AVN.L Regulatory News (AVN)

Avanti Communications Group plc

HYLAS 2 successfully launched and now in orbit

London - 3 August 2012. Avanti Communications Group plc (AIM: AVN, "Avanti" or "the Company"), the satellite operator, announces the successful launch of HYLAS 2 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on Ariane Flight VA208 on Thursday 2 August at 9.54pm UK time.

The Ariane 5 launch was perfect, injecting HYLAS 2 into the correct orbit precisely on schedule. HYLAS 2 separated from the Ariane 5 on time and telemetry was received at the control centre at the European Spaceport.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti Communications, commented:

"I'm delighted that our second satellite, HYLAS 2, has been successfully launched and is operating under our control. It will now undertake a series of pre-planned in orbit acceptance tests over the coming three months before we commence service for customers. 

"HYLAS 2 will provide high speed data capacity across Africa, Caucasia and the Middle East. This service changes everything in the data markets in those regions that have previously left companies, Governments and consumers poorly served. The comparatively attractive economic backdrop and huge unmet demand evident in these regions give us great confidence that our decision to move into emerging markets was the right one, and our early mover advantage should drive strong profitability."

For further information please contact:

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

David Williams, Chief Executive

Sean Watherston, Director of IR and Corporate Finance

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

Nicholas Wells (Nomad)/Julian Morse

 Jefferies Hoare Govett Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8000

Neil Collingridge/Thomas Rider

 College Hill Tel: +44 (0) 20 7457 2020

Adrian Duffield/Jeremy Durrant

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, HYLAS 1, launched on 26 November 2010 and is the first superfast broadband satellite launched in Europe.

·; Avanti's second satellite, HYLAS 2, launched on 2 August 2012. It extends Avanti's coverage to Africa, Caucasia and the Middle East. For more information please go to www.avantiplc.com/hylas2

·; Avanti's third satellite, HYLAS 3, to be launched in partnership with ESA in 2015, will provide further capacity in the EMEA region.

·; 80% of Avanti's fleet capacity will address the Emerging telecommunications markets of Africa, Caucasia and the Middle East.