Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT) is providing a SkyEdge II broadband satellite communications network to its long-standing customer ASTEL, a leading telecommunications operator in Kazakhastan. The new network for ASTEL includes two SkyEdge II satellite hub stations and several hundred SkyEdge II Access VSATs, in addition to the recently announced Gilat NetEdge Gateways.

The VSAT network will deliver a wide range of interactive data applications, including VoIP, video conferencing and virtual private networks. NetEdge is a high-performance satellite communications solution, specifically designed to meet the requirements of multi-star private networks for corporations as well as for cellular backhaul applications. Single-hop connectivity is provided, network wide, between the NetEdge components. This enhances the user experience and application performance for all intra-corporation, cellular backhaul and Internet traffic. It also offers significant space-segment savings. Gilat's broadband satellite communications networks have been serving the Kazakhstan market since 1998, helping to improve the quality of life for businesses and citizens in the country's most remote regions. Gilat's VSAT networks provide dependable, high-speed data networking to government agencies, banks and energy companies at thousands of sites throughout Kazakhstan. The majority of telecom operators in Kazakhstan deploy Gilat satellite equipment.