[Satellite TODAY 08-15-11] Canadian communications solutions provider Norsat International was awarded a new satellite-based communications equipment and services program from the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency, Norsat announced Aug. 12.

   The program award, valued at $1.3 million, will allow Norsat to deliver equipment for use in battle theatres in Afghanistan. The company said the deal also allows them to showcase the equipment to other NATO member nations to allow further opportunities for their purchase under the program. Norsat expects to deliver the majority of the initial equipment and services by the end of the 2012 first quarter.

   “We take pride in knowing that our equipment and services will be facilitating NATO’s critical communications in the remote and austere regions of Afghanistan. This contract requires critical design and product customization and we welcome opportunities to solve challenging communication issues and meeting or exceeding customer demands,” Norsat President and CEO Amiee Chan said in a statement.