SkyEdge 2-c Libra hybrid satellite-cellular terminal. Photo: Gilat

[Via Satellite 11-13-2014] Gilat has announced a new terminal, the SkyEdge 2-c Libra that combines both satellite and cellular technologies. The Libra terminal transmits download traffic by satellite, and uploads data via a Mobile Network Operator’s (MNO’s) cellular network. According to Gilat, this combination enables higher download speeds of up to 20 Mbps.

Gilat designed the device to assist MNOs in expanding the reach of broadband beyond mobile or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) infrastructures. Direct-To-Home (DTH) service providers can also benefit by adding broadband to their portfolios. The DTH service uses a cellular network for the return path. The Libra hybrid terminal also comes with a standard receive-only antenna, a Low-Noise Block (LNB) converter and a self-install option to reduce deployment costs.