Avanti to Launch HYLAS 1, The First Broadband Satellite in Europe
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Hundreds of thousands of rural residents and businesses across Europe will be able to access broadband for the first time through a multi-million pound satellite launched today (Friday November 26th, 2010).
Avanti Communications Group is launching a satellite which provides state of the art technology to allow citizens to bridge the digital divide, accessing fast broadband at cost effective prices.
The satellite – called HYLAS 1 – is the first of its kind to be launched outside the United States and will lift off on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guyana.
Chief Executive David Williams said: “This is a landmark day for the many consumers and businesses across Europe, who have been frustrated by lack of access to adequate broadband, it means that finally there is the opportunity to solve the digital divide.
“The launch of our satellite today means that access to broadband in remote areas is no longer on the distant horizon.”
The company, based in London, UK, is already in advanced development of a second satellite called HYLAS 2 which will be launched in spring 2012 which will provide further coverage across Europe and will also provide a footprint in the Middle East and parts of Africa. The combined capacity of the two satellites will be one million consumers.
Avanti provides its services through telecommunications companies, of which it has partnered with 60 in Europe, rather than directly to the consumer.
“For Avanti it is a proud achievement to launch the first broadband satellite in Europe,” commented Mr. Williams. “There is a real double benefit here, providing a solution for communities, companies and Governments who need effective broadband, and for our investors who, with us, know there is significant unmet demand which we can tap into. But this is just the beginning for us with our further satellites in the pipeline.”
Notes to Editors:
- HYLAS 1 will be launched at 18.39GMT on Friday, November 26th, 2010 from French Guyana. The satellite was made by EADS Astrium and is being launched on Ariane 5 Rocket.
- The satellite will use KA-Band technology, a very high frequency radio spectrum.
- The overall cost of the satellite is GBP120 million and has been funded by investors as well as the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency.
- The entry level cost for consumers of satellite broadband of between 2MBs and 10MBs, will start from EUR25 per month.
- The countries that will be able to get broadband access are: UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia, Croatia and France.
- Avanti’s partners across Europe can be accessed here: http://www.avantiplc.com/partners/view-our-partners
About Avanti:
Avanti Communications sells satellite broadband services to telecoms companies which use them to supply residential, enterprise and institutional users. The market for 2Mb satellite broadband products in the markets served by Avanti is estimated at more than 100 million households. Avanti is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market (AIM: AVN).
Press Materials:
The launch can be viewed live here: http://www.videocorner.tv/index.htm
Access to photos/graphics/video here: ftp://ftp.avantiplc.com/ U: Guest P: 54321
