Russia, from the Arctic coastline to the Caspian Sea.

Kirill Yanchenko, General Director of the Eutelsat Networks company that will market services in Russia, said: “Our deployment of Gilat technology is a new milestone taking us closer to the commercial launch of services in July. In working with Gilat we are putting in place a key component of a high-performance broadband infrastructure that will deliver high-quality connectivity.”

“We are proud to win Eutelsat’s trust in a head-to-head competition with the world’s top satellite broadband network providers. By working together with Eutelsat in Russia, our market position is greatly enhanced,” noted Ron Levin, Director Strategic Accounts at Gilat. “The agreement further validates our multi-application, one platform X-Architecture, as the most advanced baseband system for HTS.”