AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

23 Sep 2009 07:00



Date: 23 September 2009

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

Embargoed until: 0700hrs

Avanti Communications Group plc

Contract Wins

Avanti Communications Group plc (AIM: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, announces the signature of three contracts for the sale of broadband services, taking it above its target of recruiting 50 service providers before the launch of its HYLAS satellite.

The first is with Insis System Engineering, which provides systems integration services in automation, environmental monitoring and infrastructure control in Italy.

Secondly, EnergoData has purchased capacity which will be used to manage telemetry and control services in the utilities sector in Macedonia, a new market for Avanti.

Finally, Avanti has signed with Broadsat srl in Italy and the Balkans, which specialises in providing consumer broadband in rural Italy. 

Each customer has committed to the minimum order volumes.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti, said:

"I am delighted to add three new customers to our distribution network bringing us to 51 service providers in 13 countries. We have always assumed that 50 service providers would be enough to fill HYLAS quickly. We removed the last major technical risk from our project in July with the launch upgrade. With the achievement today of a major distribution milestone we therefore now have full confidence that we are also rapidly removing commercial risks. It is also pleasing to recruit customers specialising in new niche industrial applications for satellite broadband, in addition to our existing strength in the consumer market." 

Enquiries to:

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 2Mb satellite broadband products in Europe is estimated at more than 70 million households. 

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 EUR2.8 billion over the next five years.