O3b Picks Gilat VSATsO3b Picks Gilat VSATs

New O3b Networks solution to reduce costs for deploying 3G and WiMax networks

September 22, 2008

2 Min Read

PETAH TIKVA, Israel and JERSEY, U.K. -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a leading provider of satellite networking products and services, and O3b Networks Ltd. today announced plans for a new line of satellite terminals designed specifically for O3b Networks Ltd. O3b Networks, funded by Google Inc., Liberty Global, Inc. and HSBC Principal Investments, recently announced it will deploy the world's first ultra-low-latency, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Ka-band, fiber-speed satellite network designed to improve Internet access for millions of consumers and businesses in emerging markets. Service activation and ground equipment is scheduled for late 2010.

Gilat's planned new line of MEO VSAT terminals and gateway components will be developed based on its industry-leading SkyEdge platform. The MEO VSAT equipment will cover multiple aspects of O3b Networks' ground segment and enable automatic tracking of the satellites and seamless handoff between satellites. Specific terminals are planned for high-growth markets, including 3G Cellular/WiMAX backhaul, IP trunking, and broadband connectivity for SMEs and ISP backhaul.

Operating with O3b Networks' satellites, Gilat's MEO VSAT 3G solution for wireless backhaul is positioned to enable mobile and WiMAX operators to deploy and upgrade their networks without the complexity of a microwave transmission system. With less than 65 milliseconds one-way latency, the O3b Networks system creates new opportunities in cellular backhaul and cellular system design. Gilat's MEO VSAT terminals, with O3b Networks' satellite constellation, will bring the high-speed backbone directly to towers anywhere in the coverage area, without regard to physical terrain or distance.

"There are more than two million cellular towers in the footprint of the O3b Networks system, many of which will be upgraded to 3G, 4G or WiMAX over the next five years and serve hundreds of millions of people," said O3b Networks Founder and CEO Greg Wyler. "We are eager to incorporate the technology of Gilat, a recognized VSAT leader, into our satellite system to serve these rapidly growing markets."

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT)

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like