The final launch date for Avanti's HYLAS 1 satellite has been announced, it has been reported.

According to ISPreview.co.uk, the unit will be sent into orbit on November 25th 2010, allowing the firm to begin offering satellite broadband services.

HYLAS 1 is waiting at its launch site at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, ahead of take-off on the Ariane 5 rocket.

Once in space, the satellite will allow Avanti to offer broadband packages capable of up to 8Mb downloads.

For businesses and consumers in rural and remote locations unlikely to be included in fibre-optic broadband network developments, the technology offers a valuable route to next-generation web services.

Satellite broadband services can be accessed at any location where the necessary equipment is installed, although start-up costs are some way greater than those associated with fixed broadband connections.

Avanti has already secured funding for a second satellite, HLYAS 2, which is scheduled to launch in 2012.