Comsat Wins $42 Million Contract for Brazilian Broadband Network

File photo of Comsat dishes.

McLean VA (SPX) Jan 04, 2005
Comsat International, a full-service provider of voice and data communications throughout Latin America, announced today that its Vicom subsidiary in Brazil has been awarded the GESAC project in Brazil.

This is the most recent project in the GESAC program, and will provide an integrated communications network for broadband Internet access, Voice, Data, and Application Services to schools and municipalities throughout Brazil. Comsat International was chosen the winner as part of a competitive tender among eight companies.

This phase of the GESAC Program is to be implemented under a 30 month, 114 Million Reais ($42 Million USD) contract. GESAC is a Brazilian Government initiative for digital inclusion and connectivity for underserved areas of Brazil.

The project to be implemented by Comsat is comprised of an integrated broadband communications network, which includes voice, data, and hosting services for 4400 public institutions throughout Brazil. This second phase of the program adds new services and additional sites to the original project in which Comsat's Vicom unit participated as a subcontractor.

"This is one of the largest connectivity projects of its kind in the world, and we are thrilled that Comsat was chosen as the supplier of choice by the Ministry of Communications," said Comsat President and CEO George M. Kappaz.

"This is our second major government sponsored connectivity project award in the last five months (Compartel in Colombia was the first), and strengthens Comsat's position as the preeminent provider of large connectivity projects throughout Latin America.

"Our unique ability to provide broadband service over an integrated terrestrial and satellite network will result in high-speed connectivity being brought to areas of Brazil that are currently underserved. Comsat considers projects of this type to be of enormous strategic importance in the region, and is committed to providing high quality services to remote locations throughout the continent."

INTERNET SPACE

100% Of Rural America Now Has Access to Broadband Internet Service

Chicago IL (SPX) Jan 03, 2005
The much discussed "digital divide" between rural and urban America has effectively been bridged for anyone who now desires high-speed (broadband) Internet connectivity, but many people are still not aware there is universal access or the impact, according to President Kip Pendleton AgriStar Global Networks.