Gilat’s SkyEdge to provide broadband Internet to thousands of Russian schools

Since the beginning of the year, Gilat has supplied approximately 3,000 SkyEdge IP VSATs to provide schools in the Siberian, Far East and other remote regions in Russia with two-way broadband Internet access, multimedia applications, video-conferencing and VoIP support for future use. This will enable students in these regions to enjoy an enhanced educational experience through interactive learning programs and other Internet applications.

Alexey Ostapchuk, General Manager of Global-Teleport, said, "Gilat worked closely with Global-Teleport to ensure the successful deployment of this important project. By doing so, we were able to ensure that all of the schools involved in the project were connected to Broadband Internet by the beginning of September despite the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions. Gilat's advanced SkyEdge VSAT technology has once again helped us to meet the complex networking requirements of federal projects and with this latest success, Gilat is well-positioned to play a role in future federal projects in Russia."

SkyEdge provides Global-Teleport a scalable broadband communications network with space segment efficiency and low operational costs. The same SkyEdge Hub supports multiple services and applications such as rural USO projects, enterprise connectivity and Internet for schools.

"The Ministry of Education network is the latest result of Gilat's successful partnership with Global-Teleport and demonstrates our ability to meet the requirements of the Russian telecommunications ministry," said Arie Rozichner, Gilat's Regional Vice President, Eurasia. "We look forward to leveraging our high levels of experience and technical support to help provide rural schools with the same opportunities enjoyed by Russia's urban schools. Gilat is proud to be part of this important project aimed at improving the quality of life of the Russian people."

Gilat's SkyEdge systems have been chosen for a number of very significant federal government projects in Russia, including the Ministry of Education, FGUP "Russian Post" and Universal Service Obligation (USO) projects. Gilat's advanced VSAT technology meets the complex requirements of major operators in Russia bringing telephony and Internet services to citizens in the country's most remote regions.

Gilat's SkyEdge is a satellite communications system that delivers high-quality voice, broadband data and video services over a powerful unified system. SkyEdge represents Gilat's extensive knowledge base and field-proven product offering, acquired through two decades of experience. SkyEdge's flexible architecture and efficient space segment utilization make it an ideal platform for operators and service providers.-Gilat