MCLEAN, Va., June 8, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spacenet Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT) and one of the world's leading providers of satellite networking solutions, announced today that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), one of Spacenet's key public safety customers, was awarded the Innovation & Technology Award for 2009 at the International Satellite & Communications Exchange (ISCe) Conference. MoDOT teamed with Spacenet and Orbital Data Net (ODN), the Missouri state contractor for satellite services, to design and implement its innovative emergency communications satellite solution. The solution integrates terrestrial communications assets with satellite connectivity for a complete continuity of operations and first responder solution.
"In the past, MoDOT has faced challenges with implementing satellite communications systems that met all of our requirements," said MoDOT Communications Team Member Cris Kallenbach. "Leveraging the expertise and flexibility from the ODN and Spacenet team, we were able to overcome these challenges. Together, we developed a custom solution that helps us achieve our communications goals."
ISCe recognized MoDOT for its innovative satellite solution, which enables the agency to fulfill its mission of ensuring public safety with constant access to critical communications during emergency situations. The solution, based on both fixed and transportable satellite systems, supports full Voice over IP (VoIP) and Radio over IP (RoIP) capabilities with Quality of Service (QoS), Internet access, and can interface with trunked radio systems and analog systems. The solution enables seamless transmission capabilities and control to communicate and interconnect remote tower sites by satellite, and interoperability with legacy systems. The emergency network can be operated and controlled from virtually any location that has access to a high-speed Internet connection, enabling communications over radio across the world. The team also created a unique telephone solution, Satellite Transport Audio Circuits (STAC), that provides efficient and cost effective voice services.
"We are very pleased to be part of this solution and to work with great partners like ODN to support the diverse emergency management requirements for state and local government agencies like MoDOT," said Spacenet President and COO Glenn Katz. "Spacenet understands the importance of reliable communications for emergency response efforts and we're focused on meeting the unique needs of emergency responders. It's very gratifying to know our satellite services help MoDOT fulfill its public safety initiatives more effectively and in a cost efficient manner."
MoDOT's system was tested during severe flooding and ice storms in 2008, and successfully provided voice, radio backhaul and VPN Internet access at the disaster sites, which allowed emergency managers to quickly assess the situation, make plans and coordinate the response. During widespread wireline outages, MoDOT's radio and telephone communications were uninterrupted. To read the full case study visit www.spacenet.com/modot.
The ISCe Conference, which took place June 2 - 4, 2009 in San Diego, CA, brings together military leaders, civilian officials and the business community to explore topics that shape satellite communications. MoDOT was named winner of the ISCe Innovation & Technology Award during the conference on June 3rd.
About Orbital Data Net, Inc.
With decades of experience in satellite, Orbital Data Net (ODN), formerly Heifner Communications, is a leading provider of fixed and mobile emergency satellite communication systems. ODN can be contacted at 573.445.8101 or visit www.orbitaldata.net.
About Spacenet(r)
Founded in 1981, Spacenet Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of high-performance satellite and hybrid terrestrial networking solutions for U.S.-based enterprise, government and small office/small business customers. Spacenet has a longstanding tradition of industry leadership and innovation, and today has more than 100,000 operational network endpoints for customers including many Fortune 500 companies and major government agencies. Spacenet's services include its custom satellite and hybrid network solutions for enterprise and government; Connexstar(tm) VSAT services for primary, backup and disaster recovery networks; and StarBand(r) broadband Internet by satellite. Spacenet is based in McLean, Virginia, and operates its own end-to-end services infrastructure including network management, field services and teleport facilities in McLean, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; and Chicago, Illinois. Spacenet is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT). Visit Spacenet at www.spacenet.com.
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