Introduction

With over 20 years of experience in the field of satellite communications, AST are truly dedicated to providing an unbiased and reliable satellite communication service to their customers.

Alongside the experience and knowledge that 20 years in the industry bring, AST have built and maintained strong relationships with all the major global satellite communication suppliers.

AST Distribution, whose primary route to market is via distribution, have local offices based in UK, Singapore and South Africa.

Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) also serve the end user market via offices based in UK United States and Australia.

AST currently work with many different market sectors including: government, military, maritime (commercial and leisure), broadcasting and media, oil and gas exploration, commercial fishing and recreational, supplying both off the shelf and bespoke products and are committed to ensuring customers are kept informed of the latest developments in the marketplace from Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya and Globalstar.

AST ensure that equipment supplied meets specific criteria required to fulfil a project/contract, no matter how big or small. Johann Fourie, AST Director comments; " AST were one of the first independent companies to recognise the potential for satellite communication needs around the world. As a result we have lived through and grown whilst all of the major developments in the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) industry have taken place.'

Overview

APPLIED SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY SA (PTY) LTD (trading as AST Distribution), is the largest independently owned satellite technology service provider in Africa.

AST Distribution is a licensed Inmarsat land mobile Distribution Partner, as well as a Tier 1 Iridium and Thuraya airtime provider. AST Distribution is also a Thrane & Thrane Certified Partner for Africa.

AST South Africa therefore can offer a truly one-stop satellite solution to African customers and through highly skilled Reseller and support networks provide a highly professional service and quality technical support to all Africans.

2.1 THE GROUP STRUCTURE

2.1.1 Gardline Group (www.gardline.com)

The holding company of the Gardline Group, Gardline Shipping Limited (GSL) was established in 1969, to provide marine support to a flourishing offshore oil and gas industry in the North Sea.

Today, GSL is the parent company of a diverse group of multi-disciplinary organisations involved in a range of activities from marine sciences, security, ship building, dry dock engineering, geographical information systems and digital mapping, to satellite communications and marine satellite TV.

The Group employs over 800 personnel worldwide and has a turnover circa $200,000,000 USD.

2.1.2 Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (www.satcomms.com)

AST established in 1992, is the largest independent satellite communications company within the United Kingdom. AST employ over 140 personnel and are currently operating globally from offices located in:

Core Business - distribution worldwide of satellite communications hardware & airtime through direct & indirect channels.

AST is a land-mobile Distribution Partner for Inmarsat and Thrane & Thrane and a Tier one Service Provider for Iridium and Thuraya. AST is an ISO 9001 and ISO14001 Certified Company.

AFRICA (www.satcomms.com)

Applied Satellite Technology SA (Pty) Ltd (AST Distribution), are based in Johannesburg, and can offer a full range of satellite based voice & data communications solutions to virtually any point on the Globe, including remote areas on land, in flight and at sea.

Please visit us on: http://www.satcomms.com