Avanti (a broadband satellite operator), has been awarded a contract by Hutchison 3G Ireland to supply them under the Irish Governments National Broadband Scheme. This €43m scheme is designed to bring broadband services to communities all over Ireland which are out of the reach of terrestrial alternatives.
Avanti will be concentrating on serving the rural areas where ADSL and Mobile broadband will not reach. The contract will cover an anticipated 5,000 – 6,000 homes and businesses in its initial phase although the eventual number of potential customers may be higher. Avanti will begin services on leased capacity, transferring to its own HYLAS satellite after its launch.
David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti, said: “I am delighted that our service has been chosen by Hutchison 3G, which is part of a highly respected global telecoms group. This contract win further consolidates our European market lead in rural broadband, and we are proud to play our part in helping to advance the Irish digital economy. Gaining approval from a large and experience telecom carrier like Hutchison 3G is a significant milestone in the development of our business. We expect to generate increasing contract wins with large mainstream telecoms carriers now that the place for our product in the European market place is firmly established.”
This is a good example of Government, Telecoms Providers, and specialist partners working together for the good of the country. It should also mean that Irish homes are well-served for access to the InterWeb in a sensible timeframe.
[Via: Avanti]