Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has been awarded a project valued at $99-million over approximately three and a half years. The contract for the project is expected to be signed shortly. In support of the Kioscos Digitales project, Gilat will provide Colombia's Ministry of Information and Technology (MINTIC) Connectivity Division with deployment and connectivity services to rural communities and schools within the framework of the Ministry's national Kioscos Phase 2/VIVE DIGITAL project.

MINTIC, a long-time Gilat customer has already used services based on Gilat SkyEdge II VSATs, including SkyEdge II WebEnhance, in nearly 4,000 rural communities and schools. This latest project, valued at $99 million, includes 10 months of rural Internet and telephony deployment, plus three years of connectivity and educational training services for more than 1,900 digital kiosks in two regions.

"We are very happy to have been awarded this project to help MINTIC provide Internet and telephony services as part of its commitment to provide digital inclusion, development and employment to rural Colombian residents," said Erez Antebi, CEO of Gilat Satellite Networks. "It is very satisfying to see an organization such as MINTIC continue to rely on Gilat's ability to provide technology and services of this size and scope."

Kioscos Digitales is an initiative of the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications which aims to provide community Internet access points to 100% of the population centers of more than 100 people, by 2014. The project is focused on rural areas and remote locations as part of the aim to achieve digital inclusion of children, youth and adults of all ages.