Gilat Satellite Networks has announced it has been selected by Delnet International to provide a SkyEdge II network for 3G and GSM cellular backhaul for SMART Communications. SMART is a wholly-owned cellular network operator and Internet service subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone company (PLDT).

As part of the project, Gilat will supply a SkyEdge II network segment, SkyEdge II Accent VSATs and related services. The majority of the VSATs will replace older SCPC modems that are currently in use.

The SkyEdge II Ku-band network will support both 2G and 3G BTS/Node B sites as part of a migration by SMART from older and less efficient VSAT solutions, and will provide improved bandwidth efficiency and higher throughputs.

"Gilat's experience as a provider of cellular backhaul in this region speaks for itself," said Delnet CEO Klaas Oreel. "Because Gilat's solutions are field-proven, we have a track record by which to measure their capabilities."

Gilat's SkyEdge II cellular backhaul solution enables network operators to significantly save on satellite capacity through the use of Dynamic Allocation Multiple Access (DAMA) capabilities which allocate satellite capacity to the site as required, resulting in OPEX savings.

The solution also includes sophisticated support of automatic uplink power control that compensates for rain attenuation without additional consumption of space segment, as well as strong QoS and policing, ensuring high quality even during periods of congestion due to excessive data traffic.

"We have vast experience in deployments of this type for our customers in Asia," said Stephane Palomba, Gilat Regional Vice President, Asia. "Our cellular backhaul solutions for 2G and 3G networks will ensure that SMART's customers are well-positioned to receive reliable broadband coverage."