Gilat and O3b have teamed up to pave the way for the commercialization of the Ka-band.

Gilat Satellite Networks has signed an agreement with O3b Networks Limited, the developer of a new high-speed, low-latency satellite-based service for telecommunication operators and enterprises in emerging markets, to this end.

The agreement is aimed towards the development and supply of Ka-band infrastructure for O3b's VSAT services.

A range of hub, terminal and network management systems will also be available to O3b customers for use on the fleet upon launch.

Gilat has developed a solution for O3b, which is based on Gilat's existing SkyEdge II platform and is further customized for cellular backhaul and high-end enterprise VSAT solutions on the O3b network, supporting upload and download data rates of over 20Mbps.

This solution will be available for O3b's service launch in mid-2013.

" Gilat's unique solution will allow our customers the flexibility to operate both SCPC and TDMA from the same hub, VSATs and network management system -- an important feature for today's service providers looking for flexibility and efficiency in their networks," said Steve Collar, CEO, O3b Networks. "This agreement is an important building block in our advanced satellite network, which will bring high-speed, affordable access to nearly half of the world's population not adequately served with broadband Internet access."

Gilat Satellite Networks (News - Alert) was recently in news for receiving a new contract from the Colombian Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MINTIC) to provide broadband Internet connectivity to over 1,600 schools situated in the rural regions.