Avanti signs master distribution agreement with COMSAT

British satellite operator Avanti Communications has inked a seven-year master distribution agreement with Washington-based firm COMSAT.

As part of Avanti's agreement with COMSAT, a major supplier of satellite communications services to the US Government and Department of Defense, the London-listed firm has gained immediate access to US global governmental and military activity, something the group said could have otherwise taken "multiple years to gain approval to serve".

COMSAT will benefit from Avanti's advanced satellite fleet, particularly its Hylas 4 satellite, a high‐throughput satellite focused on the Middle East and Africa.

Hylas‐4, with four uniquely steerable HTS beams and a further 64 fixed beams, will enter service in September 2018.

As of 1130 BST, Avanti shares had tumbled 10.15% to 5.31p.