Gilat Satellite Networks

Gilat Satellite Networks is an Israeli company providing VSAT-based satellite communication solutions, including satellite modems, ground stations, and network management systems, serving enterprise, government, and military customers.

Gilat Satellite Networks was established in Israel in 1987 by Yoel Gat, Amiram Levinberg, Yehoshua Levinberg, Shlomo Tirosh, and Gideon Kaplan. Several founders had worked together during military service on a classified project that received the Israel Defense Prize. Their objective was to transfer advanced communications engineering into civilian markets. Early work included assistance to cable companies and the development of compact satellite ground equipment. The company’s breakthrough came through its relationship with Spacenet, a United States operator of satellite data networks. Spacenet asked Gilat to design a small, affordable two-way data terminal. Although the initial demonstration worked, Spacenet did not immediately purchase the system, forcing Gilat to obtain outside financing from the Athena Fund and Discount Investment Company. The resulting VSAT technology became the basis for Gilat’s commercial growth. In 1991, the company sold a VSAT system to Rite Aid for use across the retailer’s American branch network. Gilat listed on Nasdaq in 1993, raising substantial capital for international expansion, and followed with the Faraway satellite-telephony system in 1994 and Dial Away in 1997. In 1998, Gilat acquired Spacenet in a share-for-share transaction. The acquisition connected the company’s equipment business with satellite network operations and services. Gilat also participated in founding Global Village Telecom, which won tenders in Colombia, Chile, and Peru to construct rural telephone networks using VSAT technology. During the late 1990s, the company raised significant capital on Wall Street and benefited from the rapid expansion of telecommunications and internet valuations. Its 2000 revenue reached a reported record level, and its market value rose sharply during the dot-com period. Gilat’s most prominent consumer initiative was a two-way satellite broadband venture developed with Microsoft. Announced in 2000, the project became Gilat-To-Home and was subsequently renamed StarBand Communications after EchoStar invested in the business. StarBand sought to provide high-speed internet access to consumers without requiring a second telephone line. The project struggled after the internet bubble burst, and its failure contributed to a severe decline in Gilat’s revenue and a large debt burden. Gilat entered a creditor settlement process in the early 2000s. Yoel Gat left the CEO and chairman roles in 2003 after 16 years, while Amiram Levinberg retired from management but remained a director. Oren Most became CEO and president, and Shlomo Rodav became chairman; Most left after approximately 15 months. The company subsequently concentrated on professional satellite communications. It launched the first-generation SkyEdge platform in 2004, providing interactive broadband data services. Gilat expanded its component and systems capabilities through the 2010 acquisitions of Wavestream, a satellite-amplifier specialist, and RAYSAT, an antenna company. In 2011, it created a division focused on the United States defense market under the leadership of Brigadier General (res.) Moshe Tamir. In 2013, it sold Spacenet’s services division to Sagenet. Rural connectivity and cellular backhaul became important parts of the company’s activity. Gilat Peru won major FITEL, later Pronatel, contracts in 2015 and 2018 to establish regional communications infrastructure. In 2016, Gilat introduced a patented satellite solution for connecting fourth-generation cellular base stations. The solution was adopted by or sold to operators and communications groups including Optus, T-Mobile, SoftBank, TIM Brazil, EE, and Telefónica entities, according to company and reference material. The company also entered the aviation market through a relationship with Gogo, later acquired by Intelsat, supporting satellite communications for commercial aircraft. In January 2020, Gilat agreed to a proposed acquisition by Comtech Telecommunications at an announced valuation of approximately $577 million. The transaction was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Gilat received compensation that was distributed to shareholders. Gilat continued operating as an independent public company. The 2020s have been marked by a shift toward high-throughput satellites, multiple orbital regimes, software-defined network architectures, and specialized mobility and defense applications. SkyEdge IV, launched in 2022, was designed for very-high-throughput satellite systems and began supporting SES-related GEO and MEO communications in 2023. Gilat also expanded cooperation with Intelsat, including work associated with the IS-E40 satellite and satellite-enabled cellular transmission. In 2023, Wavestream launched the Endurance amplifier line, Gilat expanded its relationship with Hispasat and its Amazonas Nexus platform, and the company acquired DataPath to deepen its United States government and military communications business. In 2024, Gilat announced more than $9 million in orders from several satellite operators for solutions serving in-flight connectivity, maritime communications, cellular backhaul, and enterprise networks.

1. 2023DataPath acquisition

   Gilat acquired DataPath to expand its United States military and government satellite-communications business.

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2. 2022SkyEdge IV introduced

   The company launched SkyEdge IV for very-high-throughput and multi-orbit satellite networks.

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3. 2016Satellite cellular-backhaul solution

   Gilat launched a patented solution for connecting fourth-generation cellular base stations through satellite links.

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4. 2010Wavestream and RAYSAT acquisitions

   Gilat acquired Wavestream and RAYSAT, adding satellite amplifier and antenna capabilities.

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5. 2004First-generation SkyEdge launched

   Gilat introduced SkyEdge, an interactive broadband satellite communications platform.

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6. 2000StarBand venture

   Gilat-To-Home was renamed StarBand Communications after EchoStar joined the Microsoft-backed consumer satellite-broadband venture.

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7. 1998Spacenet acquisition

   Gilat acquired Spacenet, strengthening its satellite-network services and operating capabilities.

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8. 1993Nasdaq listing

   The company went public on Nasdaq and raised capital to support its expansion.

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9. 1991First major VSAT deployment

   Gilat sold a VSAT system to Rite Aid for communications across its United States retail network.

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10. 1987Company founded

    Gilat Satellite Networks was founded in Israel by Yoel Gat, Amiram Levinberg, Yehoshua Levinberg, Shlomo Tirosh, and Gideon Kaplan.

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A specialist provider of integrated satellite-network infrastructure for locations and applications where terrestrial connectivity is unavailable, unreliable, difficult to deploy, or economically impractical. Gilat combines ground equipment, network software, multi-orbit satellite compatibility, high-power RF components, and managed services for communications operators, governments, defense organizations, enterprises, and mobility providers.

• SkyEdgeSatellite broadband platform2004

  SkyEdge is Gilat’s family of satellite-network platforms for interactive broadband connectivity. It combines hub infrastructure, terminals, modems, network software, and service-management functions for operators, enterprises, governments, and communities. The platform has evolved across multiple generations and is used for fixed broadband, cellular backhaul, enterprise networking, and other applications requiring managed satellite access.

• SkyEdge IVVery-high-throughput satellite platform2022

  SkyEdge IV is designed for high-capacity satellite networks using very-high-throughput satellites and multiple orbital configurations. It supports operator networks that may combine GEO and MEO or other non-geostationary resources, with software and ground infrastructure intended to improve capacity utilization and service flexibility across broadband, mobility, enterprise, and cellular applications.

• NetEdgeSatellite networking system

  NetEdge is a Gilat satellite-network offering for managed data connectivity. Its systems are intended to connect distributed sites and users through satellite infrastructure, providing network operators and institutional customers with centralized control over remote terminals and communications services.

• MLT-1000Ruggedized satellite modem

  The MLT-1000 is a ruggedized spread-spectrum satellite modem intended for demanding communications environments. It is associated with government, defense, and specialized field deployments where equipment must support reliable satellite links under mobile or harsh operating conditions.

• Wavestream EnduranceSolid-state power amplifier2023

  Endurance is a Wavestream product family developed for high-power, high-performance, and high-availability satellite communications. The solid-state power amplifiers support demanding ground and mobility applications and complement Gilat’s broader portfolio of RF equipment, satellite terminals, and network platforms.

• FarawaySatellite telephony system1994

  Faraway was an early Gilat system for providing satellite telephone services to remote locations. It represented the company’s effort to use compact satellite ground infrastructure to extend voice communications beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks.

• Dial AwaySatellite communications system1997

  Dial Away was introduced as part of Gilat’s early portfolio for remote satellite communications. The system extended the company’s focus from basic VSAT equipment toward packaged services and infrastructure for locations requiring satellite-based voice and data links.

• 2023Acquire DataPathM&A

  Gilat aimed to strengthen its position in United States government and military satellite communications.

  What changed. The company acquired DataPath, a United States satellite-communications provider serving defense and government customers.

  Aftermath. The acquisition expanded Gilat’s capabilities and customer access in the government and defense sector.

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• 2020Terminate Comtech acquisitionM&A

  Gilat had agreed to be acquired by Comtech Telecommunications, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted completion of the transaction.

  What changed. The proposed acquisition was canceled and Gilat received compensation that was distributed to shareholders.

  Aftermath. Gilat remained an independent public company and continued its satellite-communications strategy.

  Announced transaction valuation. Approximately US$577 million (2020)

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• 2010Acquire Wavestream and RAYSATM&A

  Gilat sought to add complementary hardware capabilities to its satellite-network platform business.

  What changed. The company acquired Wavestream, which specialized in satellite amplifiers, and RAYSAT, which specialized in satellite communications antennas.

  Aftermath. The acquisitions broadened Gilat’s integrated satellite ground-systems portfolio.

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• 2000Create StarBand consumer satellite broadband ventureProduct launch

  Gilat and Microsoft sought to bring two-way high-speed internet access to consumers in areas lacking suitable terrestrial broadband.

  What changed. Gilat established Gilat-To-Home with Microsoft and later renamed the venture StarBand Communications after EchoStar invested.

  Aftermath. The venture failed after the internet bubble burst and became a major contributor to Gilat’s financial restructuring in the early 2000s.

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• 1998Acquire SpacenetM&A

  Gilat needed to broaden its role beyond equipment development and gain direct access to satellite-network operations and services.

  What changed. Gilat acquired Spacenet through a share-for-share transaction.

  Aftermath. The transaction expanded Gilat’s services footprint and made General Electric a major shareholder for a period.

  Transaction value. (1998)

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• 2024Gilat reports more than $9 million in satellite-network orders

  Gilat announced orders from multiple satellite operators for GEO and non-geostationary-orbit communications solutions supporting aviation, maritime mobility, cellular backhaul, and enterprise services.

  Other
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• 2023Gilat expands satellite-operator partnerships

  Gilat expanded work with SES and Intelsat, including support for high-capacity satellite networks and satellite-enabled cellular transmission.

  Other
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• 2023Gilat launches Wavestream Endurance

  Through Wavestream, Gilat introduced Endurance, a high-power solid-state amplifier family aimed at demanding satellite communications applications.

  Product launch
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• 2023Gilat acquires DataPath

  Gilat acquired DataPath, a United States provider serving satellite communications requirements in military and government markets.

  M&A
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• 2022Gilat introduces SkyEdge IV

  The company launched SkyEdge IV, a satellite-network platform designed for very-high-throughput and multi-orbit satellite environments.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2020Gilat agrees to proposed acquisition by Comtech

  Gilat agreed to be acquired by Comtech Telecommunications in a transaction valuing the company at approximately $577 million. The deal was later terminated during the COVID-19 period, and Gilat received compensation that was distributed to shareholders as dividends.

  M&A
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1. Gilat Satellite Networks