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October 30, 2009
Gilat Helps Serve Remote Telephony Customers in Kazakhstan
TMCnet Contributor
Kazakhstan’s major telecommunications operator Kazakhtelecom JSC, better known as KT, has reportedly added Gilat’s cellular backhaul solution to its satellite communications network.
Gilat provides satellite communications networks in Kazakhstan and Kazakhtelecom. Under the agreement, Gilat integrated its SkyAbis cellular backhaul solution with Huawei’s native IP 3G base stations. This integration has helped KT (News - Alert) to service clients in new regions that did not make much economic sense earlier.
The integration was successful because Gilat’s cellular backhaul solution has already been tested for integration within Huawei’s (News - Alert) 2G and 3G BSS platforms.
The implementation of the cellular backhaul solution will initially be made at an initial 36 base station sites. The solution will brighten the lives of many Kazakhstan residents living in remote areas. These people will now be able to enjoy high-quality telephony and data services similar to those offered in more highly developed regions of Kazakhstan.
Gilat and KT have been working together since 1998. The operator has used Gilat VSATs to provide telephony and broadband Internet services for businesses and consumers in remote locations nationwide.
KT’s chief technical director Lezgovko Aleksandr Vladimirovich said KT chose Gilat’s integrated VSAT-based cellular backhaul solution because Gilat has successfully provided them with advanced satellite communications technology and dedicated customer support.
Based on the Gilat SkyEdge and SkyEdge II multi-service platforms, the cellular backhaul solution helps operators to deploy hybrid networks that extend the reach of their terrestrial and cellular infrastructure to remote communities. These platforms are known to be easily deployed in harsh terrain and work effortlessly in severe weather conditions.
This feature is very important for operation in many remote Kazakhstan villages characterized by mountainous terrain and cold weather. These unfriendly factors challenge operators to implement a communications infrastructure.
“This new development with KT is a good example of how Gilat partners with its customers to provide custom, integrated solutions that fit their specific requirements,” said Arie Rozichner, Gilat’s regional vice president, Eurasia. “In this case, Gilat combined its advanced satellite communications technology with its CDMA 2000 cellular backhaul application. This provides KT with a solution that can increase its business and service offering, while opening the door to new telecommunication markets and growth opportunities.”
Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Anuradha’s article, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Marisa Torrieri