Although it did not disclose the name of the MNO, Gilat did confirm that it is a "top-tier MNO, serving hundreds of millions of subscribers in Asia".
The satco's CCO, Michal Aharonov, said: "This new deal represents a major market penetration achievement with significant upside potential for Gilat.
"Already proven worldwide with market adoption of about 80%, our industry-leading 4G cellular backhaul over satellite solution was selected because of its superior technology and proven track record. We expect to see an expansion of business with this top-tier MNO, and other MNOs throughout the world, as we move forward into 2022.”
The unnamed MNO will implement Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c system and Capricorn Outdoor VSATs, which will enable improved voice and data over LTE services for mobile subscribers. The 4G cellular satellite backhaul is expected to be deployed in the first quarter of 2022.
It's the second such contract for Gilat in Asia following the October announcement that a Tier-1 mobile operator in Asia has expanded its 4G network with Gilat’s cellular backhaul.
Further, in July of 2021 Gilat won a "multi-million dollar" contract to provide satellite communications services to defence forces in Asia using its SkyEdge II-c platform, Capricorn VSATs and TotalNMS.
Meanwhile, on the people front, Gilat named its new CFO on 30 December. Gil Benyamini will take on the role effective 1 February following the departure of Bosmat Halpern.
A former pharma exec, Benyamini most recently held the position of CFO for Panaxia Pharmaceutical Industries for four years. Previously he was CFO role at Walla Communications and at Exent Technologies.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO Adi Sfadia said: “I want to welcome Gil Benyamini to Gilat’s management team. I strongly believe that Gil Benyamini is the right person for the CFO role, as we face major opportunities and expect to take Gilat to the next level, anticipating substantial growth.
“Furthermore, I want to take this opportunity to thank Bosmat Halpern for her invaluable contribution over the past eight years as Gilat’s AVP Finance and as Gilat’s CFO. Mrs. Halpern has been my right hand during Gilat’s incredible journey, and I wish her best of luck as she moves on.”
Meanwhile in October, Telesat confirmed it had appointed Glenn Katz as its CCO. Katz' earlier positions included executive and engineering roles with Gilat.
