SpaceCom International Selects iDirect To Support GSM Mobile Backhaul Service In South And Central Asia

Initial deployment in Afghanistan results in significant bandwidth cost savings for GSM operators

Herndon, VA /PRNewswire/ - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems), today announced that SpaceCom International has introduced a GSM cellular backhaul service based on iDirect's satellite communications platform. SpaceCom has already deployed the service to rural sites in Afghanistan with immediate plans to expand throughout South and Central Asia. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

SpaceCom selected the iDirect platform to reduce satellite bandwidth and infrastructure costs and improve voice and data traffic quality - key challenges that limit mobile operators' expansion into remote and rural areas. iDirect's TDMA-based shared allocation model enables mobile operators to distribute satellite capacity across multiple remote and rural locations based on real-time local demand. SpaceCom tested the iDirect platform against a legacy serial GSM connection and realized bandwidth savings of more than 50 percent, while significantly improving network speed and voice quality.

SpaceCom is currently backhauling voice traffic from more than 30 sites in Afghanistan. In 2010, the company plans to expand its service to up to 200 sites and to mobile operators in emerging Asian markets. SpaceCom is planning the roll-out of Ku-Band GSM backhaul within the South Asia region in the first Quarter of 2010. The backhaul network integrates iDirect's Series 12000 Universal Satellite Hub and iNFINITI satellite routers with IP-based mobile infrastructure.

"iDirect was the best and only fit for our requirements. In rural markets, it's impossible to predict how traffic will vary from site to site. iDirect provides us with the flexibility to pool bandwidth and share it exactly when and where it's needed so that we can help our customers lower their operating costs."

Matt DENAPOLI
Chief Executive Offer, SpaceCom International
"Mobile backhaul over satellite is helping operators extend infrastructure and service into communities that have never been connected to the global telecommunications network. SpaceCom is playing a critical role in this advancement and at the same time helping mobile operators find a profitable new market for their services."

Rob KILROY
Vice President Americas, iDirect
Spacecom International, founded in 2004 with a focus to become a leading global provider of satellite and telecommunication services, and reseller of value added service within its headquarters located in Virginia, USA. Spacecom specializes in the design, network optimization and management of communication solutions for many GSM Operators, Telecommunication Providers, and Oil and Gas Industry. SpaceCom's managed services can currently be found throughout USA, Africa, Middle East and Asia with the most efficient satellite resources teleport and terrestrial POP (point-of-presence) facilities located in USA, Europe and Asia. Please visit www.spacecomintl.com. iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company's satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. These include extending private networks to remote offices; supporting mobile connectivity across land, sea and air; providing rural telephony and Internet broadband; and maintaining communications in the wake of disasters and network failures. The iDirect Intelligent Platform(TM) integrates advanced technology into iDirect's portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 13 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in 50 countries through a diverse network of channel partners, including some of the largest satellite providers, operators and carriers in the world and seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is a diversified company providing solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems products and services include aircraft inspection, maintenance and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect