AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

8 Feb 2008 07:00

Avanti Communications Group Plc08 February 2008 Date: 8 February 2008 On behalf of: Avanti Communications Group plc ("Avanti" or "the Company") Embargoed until: 0700hrs AVANTI AND INMARSAT ENTER STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Avanti announced today that it has entered into a long-term strategicpartnership for the management of HYLAS and future satellites with Inmarsat, theleading provider of global mobile satellite communications. Avanti has contracted Inmarsat to provide satellite control services for itsHYLAS satellite, due for launch in 2009. Inmarsat will use its existing networkand satellite control centres and up-linking facilities to provide 24 hours perday, 365 days per year monitoring and control of HYLAS. Inmarsat currentlyoperates its own fleet of ten advanced mobile communications satellites from itsLondon headquarters, which is linked to a global network of satellite accessstations. HYLAS will take advantage not only of these facilities but also ofInmarsat's 18 years' experience in operating geostationary satellites. David Williams, Avanti Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to have foundin Inmarsat a safe pair of hands to entrust the operation of HYLAS to. We alsobelieve that in extending our existing relationship with Inmarsat, there areother opportunities that we will pursue together." Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat, said: "Avanti is implementingone of the UK's most innovative space projects. We intend to work closely withthem and are excited about participating in this venture. Operating the HYLASsatellite is an unique opportunity to leverage our expertise and infrastructureand are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership between our twocompanies." - ends - Notes to Editors: About Avanti Communications • Avanti Communications Group's shares were admitted to AIM on 16 April 2007; • Avanti Communications Group is the only licensed Fixed Satellite Services operator headquartered in the UK (and one of only eight such groups operating in Europe); • Avanti is licensed to provide satellite services using spectrum which provides coverage of Europe, India, The Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and the Americas. • Avanti's first satellite, called HYLAS is under construction and due for launch in 2009; the company plans further satellite projects; • Avanti, which has over 10 years' experience in the satellite industry, currently provides satellite data communications services to customers in Europe using leased satellite capacity which it will transfer to HYLAS on launch; • It's customers include broadband service providers, large businesses, the British and foreign governments, the European Union and the European Space Agency; • The core applications for which Avanti expects HYLAS capacity to be used are broadband, corporate data networks, video distribution and military/ security; • No further funding is required for the HYLAS project following successful completion of a long term debt facility in July 2007. About Inmarsat Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT) is the leading provider of global mobile satellitecommunications. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice andhigh-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and otherorganisations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or inthe air. The company's services are delivered through a global network of morethan 500 distribution partners and service providers operating in 180 countries. For the year ended 31 December 2006, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$500.1 million. More information can be found at www.inmarsat.com. Enquiries to: Avanti Communications Group plc http://www.avanti-communications.com/ David Williams 020 7749 1600 Redleaf Communications Ltd http://www.redleafpr.com/ Samantha Robbins/Anna Dunkin 020 7822 0200 sr@redleafpr.com Hoare Govett Justin Jones/Hugo Fisher 020 7678 8000 Inmarsat plc http://www.inmarsat.com John Warehand, PR Manager 020 7728 1579 / 07739 778 128 john_warehand@inmarsat.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange