AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

24 Nov 2008 07:00

Date: 24 November 2008

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

Embargoed until: 0700hrs

Avanti Communications Group Plc (AIM: AVN), the satellite operator has been notified by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment that it intends to award the contract for supply of remote broadband services in Northern Ireland to Avanti, subject to the mandatory two week standstill period, a standard practice in government procurement. The contract value is £1.1m, which covers the costs of installing and managing network infrastructure, with end user customers then paying ongoing monthly subscription charges worth approximately £450,000 per annum.

David Williams, Avanti Chief Executive said "We are delighted with this contract award which yet again shows that Avanti is a market leader in the provision of rural broadband services and are proud to be a part of making the United Kingdom the most internet-enabled country in the World. Through projects sponsored by the European Commission, people all over Europe will follow the lead of the UK in the next few years and Avanti is perfectly positioned to win large amounts of this business. We have never lost a tender for a government funded rural broadband project."

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Notes to Editors:

About Avanti Communications

About DETI

The Northern Ireland Government Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment ("DETI") is responsible for economic policy development, energy, tourism, mineral development, health and safety at work, Companies Registry, consumer affairs, and labour market and economic statistics services. It also has a role in ensuring the provision of the infrastructure for a modern economy.

http://www.detini.gov.uk