Spacenet adds Allsup's convenience store chain, thanks to efforts of new channel partner Enterprise Satellite Solutions

--ESS signs Connexstar contract with Allsup's to provide broadbandsatellite-based, video-surveillance system to more than 300 locations--

McLean, VA, October 18, 2004 - Spacenet Inc. today announced it has expanded its Connexstar channel partner program with the addition of Enterprise Satellite Solutions, LLC (ESS), an Arizona-based provider of commercial-grade networking services. ESS, which specializes in complete solutions for multi-location retail businesses, inaugurated its new relationship with Spacenet by announcing a three-year contract to provide a Connexstar broadband satellite network to the Allsup's convenience store chain in New Mexico and West Texas.

The 308-site Connexstar network that ESS is providing to Allsup's will power a video surveillance system that will help deter theft by employees and customers, as well as attempted robberies and burglaries. Allsup's will also use the satellite network for point-of-sale (POS) data applications such as fast credit card authorization and pay-at-the-pump services.

The Connexstar solution being marketed by ESS provides commercial-grade, always-on broadband connectivity to multi-site enterprises of any size. The service supports a wide range of business applications, including high-speed credit authorization, in-store licensed music, distance learning, content multicasting and secure private networking services - all through a single, compact, remote access device incorporating advanced networking and routing functionality.

"In-store theft and burglaries are problems the convenience store industry has been struggling with for many years. They can potentially cost companies millions of dollars a year," said Allsup's Chief Information Officer Jerry Harlow. "We expect this new satellite-based system will provide an excellent return on investment by providing real-time monitoring that can greatly improve our ability to deter in-store criminal activity. This technology has a significant advantage versus conventional video systems that depend upon terrestrial networking connections."ESS President David Horacek said, "Connexstar enables many of the nation's leading retail enterprises to manage all of their computer-based systems with one network, from one nationwide service provider. With most terrestrial connectivity options, end users must maintain regional accounts with separate contracts and customer-service contacts. ESS's complete Connexstar offering greatly simplifies that process."

"ESS's ability to bring the advantages of broadband satellite networking to Allsup's so quickly after becoming a Connexstar channel partner demonstrates their knowledge of the technologies that help growing enterprises succeed," said Spacenet President and CEO Bill Gerety. "This expertise, combined with their familiarity with the Southwest region, has positioned ESS to become one of Spacenet's most valuable business affiliates."nomically support their most critical applications."

About Enterprise Satellite Solutions

Enterprise Satellite Solutions, LLC (ESS) partners with Spacenet to offer managed, commercial-grade service exclusively designed for multi-location business customers. ESS specializes in turnkey retail-oriented services, offering pre-bundled and fully customized satellite network services that can be tailored to meet small-to-mid sized business requirements. If needed, the fully customizable enterprise offering can accommodate larger, multi-site enterprises of 100 or more sites. Please visit ESS at http://www.essvsat.com/ for more information.

About Allsup's

Allsup's Convenience Stores headquartered in Clovis, New Mexico is a technology leader in the convenience store industry, having developed and implemented its POS system in all of its 300+ stores for nearly ten years. With the majority of its stores located in remote regions, VSAT broadband was selected because other broadband networking technologies were simply not available to its stores. With its addition of VSAT broadband networking and digital video surveillance, Allsup's remains at the forefront of technology within the industry.

About Spacenet

Spacenet Inc. provides two-way broadband networking solutions throughout North America under the Connexstar brand, and has more than 15 years' experience in providing connectivity, provisioning, operations and maintenance to enterprise and government customers, including some of the largest satellite-based networks in the world. Spacenet is based in McLean, Virginia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd. Visit Spacenet at http://www.spacenet.com/.

Source: www.spacenet.com