Gilat Satellite Networks has been selected by China Unicom to provide a 1,500-site, high-speed satellite communication network. China Unicom, with 2004 revenues of more than US$9.5 billion, is one of the world's largest telecommunications operators.
Gilat's SkyEdge VSAT equipment will be used for rural telecom applications throughout China. Gilat has already deployed nearly 600 sites in the three months since this contract was signed.
A flexible family of VSAT products, Gilat's SkyEdge supports a variety of applications – all on the same SkyEdge hub. SkyEdge incorporates Gilat's broad knowledge base and field-proven product offering acquired through nearly two decades of experience with data, telephony and broadband IP applications.
Part of SkyEdge's appeal to telecom operators is that it can be deployed quickly in harsh terrain and perform well in severe weather conditions – important attributes for many remote Chinese villages, where the mountainous terrain and cold weather make it difficult to implement a communications infrastructure.
Giora Reish, Gilat's Regional Vice President, Asia, said, "Gilat has been a leading provider of broadband VSAT networks to major Chinese telecom companies for more than 10 years. Our strong relationships with these telcos – fueled by our commitment to service, support and fast implementation – have helped us become a trusted provider of VSAT technology for rural telecom solutions in the region."
