Gilat Satellite Networks has announced the successful deployment of the CellEdge small cell over satellite solution to 20 rural sites in Brazil, as part of its agreement with TIM Brasil, the second largest Brazilian operator and the leading company in the pre-paid segment.

TIM selected Gilat to provide a full turnkey solution of 3G coverage to the most remote regions of Parana state in Brazil, which was delivered within their very tight deadline of two months.

Gilat assumed complete responsibility for providing connectivity to these areas, ensuring that the project was handled in an efficient manner, including site acquisition, energy, 24m tower provision, installation, integration to the mobile core network of TIM and final ATP.

Gilat's CellEdge small cell over satellite solution enables mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide enhanced cellular connectivity to any location, no matter how remote.

The turnkey solution includes the VSAT, base station, tower, energy, logistics and installation for quick and easy deployment. CellEdge's tight integration reduces power consumption and makes efficient use of the satellite space segment.

"TIM was required to provide 3G connectivity to some of Brazil's most remote areas," said Marco Di Costanzo, Director of TIM's Mobile Network.

"When we learned about Gilat's unique CellEdge solution, coupled with their outstanding capabilities in rural areas, we were confident that they would deliver the turnkey project on spec and on time, and indeed they did."

"We were honored to be selected by TIM for this challenging project," said Russell Ribeiro, Regional Vice President - Sales of Gilat Latin America. "We are pleased that our innovative CellEdge small cell solution delivered on our customer's expectations."