Graphic of Gilat and Intelsat’s rural cellular infrastructure. Photo: Gilat

[Via Satellite 11-08-2016] Gilat Satellite Networks says it is the first to deliver Layer 2 with GTP acceleration, which will provide true LTE speeds as well as operational efficiency for large-scale networks. Layer 2 functionality is now available for both cellular backhaul and corporate connectivity applications through Gilat.

Gilat’s patent-pending GTP acceleration techniques provide LTE performance of 150 Mbps to the handset, being on par with terrestrial performance. With this solution, Gilat says it is driving satellite cellular backhauling from the developing world to the developed world, and from rural areas to the metro-edge, and metro networks. Tier-1 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the U.S., U.K. and Japan have already chosen the technique to extend network coverage and for public safety applications, thus aiming to propel satellite backhaul from a niche play to the mainstream.