Gilat Satellite Networks has been was awarded a three year contract by the Peruvian Ministry of Education to provide SkyEdge II-c hub and 'Aries' VSAT equipment, installation, maintenance and technical support, aimed to provide Internet connectivity to 2,600 schools nationwide.

The contract, valued at $12.8 million, is part of the Ministry's Directorate General of Educational Technologies' (DIGETE) initiative to bring internet connectivity to thousands of Peruvian school children in an effort to reduce educational disparities in the country.

Gilat's SkyEdge II-c Aries is a compact high-throughput VSAT, designed to enable high speed broadband services and FUP (Fair Use Policy) while meeting cost efficiencies which are at the heart of government sponsored projects.

"Broadband-over-satellite forms a crucial component of our goal to provide an increasing number of school children with access to computer technology," said Sandro Marcone Flores, Head of the Directorate General of Educational Technologies.

"We are delighted to have Gilat's strong track record support us in this important national initiative."

"This award complements the tens of thousands of schools around the world already supported by Gilat's VSATs," said Danny Fridman, Gilat Peru and Colombia CEO.

"We have been an active partner for the Peruvian government in several key communication initiatives in the country and we are proud to be part of improving the quality of education for Peruvian children."