AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

Avanti Communications Group plc

Contract Win

Avanti Communications (LSE: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, announces two contract wins.

Avanti has signed contracts with Access Intelligence PLC (AIM:ACC) and Fitzrovia IT Services for the sale of the Patented Business Internet Continuity range of products to be delivered from the newly launched HYLAS 1 satellite, Europe's first Ka Band satellite.

Avanti's Business Internet Continuity service (which has global patent protection) uses an enhanced version of its satellite broadband product to provide disaster recovery telecoms services to businesses telecom cable users. In the event that the primary cable connection is lost, the Avanti service instantly restores connectivity and IP addressing so that locally hosted or cloud applications continue to work seamlessly.

Avanti also announces the result of research into the reliance upon internet connectivity by UK and international enterprises and the costs being incurred by inadequate planning for connectivity failure.

The independent market research commissioned by Avanti Communications and carried out by Redshift Research shows that three quarters of business respondents rely on constant internet access but one in four businesses do not include internet connectivity in their disaster recovery plans, with one in three having no back-up connection in case of failure.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti Communications, commented: "We have high hopes for our Business Internet Continuity product since, for the first time, a satellite broadband system is potentially of use to every business in the World regardless of geography. The research we have commissioned has highlighted the significant consequences that businesses face in the event of losing an internet connection. Avanti and its partners can protect companies against those risks."

Commenting upon the new contract, Charles Lass, Managing Director at Access Intelligence ControlPoint, comments, "This research reaffirmed our view that if your business relies upon Cloud Computing, Business Internet Continuity is a 'must-have' service. We anticipate strong demand for the service from our customers."

Daren Oliver, Managing Director of Fitzrovia IT Limited, said, "As a company that specialises in delivering advice and solutions for Cloud Computing, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Virtualisation, this new service from Avanti enables Fitzrovia to offer resilience and continuity around its internet connectivity and therefore helps Fitzrovia deliver a complete continuity of IT service around its product range."

--ENDS--

For further information please contact:

Avanti Communications Group Plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7749 1600

David Williams

Cenkos Securities Tel: +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

Nick Wells / Max Hartley

Jefferies International Limited Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8000

Julian Smith / Oliver Griffiths

Redleaf Communications Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 7566 6700

Emma Kane / Paul Dulieu / Samantha Robbins

Notes to Editors

The 2010 Internet Criticality and Contingency Report is available at: www.avantiplc.com 

About Avanti

¡ Avanti sells satellite data communications services to telecoms companies which use them to supply residential, enterprise and institutional users.

¡ Avanti's first satellite called HYLAS 1, launched on November 26th 2010 and is the first superfast broadband satellite launched in Europe.

¡ Avanti's second satellite, called HYLAS 2, on target for launch in Q2 2012. It will extend Avanti's coverage to Africa and the Middle East.

About Access Intelligence PLC

Access Intelligence PLC is the parent company of a group of Software as a Service (Saas) businesses that deliver compliance solutions for the public and private sectors.

About Fitzrovia IT Limited

Fitzrovia IT Services provides professional IT solutions and support for both the commercial and public sectors, particular for those IT departments seeking to enhance real-time managerial controls and provide effective contingency planning for business continuity, virtualisation and disaster recovery.