Gilat Satellite Networkswas contracted byOptus Networksto provide, install, operate and maintain a SkyEdge 2 VSAT network for the AustralianNational Broadband Network Co.’s (NBN) interim satellite service, Gilat announced May 6. The deal, which will see Gilat’s network serve up to 48,000 Australian subscribers, represents a potential value of up to $120 million in five years. Gilat will provide an initial network of 11 SkyEdge 2 hubs and 20,000 SkyEdge 2 VSATs expected to be deployed within up to three years. The agreement stipulates a possible expansion of the network to include hubs and up to 48,000 VSATs. Gilat said its hubs would be commissioned and VSAT service would commence operation in 2011. The satellite network will utilize Optus' existing Ku capacity and IPStar’s multi-spotbeam capacity available over Australia.IPStar Australiaannounced May 6 that it signed a separate contract with NBN valued at $100 million for a period of five years with an option to extend for its services. “The Australian government has set a goal to provide next-generation network coverage to all of Australia, and satellite is a natural fit for complementing fiber and wireless technologies to achieve this,” Gilat CEO and Chairman Amiram Levinberg said in a statement.
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