Avanti Communications Group plc (AIM: AVN) has received a contract extension from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, which will increase the budget available for the provision of satellite broadband services across the region to those who cannot currently access broadband services by other means.

The boost in available budget has been agreed due to an unforeseen increase in demand for satellite broadband services in the region. This contract will ensure those living and working in areas where the market has not yet made landline broadband connectivity widely available will continue to have access to broadband services at reasonable cost. David Williams, Avanti Chief Executive, said, "We are always delighted to see contracts increased or extended as it is an expression of satisfaction on the part of our customer with the technology and service we offer, as well as an indication of the expansion of our market. With the launch of HYLAS 1 scheduled for the third quarter of this year with Arianespace on Soyuz (or the alternative Ariane 5) we look forward to upgrading our valued customers in Northern Ireland to higher service levels."