UK, 29 April 2013
Eutelsat Communications today announced a programme to train 700 UK satellite broadband installers to provide its Tooway™ service to residents and businesses in areas poorly served or out of reach of traditional terrestrial broadband networks.

The free training programme is aimed at aerial installers who have been previously helping UK homes transition from analogue to digital television or installing satellite TV or telecoms services. The training will be delivered at 16 venues across the country over the next 8 months by the Confederation for Aerial Industries (CAI), the UK trade association for Content Delivery. It is not necessary to be a member of the trade association to attend the training.

Eutelsat’s Tooway™ satellite broadband service is aimed at the UK’s 3.3m digitally deprived properties that are currently unable to receive broadband or can only access speeds of up to 2 Mbps.

The latest Tooway™ services offer download speeds of up to 20 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 6 Mbps, making it the fastest satellite broadband service in Europe. The service operates with a small (77cm) satellite dish and modem and is delivered by KA-SAT, Europe’s most powerful satellite.

“By building an extensive network of expert installers, Eutelsat will help to make universal access to high speed broadband a reality in the UK,” explained Jean-François Fenech, General Manager of Eutelsat's Broadband Business Unit. “With the knowledge acquired during this training, aerial installers will be perfectly equipped to provide quality technical support to customers."

During the training, installers will receive practical installation training, an interactive app for site surveys, installations and aligning the antenna to the satellite and access to an installation portal reserved for certified installers, providing access to all documentation, tools and services.

Installers interested in attending a training course should contact Amanda Ward, at the CAI, on 01923 803030.