Israel Business Arena

Under the deal with Bulgaria's Transat, Gilat will set up a satellite-based network with sites throughout Bulgaria.

Petah Tikva-based Gilat Satellite Networks (Nasdaq: GILTF) announced today that it signed an agreement with the Bulgarian company Transat to deploy a Skystar 360E hub and VSAT network with sites throughout Bulgaria. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.

Transat, and its parent company, Petrol Bulgaria, plan to provide support for a variety of applications in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe through this private satellite-based VSAT network. The equipment will be delivered during the course of the third quarter of 2003, Gilat says.

The agreement includes the deployment of a Skystar 360E hub and 511 remote sites. According to Gilat, the network will provide data connectivity to 450 gas stations, 17 corporate regional branches, 30 bank branches and other applications.

The satellite-based Skystar 360E platform offers two-way interactive broadband IP and multicasting applications.

Transat executive director Mincho Pankov said, "Transat relies on Gilat's experience in the deployment and support of these networks. The geographic proximity of Bulgaria to Israel, as well as our excellent economic relations are strategically important to us. We were impressed by the quick and precise response of the Gilat team and look forward to a fruitful and mutually profitable relationship."

Gilat Special Projects marketing director Shimon Teller said, "The parties expect to enhance and expand their collaboration to other applications, in and beyond the territory of Bulgaria."

Gilat shares closed on Nasdaq on Wednesday at $4.80.