BT have signed a deal with Avanti Communications to use the recently launched Hylas-1 satellite to provide satellite broadband.

We reported on the recent launch of the Hylas 1 broadband satellite and with it comes even more good news for the company owning it with a deal being signed with BT.

The £1.2m deal which is for 5 years is designed to help roll out broadband to remote and rural areas of the UK and is part of a recently announced £132 million next generation access project in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

BT recognise that using different technologies is the best way to get as much coverage of the UK with next generation broadband. In some places it is not financially feasible for BT to install their own fibre network to offer next generation internet access, so by using the satellite broadband option means that some “blackspot” areas will now be opened up to the availability of a fast reliable broadband connection. The Hylas-1 satellite will offers broadband speeds up to 10Mb.