Avanti Launches Broadband Satellite

LONDON -- 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 Communications Group plc