Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.

Type: Public
On the web: http://www.gilat.com
Employees: 1,356
Employee growth: 5.9%

Gilat might have its head in the stars, but its business is grounded. The company provides satellite communication products and services based on very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology. Communications service providers use VSAT systems made by its Gilat Network Systems (GNS) unit to enable their voice, data, and video services. Gilat's Spacenet subsidiary provides satellite and terrestrial network access to large commercial clients for Web-based applications, while its Connexstar unit focuses on connections that enable electronic transactions and other back office functions for utilities companies, telecom carriers, and governments. Residential Internet subscribers are served by Gilat's StarBand service.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2011:
Sales: $339.2M
One year growth: 45.6%
Net income: ($5.8)M

Officers:
Chairman and CEO: Amiram Levinberg
COO: Jaron Lotan
VP and CTO: Arik Keshet

Competitors:
Hughes Network
ViaSat
VT iDirect