[SatNews] Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT) has announced that RuralCom Corporation ("RuralCom"), a cellular carrier headquartered in Vancouver, selected Gilat as prime network contractor for its Alaska Highway and British Columbia (BC) Coast Networks.

RuralCom's networks will use Gilat's CellEdge 3G technology to provide satellite-based, high-speed mobile services in previously unserved rural areas of Canada.
 
RuralCom's proposed Alaska Highway Network will provide nearly continuous coverage along the 1,685 km (1,047 mile) Alaska Highway, from Wonowon, BC, to Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory (YT), on the Alaska-YT border. Communities to be served will include Fort Nelson in BC and Watson Lake and Whitehorse in YT. The networks were made fully operational in late January and RuralCom expects to have additional new cell sites along the Alaska Highway and the B.C. Coast by mid-year with expansion to continue during the second half of the year.
 
Gilat's CellEdge, small cell over satellite solution will enable RuralCom to provide 3G HSPA+ including voice, SMS, MMS and data services to both its subscribers as well as customers of other cellular operators. Gilat's CellEdge 3G network was creatively designed to reduce OPEX by optimizing space segment usage and significantly reduce CAPEX.