Following definitive agreements and regulatory approval, Alcatel Space and SkyBridge, subsidiaries of Alcatel will join SATLYNX as a 20% shareholder. SATLYNX is fully operational and has incorporated Gilat's existing European operations and enterprise customer base.

SATLYNX also services the wholesale contracts with BT Openworld and with Tiscali for the provision of broadband satellite connectivity to SOHO and consumer subscribers in Europe.

The Company offers consumer broadband services with Gilat's 360 platform. Corporate customers will use Gilat's Skystar AdvantageR VSAT platform, as well as SES GLOBAL's high speed BBI technology, which is based on the DVB-RCS standard.

SES GLOBAL and Gilat, as the founding shareholders, have appointed a 6 member Board of Directors of SATLYNX.The three board members from SES GLOBAL are: Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES GLOBAL; Robert Bednarek, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development of SES GLOBAL; and Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA. The three Board members from Gilat are: Yoel Gat, Chairman and CEO of Gilat Satellite Networks; Amiram Levinberg, President and COO of Gilat Satellite Networks; and Joshua Levinberg, Senior Vice President Business Development of Gilat Satellite Networks. Joshua Levinberg will serve as the Chairman of SATLYNX.

The fact that the two companies selected very senior executives on the SATLYNX board underscores the strong commitment of SES GLOBAL and Gilat to the success of the venture.

Alcatel Space and Skybridge will appoint two additional members upon closing of definitive agreements and regulatory approval. SATLYNX will be managed by an Executive Committee consisting of: Mr. Yves Elsen, President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Niki Bassat, COO Mr. Ami Samuels, CFO and SVP Corporate Development

Joshua Levinberg, Chairman of the Board of SATLYNX, said, "I have full confidence in the excellent management of the new company. Each person has more than a decade of experience in his respective fields. Together with the existing, highly experienced management, they form a very well rounded team, with vast experience and capabilities.

"I have no doubt that the infrastructure provided by the founding partners, combined with the strength of the enhanced management team, will serve as a powerful foundation for propelling SATLYNX to become Europe's premier provider of broadband services via satellite."

Yves Elsen, President and CEO of SATLYNX, commented: "Multimedia and two-way -broadband access will be emerging as priorities for the future evolution of the satellite communications business.

"By combining leading technology, expertise and marketing know-how - along with existing European operations and a substantial customer base in b2b and b2c - the new company is well positioned to become Europe's leading provider of two-way satellite broadband services."

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