Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. is deploying a SkyEdge broadband satellite communications network for Russia’s largest electric utility company. The utility, FSK, serves more than 142.2 million Russian citizens.

FSK will use the SkyEdge VSAT network for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and satellite telephony applications at an initial 650 locations nationwide. In addition, the network will be used for VPN applications enabling secure network services to be transmitted between FSK's electric facilities. SkyEdge will enable FSK to benefit from better load tracking and more accurate forecasting as well as more accurate billing with real-time meter data collection.

Arie Rozichner, Gilat's regional vice president, Eurasia, said, “VSAT technology provides FSK and other utilities distinct benefits over terrestrial alternatives. These benefits include ubiquity, high-speed connectivity, rapid network rollout and very high network uptime--all while reducing telecommunications costs. Gilat’s experience in SCADA applications and our advanced SkyEdge platform will enable us to provide FSK with an advanced and competitive communications solution, thereby further enhancing FSK's position as a leading utility company.”

Gilat's SkyEdge systems have been chosen for a number of significant federal government projects in Russia, including the Ministry of Education, FGUP "Russian Post" and Universal Service Obligation (USO) projects. Gilat's advanced VSAT technology meets the complex requirements of major operators in Russia, bringing telephony and Internet services to citizens in the country’s most remote regions.

Gilat’s SkyEdge is a satellite communications system that delivers voice, broadband data and video services over a powerful unified system.