Satellite ISP Avanti Communications has revealed more details about the planned launch of its first next generation broadband Satellite - HYLAS 1. Under ideal conditions HYLAS 1 should be able to deliver download speeds of ‘up to’ 8Mbps around the UK and Europe.

Avanti has been advised by Astrium UK, the manufacturer, that its satellite will now be delivered to the launch site in July 2010. Arianespace, the launch service provider has separately now confirmed that it will be ready to launch HYLAS 1 in August (a "launch campaign" lasting several weeks from delivery to the launch site is typical).


The satellite itself will launch from a dedicated Soyuz vehicle and the ISP is confident that its program will deliver HYLAS 1 into operation successfully by September 2010. However HYLAS could be a tough sell in the UK and will need to beat Eutelsat's prices and usage allowances (e.g. 3.6Mbps with a 2.4GB usage allowance for around £30 per month) if it is to stand a good chance of breaking into remote and rural communities.