The Sky Edge 2 system will be fully operational by the summer of 2011. The system is designed to support 32APSK adaptive coding and modulation transmission to maximize space segment efficiency.

    Gilat said the network would enable Hispasat to help deploy a Spanish government-mandated broadband program, which is planned to provide thousands of consumers across Spain with broadband Internet services, via the operator’s recently launched Hispasat 1E satellite.

    “Our Sky Edge 2’s carrier-grade functionality supports the stringent requirements of consumer networks where performance and cost efficiencies are critical considerations. We are excited to be partnering with Hispasat and look forward to a fruitful and long-term collaboration with the company, both in Spain and across the company’s global interests,” Gilat COO Jaron Lotan said in a statement.

    Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.