AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

27 May 2009 07:00



Date: 27 May 2009

On behalf of: Avanti Communications Group plc ("Avanti" or "the Company")

Embargoed until: 0700hrs

Avanti Communications Group plc

Contract Win

Avanti Communications Group plc (AIM: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, has been selected as a member of the NFSRITS (North Sea Freight and Intelligent Transport Solutions) consortium to deploy communications services to improve the safety and security of freight operations in the EU's North Sea region.

The project, worth €600,000 over the next three years to Avanti, will provide new communications services across the main transport corridors, including at ports, lorry parks and freight terminals. The project is supported by European Union's structural funds.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti, said:

"Avanti has a strong track record in developing new applications for its satellite communications technologies through work with the European Commission. The NSFRITS project builds on existing Avanti projects addressing the communications needs of the transport sector. This project win also demonstrates Avanti's ability to secure European Structural funds to support innovative communications projects and extend the distribution channels for Avanti services. "

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Notes to Editors:

About Avanti Communications

Avanti sells satellite broadband services to telecoms companies which use them to supply homes and businesses.

Avanti's first satellite, called Hylas is under construction and will be the first superfast broadband satellite launched in Europe.

The market for satellite broadband products in Europe is estimated by the EU at more than 24 million.

Avanti currently provides satellite broadband services to customers in Europe using leased satellite capacity which it will transfer to Hylas on launch.

The European Commission has set aside funding for rural broadband projects in 79 regions across Europe with a total value of €2.8 billion over the next five years.

About NSFRITS

The NSFRITS Consortium consists of People United Against Crime (PUAC), Volvo Technology Corporation, Association of Chief of Police Officers' Vehicle Crime Intelligence Unit, Humberside Police, Dutch Police, University of Huddersfield, Bremen Senate for Science and Education, the University of Hull's Institute of Logistics and Avanti Communications. The project is supported by the INTERREG IVB Programme, which is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).