Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has signed an agreement with Huawei for the delivery of its SkyAbis cellular backhaul solution to a leading Southeast Asian Mobile Network Operator (MNO).

As part of the project, Gilat will supply and install a SkyEdge II hub, SkyEdge II Pro VSATs, and related services including remote site installation. The majority of the sites will replace older SCPC modems that are currently in use.

The SkyAbis network will support both 2G and 3G BTS/Node B sites as part of a major upgrade to the Mobile Network Operator's nationwide cellular infrastructure, and will provide improved bandwidth efficiency and higher throughputs.

The cellular backhaul solution enables the network operator to significantly save on satellite capacity through the use of the SkyAbis Dynamic Allocation Multiple Access (DAMA) capabilities which allocate satellite capacity to the site, as and when required. This also enables the operator to expand the network to additional sites, where previously it was not economically feasible.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Huawei on such an advanced cellular backhaul deployment," said Stephane Palomba, Regional VP for Asia, at Gilat Satellite Networks, "As many MNOs are looking to extend their cellular coverage to more remote locations, cellular backhaul via satellite is the optimal solution for rapid, economical deployment."

Gilat is one of today's leading providers of cellular backhaul solutions, supplying mobile operators around the world with satellite ground equipment and services that enable them to increase ARPU and expand their reach into new geographies, while rapidly complying with emerging government regulations.

Gilat's SkyAbis is a prepackaged solution for cellular backhaul, based on Gilat's SkyEdge II multi-service platforms. The solution enables operators to deploy hybrid networks that extend the reach of their terrestrial and cellular infrastructure to remote communities.

SkyAbis features traffic optimization and dynamic bandwidth allocation for GSM, CDMA 2000 and UMTS backhaul, with much higher space-segment efficiencies when compared to SCPC.

More information regarding Gilat's cellular backhaul solutions can be found here.