Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT )
announced that it will provide communications
equipment and services to Angola Telecom, one of
the largest operators in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Gilat will provide the state operator with
satellite modems, equipped with high-quality
modulation systems and mechanisms for
anticipating errors that "reduce the costs of
satellite transmission."
In addition, the Israeli technology company will
install an integrated satellite communications
solution which will make it possible to, "expand
the capacity of the existing fixed and cellular
infrastructure."
Recently Angola's largest mobile communications
operator, Unitel, said it would invest 41.5
million euros in expanding its GSM network.
The agreement between Angola Telecom and Gilat
includes installing a radio access solution at
several points all over the country which will
make it possible to bering together GSM and 3G
capacity, opening up the possibility of
introducing third generation mobile
communications into Angola in the future.
The number of cellular phone users in Angola rose
33 percent last year to 1.6 million people,
according to figures from Angolan telecom
regulator INACOM.