SES S.A. and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. have announced that they have signed an agreement for the delivery of network equipment and Ka-band end user terminals for SES's satellite-based Internet service ASTRA2Connect.

The use of Gilat's Ka-band platform will allow SES to deliver significantly faster Internet and Voice-over-IP services to private households and small businesses across Europe. Currently serving over 80,000 ASTRA2Connect end users, SES today operates the largest satellite-based broadband network in Europe.

The use of Ka-band end user terminals supporting download speeds of up to 20 Mbit/s is part of SES's strategy to bring its successful ASTRA2Connect service to the next level. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2012, SES will further increase the performance of its ASTRA2Connect service by using additional multiple spot beam Ka-band capacity onboard its ASTRA 2F, 2E and 2G spacecraft to be launched between 2012 and 2014 and located at 28.2 degrees East.

"This is an important milestone for Gilat and a strong acknowledgement of our Ka-band technology. The use of Ka-band technology represents a significant shift in the satellite market.

This agreement represents an important opportunity for Gilat to be at the forefront of next-generation satellite services, while providing consumers and businesses across Europe with valuable improvements in their day to day broadband services", said Amiram Levinberg, Gilat's CEO.

"Gilat's innovative technology will set a new price performance level in the consumer and Small Office/ Home Office (SoHo) market."

"We are continuously enhancing our service offerings by providing satellite internet services at speeds comparable to standard terrestrial and terrestrial wireless networks such as DSL, cable, and LTE technologies." said Patrick Biewer, Managing Director of ASTRA Broadband Services.

"Gilat's advanced VSAT technology featuring high data rates and cost effective terminal technology will allow us to further optimize our service proposition for the end-consumer market and to increase the competitive advantage of our satellite-based Internet service ASTRA2Connect."