Avanti announces Kent rural broadband contract success

Satellite broadband operator Avanti Communications has won a place on a public-funded initiative that aims to increase connectivity in Kent.

The company has been included in the Kent County Council Rural Broadband (KCCRB) framework, which aims to support communities that currently suffer from low-quality internet access.

A statement from the firm explained: "Following a competitive tender, [Avanti] has been awarded a place on the KCCRB framework, which will access funds of at least £1.5 million to set up pilot projects to address the rural notspots of Kent using a range of technologies, including satellite."

Avanti sells satellite data communications services to other telecoms operators, which in turn use them to deliver broadband to institutional, business and residential customers.

Its first satellite, Hylas 1, became Europe's first super-fast broadband satellite when it launched last November, while Hylas 2 is currently on track to be deployed in the second quarter of 2012. When it enters orbit, the second satellite will extend Avanti's broadband coverage to Africa and the Middle East.

The announcement comes just a matter of days after the company unveiled plans to begin offering bundled telecommunications and entertainment services powered by its satellite infrastructure.

In partnership with Hughes Europe, Avanti showcased a new dual-feed antenna unit at the IBC 2011 expo in Amsterdam that it claims can utilise a single satellite dish installation to provide broadband and digital TV signals.

As a result of this development, consumers in remote locations that currently have limited access to these services may soon have the option of signing up for triple-play bundles of high-definition television, satellite broadband and voice over internet telephony.

The solution is set to hit the market in southern Europe in the coming months, before being rolled out in other regions next year.

"This exciting new initiative demonstrates the viability of providing satellite TV and broadband internet access easily and simply," said Christopher Britton, managing director of Hughes Europe.