[SatNews] Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L) and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT), have announced that, in selected regions, fixed VSAT operators can now access a new wholesale, fully-managed, high-speed satellite broadband service, delivered over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band network in partnership with Gilat Satellite Networks.

Artistic rendition of an Inmarsat GX satellite.

Inmarsat and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. are offering a fully-managed service designed for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telcos, network operators and other organisations that want to use the power of GX. By leasing bandwidth, VSAT operators can take advantage of a low cost-per-bit data rate, coupled with low-cost, high-throughput terminals from Gilat Satellite Networks. 

The service is made possible through Inmarsat’s new high-speed Ka-band network, Global Xpress. The first of three satellites underpinning the GX network is already live, providing service throughout Europe, Russia, Africa, Middle East and much of Asia. The second satellite was successfully launched in February 2015, and the third satellite has safely arrived in Kazakhstan in anticipation of its forthcoming launch.

“This is a unique opportunity for fixed VSAT operators to deliver reliable, high-speed data to their customers,” said Rash Jhanjee, Head of GX Business Development and Strategy, Enterprise, Inmarsat. “This new joint partnership, enabled by Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c platform over Inmarsat’s GX Ka-band network, will deliver broadband Virtual Network Operator (VNO) capabilities, where market opportunity exists, through a cost-effective managed service platform. We are excited to demonstrate the strength, reliability and enterprise-class service of our network to the fixed satellite services market.”

Gilat's SkyEdge II-c Capricorn.

Ron Levin, Director of Strategic Accounts at Gilat, said, “By combining our unique SkyEdge II-c system with the strength of Inmarsat’s Ka-band network we can deliver a truly differentiated service for network operators to provide their customers with a low-cost, reliable fixed satellite solution.  We are already seeing network operators using our platform to bring connectivity to their customers; the interest for this service in the market is promising.”