AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

6 May 2009 07:00



Date: 6 May 2009

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

Embargoed until: 0700hrs

Avanti Communications Group plc

Multiple Contract Wins

Avanti Communications Group plc (AIM: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, has signed contracts to supply broadband products to two distributors in Italy with an initial aggregate value of £200,000 in the first two years. The new distributors each have unique market specialties.

Tempestini Group Srl specialises in developing and integrating applications for national and regional law enforcement agencies across Italy, including the Polizia di Stato, Carabinieri, Esercito Italiano, and Protezione Civile.

Hitek Partners Srl owns the leading maritime brand Swim4Sail (www.swim4sail.com) and is working with Avanti to provide communications for events like the Comet Cup Regatta in Cala Galera, Italy.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti, said:

"I am delighted to announce new distribution contracts in Italy, which is a very important market for Avanti. Avanti's superfast broadband satellite, HYLAS, will be the first of its kind launched to serve the Italian market. Its new technology has massive competitive advantages and with 45 distributors now signed around Europe we are well on the way to filling HYLAS."

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 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.