The underside of a cell tower. Photo: Pixabay.

Sprint announced it has expanded its contract with Gilat Satellite Networks to include a three-year managed service project. This multi-million-dollar project includes services and technology to enable Sprint to expand its network coverage.

Last October, Sprint selected Gilat’s satellite-based cellular backhaul solution to extend LTE services to metro edge and rural areas in the United States. Now, Gilat will deliver services to remote cell sites over a three-year period with an optional extension to support Sprint’s additional network coverage and expansion plans.

According to Michal Aharonov, vice president of the commercial division at Gilat, the new contract further proves that satellite-based LTE cellular backhauling is becoming more mainstream with tier-one Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for affordable broadband.

In October, Sprint also announced it will establish new Points of Presence (PoP) in major carrier hotels as part of its plan to expand its network, beginning with a facility in Boston, Massachusetts.