SES Broadband Services, the internet via satellite subsidiary of Astra satellite operator SES, and broadband via satellite solutions provider Gilat Satellite Networks have expanded their consumer Ka-band services to Germany and Italy over the Astra 2E (28.2 degrees East) satellite.
The internet service providers collaborating with SES Broadband Services have recently started offering satellite broadband service Astra Connect on Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c platform, providing up to 20 Mbps and Voice-over-IP services to private households and small businesses across Germany and Italy using Astra 2E. The satellite which entered commercial service on February 1, 2014, enables the delivery of next generation broadcast and broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“We are continuously enhancing our service offerings by providing satellite internet services across Europe at speeds comparable to standard terrestrial and terrestrial wireless networks such as DSL, cable and LTE technologies,” said Patrick Biewer, managing director of SES Broadband Services. “Gilat’s advanced VSAT technology, featuring high data rates and cost effective terminal technology, allows us to further optimise our service proposition for the end-consumer market and to increase the competitive advantage of our satellite-based internet service Astra Connect.”
“Together with SES Broadband Services, we continue the expansion of broadband services across Europe with the Astra 2E satellite over Germany and Italy using Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c platform,” said Erez Antebi, CEO of Gilat. “Gilat’s innovative technology helped to set a new price performance level in the consumer and small office and home office market. We look forward to continuing to work with SES Broadband Services in further expansions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”