HYLAS 2: Completion of In Orbit Acceptance

Avanti Communications Group plc

Successful completion of in orbit testing

London - 10 September 2012. Avanti Communications Group plc (AIM: AVN, or "Avanti"), the satellite operator, is pleased to announce the successful completion of in orbit testing for its HYLAS 2 satellite.

The testing process confirmed that HYLAS 2 is performing as specified and has more lifetime than planned. 

HYLAS 2 is located at the orbital position 31 East. Avanti, via its National Regulator OFCOM, has received the standard confirmation from the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (which regulates such matters) that its ITU filing for the use of spectrum by HYLAS 2 at 31°E has been accepted and notified in accordance with ITU rules, providing the necessary regulatory basis for the operation of the HYLAS 2 satellite at 31°E. 

The commissioning of the IP infrastructure and customer equipment at Avanti's three Gateway Earth Stations is underway. 

David Williams, Avanti Chief Executive said;

"It's a special moment when the spacecraft is declared healthy operational, and this brings us close to the launch of commercial services in what is probably the most exciting region for satellite services in the World."

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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, launched on August 2nd 2012. It extends Avanti's coverage to Africa, Caucasia and the Middle East.

·; Avanti's third satellite HYLAS 3, to be launched in partnership with ESA in 2015, will provide further capacity in the EMEA region

·; 80% of Avanti's fleet capacity will address the Emerging telecommunications markets of Africa, Caucasia and the Middle East.