Eutelsat Communications has selected the Hughes JUPITER System to enable services on its KONNECT new-generation High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) for Western Europe and Africa.

According to a statement issued by the Hughes, the agreement calls for Hughes to supply a significant part of the ground network system for KONNECT, expected to launch in 2019.

"We at Eutelsat are committed to delivering easy, affordable and fast Internet through our KONNECT satellite broadband initiative," said Yohann Leroy, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Eutelsat. "To do that, we needed a ground network solution that can enable the efficiency and performance that our KONNECT satellite is designed to deliver, and that is why we chose the proven Hughes JUPITER System."

"Ground infrastructure was the last missing link in our KONNECT satellite programme and this has been bridged thanks to orders placed with Hughes Network Systems and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, two trusted partners and references in their respective fields. The satellite, which has just completed its construction and is currently starting its test phase, will thus benefit from high-performance ground and in-orbit infrastructure on a cost-efficient basis to deliver competitive services to our customers."

Ramesh Ramaswamy, senior vice president and general manager, International Division at Hughes added, "We welcome the opportunity to further our longstanding relationship with Eutelsat as we work together to connect the unserved and underserved. Their selection of the Hughes JUPITER System reinforces its position as the worldwide platform of choice for high performing and efficient satellite broadband solutions, and we look forward to helping Eutelsat realise the full potential of the KONNECT satellite."

The JUPITER System is described as the next generation platform for very small aperture terminal (VSAT) networks, designed and optimised for broadband services over both high-throughput and conventional satellites.

The platform incorporates wideband DVB-S2X industry standard and designed with a powerful System on a Chip.

According to Eutelsat, its Ka-band KONNECT satellite is designed to deliver direct-to-user consumer and enterprise broadband services and will also be used for community networks connected to Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile system backhauling and rural connectivity.