Successful launch of HYLAS 1

Avanti Communications Group plcSuccessful launch of HYLAS 1

Avanti Communications (LSE: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, is delighted to announce the successful launch of HYLAS 1 from the Kourou Space Centre on an Ariane 5 launcher on Friday 26th November at 18.39 GMT.

The Ariane 5 launch was perfect, injecting HYLAS 1 into the correct orbit precisely on schedule. HYLAS 1 separated from the Ariane 5 after 34 minutes of flight and telemetry was immediately received at the control centre. The solar arrays deployed on schedule and all systems checks showed full spacecraft functions to be working correctly.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti Communications, commented: "I am delighted that HYLAS 1 is safely in orbit and operating as planned under our control. "HYLAS 1 is a uniquely flexible satellite and we are now delighted to be able to offer broadband to communities, businesses and governments around Europe who previously suffered from the lack of high quality communications. Anyone in the UK and within our European beams who needs broadband can now have it, regardless of their location.

"Before we begin to put customer traffic onto the satellite in the New Year, we will be working to enhance the revenue generating potential of the satellite. As a result of certain extra design activities during manufacture HYLAS 1 has higher performance than the original design provided for and is able to offer certain new services. We will analyse the precise performance characteristics of the satellite in these operating modes before commercial service commences.

"This is the first major step for us in creating a business which I hope will lead the World in Ka band satellite communications."

--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 Communications Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 7566 6700

Emma Kane / Paul Dulieu / Mike Ward

Notes to Editors:

About Avanti

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

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

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

¡ The market for 2Mb satellite broadband products in the markets served by Avanti is estimated at more than 100 million households.