Spacenet provides broadband satellite systems for critical government and commercial communications in hurricane-stricken Gulf region
McLean, VA, September 22, 2005 — Spacenet Inc. announced today that its rapid-response teams are installing its broadband VSAT network services at more than 100 locations in the Gulf region to help bring vital communications links back online. Donated or expedited services from Spacenet are now in use by a number of government, enterprise and non-profit organizations across several states as they help in Hurricane Katrina disaster recovery efforts.
Spacenet has also dispatched special, rapid-response teams from its offices nationwide to help its business customers such as major oil companies, retailers and freight companies to quickly build satellite communications systems. These systems are helping those companies replace damaged terrestrial communications networks and resume critical refinery and supply-chain operations. In addition, Spacenet has created a special toll-free hotline (877-676-7975) for representatives of organizations taking part in the disaster recovery effort to inquire about Spacenet assistance.
Because VSAT broadband satellite technology can be deployed anywhere and does not depend on local phone infrastructure, it has played a large part in the re-establishment of data and voice communications networks in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Spacenet’s Connexstar and StarBand VSAT services can be installed quickly in any fixed location (including parked vehicles or docked ships) where there is a clear view of the southern sky, and can provide support for Internet, voice and commercial transaction data.
“We are committed to helping with relief efforts in the region,” said Spacenet President and CEO Bill Gerety. “In addition to donating Gilat VSAT equipment to those in need, we are also offering special terms for services in the affected areas, so that recovery operations can be expedited.”
Gerety explained that Spacenet is expediting delivery of its equipment and services, dispensing with minimum-order and term-commitment requirements and fast-tracking its contracting requirements. Service for all Spacenet equipment purchased to provide emergency connectivity will be available on a month-to-month basis.
Gerety concluded, “After any disaster, dependable communications are among the most valuable services needed by aid workers and enterprises. Spacenet will continue to do its part in offering assistance however we can, providing these critical services in support of the emergency efforts that are now underway.”
About Spacenet
Spacenet is the worldwide services group of Gilat Satellite Networks. Spacenet Inc., based in McLean, Virginia, provides connectivity, value-added applications and managed networks to customers in North America and worldwide, including its Connexstar satellite and hybrid terrestrial broadband networking solutions for enterprise and government customers, and StarBand residential and small-office VSAT services. Spacenet has more than 20 years of experience providing wide area networks, application support, customer care and network management for some of the largest satellite-based networks in the world. Visit Spacenet at www.spacenet.com.
About Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILTF) is a leading provider of products and services for satellite-based communications networks. The Company operates under two business units: (i) Gilat Network Systems ("GNS"), which is a provider of network systems and associated professional services to service providers and operators and (ii) Spacenet, which provides managed services for businesses and governments through its Connexstar service brand, for consumers through its StarBand service brand and for rural communities through Spacenet Rural Communications.
Gilat was founded in 1987 and has shipped over 550,000 Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) to more than 80 countries across six continents. Gilat's headquarters is located in Petah Tikva, Israel. The Company has 14 local offices and 3 service facilities worldwide. Gilat markets the SkyEdge™ Product Family which includes the SkyEdge™ Pro, SkyEdge™ IP, SkyEdge™ Call, SkyEdge™ DVB-RCS and SkyEdge™ Gateway. In addition, the Company markets numerous other legacy products. Visit Gilat at www.gilat.com.
Spacenet Media Contact:
David Myers
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development
(703) 848-1200
david.myers@spacenet.com
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