The Hylas 2 satellite. Photo: Avanti

[Via Satellite 03-25-2016] British satellite operator Avanti Communications has launched full-scale national marketing of a government funded satellite broadband program in the U.K. Customers nationwide who are beyond the reach of good terrestrial service can now receive up to 30Mb satellite broadband, installed for free by Avanti service providers.

Following a January pilot program, Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) began issuing letters to the 300,000 homes eligible for the program this week. These homes can register with their county council for a voucher that will give them a free installation. Households will then only pay for monthly service charges, which begin at approximately $42.50 (29.95 pounds) per month.