Avanti Communications reports that its Ka-band satellite HYLAS 2 is now fully operational with all beams fully functioning and - for the first time - providing coverage to hundreds of millions of people across Africa, Caucasia and the Middle East.

David Williams, Avanti's Chief Executive said: "We are delighted to have moved from launch through testing to full operation. No other Ka-band satellite is able to deliver the complete coverage that we are providing across the region and we are immensely proud of what we have been able to achieve which will make a huge impact across these regions.

HYLAS 2 carries 24 active Ka-band user beams and six gateway beams providing two-way communications services to facilitate high-speed delivery of data to end-user applications such as corporate networking, IP Trunking, cellular backhaul, broadband Internet access, business continuity services and video distribution.

Using the HYLAS 2 spacecraft, Avanti provides its data and video services to Northern and Southern Africa, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

In addition, the spacecraft is equipped with a steerable spot beam, also operating at Ka-band, which can provide coverage anywhere on Earth that is visible to the satellite.

David Williams, added: "Our services are critically important to the development of emerging markets such as Africa and the Middle East particularly in terms of full broadband connectivity.

"For example, HYLAS 2, and its sister satellite HYLAS 3, due in 2015, will bring an additional 100 Gigabits of capacity to Africa, increasing international capacity in the region by a significant 25%.

"Telecommunications services delivered by the new generation of Ka-band satellites such as HYLAS 2 will play a vital role in bridging the digital divide in African economies and deliver broadband access to millions of potential users who have previously been disenfranchised.

"Satellite broadband is a proven enabler for business growth. Governments and NGOs will be able to deliver public services such as education and healthcare to wider populations at lower cost, and industry and commerce located away from fixed line infrastructure, such as agriculture and mining, will also benefit."