Spacenet Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT), has signed a contract to provide an upgraded data network to approximately 500 Cumberland Farms locations across the United States.

The new network combines common carrier and satellite technologies to support advanced applications and ensure business continuity. Spacenet is deploying an innovative hybrid VSAT and DSL/Cable/EV-DO network that provides optimized support for Cumberland Farms’ expanding retail applications. Satellite networks combined with wireline services provide cost-effective redundant communications and a diverse network path to protect against network downtime. Spacenet is upgrading Cumberland Farms’ existing VSAT network to the industry-leading SkyEdge VSAT platform for faster speeds and advanced functionality. The network supports improved performance for web-based and back-office applications including credit/debit card authorization, POS polling, HR software and inventory tracking.