HYLAS 1 Update

Avanti Communications Group plc

HYLAS 1 Update

Avanti (LSE: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, is pleased to update the market on the excellent progress made following the launch of HYLAS 1. The satellite has now had all systems turned on and all results are as planned. The satellite has reached geostationary orbit and the first transmissions have been received at Avanti's primary Gateway Earth Station in the UK.

The launch was highly efficient and as a result HYLAS 1 is expected to achieve longer useful life than planned because of fuel efficiency during transfer to geostationary orbit. Avanti will now continue with a pre-service mission which is using HYLAS to demonstrate certain capabilities that are relevant to future business, and then will prepare for the launch of commercial service in Europe towards the end of calendar Q1.

The response from our market has been excellent since the launch of HYLAS 1 and we are confident that we can achieve the targets we have set ourselves to fill HYLAS 1 within three years and, under certain conditions, could expect to do better.

--ENDS--

For further information please contact:

Avanti Communications Group Plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7749 1600

David Williams

Cenkos Securities Tel: +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

Nick Wells / Max Hartley

Jefferies International Limited Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8000

Julian Smith / Oliver Griffiths

Redleaf Polhill Tel: +44 (0) 20 7566 6700

Emma Kane / Paul Dulieu / Samantha Robbins

Notes to Editors

About Avanti

¡ Avanti sells satellite data communications services to telecoms companies which use them to supply residential, enterprise and institutional users.

¡ Avanti's first satellite called HYLAS 1, launched on November 26th 2010 and is the first superfast broadband satellite launched in Europe.

¡ Avanti's second satellite, called HYLAS 2, on target for launch in Q2 2012. It will extend Avanti's coverage to Africa and the Middle East.