At AfricaCom today Gilat Satcom announced that it has signed a two-year $7.5m contract with a leading mobile communications company in DRC.

Gilat Satcom will be providing satellite backup for the mobile operator's :

· cellular and fiber networks in the four largest cities of the DRC: Goma, Kinshasa (the capital), Kisangani and Lubumbashi

· international voice calls

· domestic fiber, cellular and wireless backhaul networks.

Gilat Satcom has been providing satellite broadband connectivity to enterprises and ISPs in the DRC since 2008, most recently using the new satellites of O3B. Its partner Raga S.p.r.l is one of only three licensed hub operators in the country.


During this time demand has increased rapidly as people and businesses realize the social and economic advantages of having fast and reliable broadband connectivity.

This contract comes following a sustained period of significant investment by Gilat Satcom in both its pan-African satellite and fiber networks.

Dan Zajicek, CEO of Gilat Satcom, said "Established operators across Africa choose us to improve the quality of the voice and data services they provide. We are a reliable partner who always delivers. We will continue to invest heavily in our African network to provide customers with a fast and reliable service."

Gilat Satcom's African headquarters is in Lagos and it has a number of joint ventures across Africa including Microlink in Zambia.