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Intelsat expands in-flight connectivity with Gilat

Intelsat will use the technology to serve additional aircraft and expand managed services for mobile network operators.
Photo credit: Gilat

Intelsat has strengthened its strategic partnership and expanded its in-flight connectivity (IFC) and cellular backhaul capabilities with significant multimillion-dollar orders for Gilat’s multi-service platforms and terminals.

Gilat’s platforms will be used to empower Intelsat with augmented capacity in North America, Latin America, Africa, and Europe to serve additional aircraft and provide an enhanced user experience to passengers. It will also be used to enable Intelsat to support the expansion of managed services with mobile network operators (MNOs), providing additional coverage for satellite-based cellular backhauling.

Commenting on the deal, Jean-Philippe Gillet, SVP of Global Sales, Network and Media at Intelsat, said: “Thanks to Gilat, we’re able to smoothly increase network capacity over multiple satellites, including IS-40e, IS-46, and E10B, to address the growing bandwidth demands for IFC, cellular backhaul and other applications in the Western Hemisphere, Africa, and Europe. Gilat’s platforms continue to distinguish themselves as an operationally-proven system that allows Intelsat to streamline IFC and cellular backhaul service fulfilment all over the world.”

Amir Yafe, VP of Mobility & Global Accounts at Gilat, added: “We’re proud to be able to work with Intelsat to deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity that helps them meet the growing demand for managed services capacity in multiple markets. We value our close partnership with Intelsat and are pleased to take part in this endeavour to further expand their IFC and cellular backhaul network capabilities with Gilat’s multi-service platforms.”