Broadband Satellite ISP Avanti has announced that two new UK service providers have purchased an entry-level Shared Virtual Network Operator (SVNO) product for its latest 10Mbps capable HYLAS 1 spacecraft, which will allow them to resell internet access services around the country.

New UK Avanti-HYLAS1 Resellers

* Krypton TV in Cumbria, UK
Based in Cumbria, Krypton is developing Local High Definition TV channels using satellite broadband services to facilitate delivery to rural markets. It will also promote and sell high speed consumer broadband services via satellite across the UK via Hylas 1. www.kryptontv.co.uk

* Simply Balanced Services in Scotland, UK
Simply Balanced is based in Aberdeenshire and has been installing and maintaining satellite communications systems in remote areas for more than 25 years, from ships far out at sea to remote desert locations. SBBS will offer high speed satellite broadband services to residential and business customers across Scotland and the rest of the UK. More information can be found at www.simply-balanced-satellite.co.uk

The Ka-band satellite, which successfully went aloft aboard a Kourou based Ariane 5 rocket last November 2010 (here), is primarily designed to serve rural parts of the UK and Europe with faster broadband internet access.


Avanti's first live UK HYLAS 1 customers were connected just over one week ago as the operator began the slow process of migrating its existing 5,000 strong customer base over to the new spacecraft (here). The full migration is expected to get underway on April 4th 2011.

However to date we have still heard precious little detail about the real world packages and prices that will be available to customers, despite a request being made to Avanti's PR team. A price point of £25 per month has been mooted before, albeit only for a 2Mbps connection. Further package details remain uncertain.

Concern is growing that Avanti will not be able to match the more robust services from established rivals like ASTRA and Eutelsat, which recently launched its own 10Mbps capable Satellite (KA-SAT) and is already seeking to undercut Avanti with its new service launch in late spring. Hopefully they can put those fears to bed sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile Inland Computer Services and Banda Ampla, both in Spain, have also signed up with Avanti.