Latest News

February 2008

ST Electronics’ US Satcom Company, iDirect
Together With World Vision And Intelsat To
Provide Satellite Communications To The
Most Remote Regions Of The World

Singapore, 25 February 2008 — Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited’s (ST Electronics), US satellite communications company, Direct Inc (iDirect), today announced that World Vision, the global relief and development agency, has launched its global network, SandukaNet.  The network is built on the iDirect satellite communication platform, which delivers secure and reliable broadband connectivity in any geography or environment.  iDirect technology supports a broad range of applications including remote connectivity, emergency communications, Virtual Private Networks and Voice over IP (VoIP).

Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of commercial satellite services, will provide satellite capacity for World Vision’s international operations in remote field locations.  SandukaNet offers Internet connectivity via a VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network in more than 280 sites installed throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America in the first half of 2008.

SandukaNet will offer more integrated, global mobile communications between World Vision’s ground sites in remote locations where it operates. The broadband connection will increase World Vision’s effectiveness and improve the delivery of its services, enhance volunteer welfare and provide crucial communications during humanitarian emergencies such as the 2004 Asian tsunami or the recent earthquakes in Peru, where satellite technology provided vital location and situational information.

With technologies from Intelsat and iDirect, we will be able to continue streamlining our relief efforts, especially during disasters, manage supply lines and critical information flow.  We’re excited to team with Intelsat and iDirect to meet this critical need.

Mike VEITENHANS
Senior Vice President,
U.S. Programs and Corporate Development, World Vision

Globalization of content and providing vital communications infrastructure is what we do best.  Intelsat connects 99 percent of the world through its flexible and robust global infrastructure of satellite, teleport and fiber offerings. That robustness will be a key driver in the success of SandukaNet.

Stephen SPENGLER
Executive Vice President,
Sales and Marketing, Intelsat

With satellite technology, organizations like World Vision can accomplish more, responding more quickly to global needs and providing a communications lifeline wherever it’s needed.  iDirect’s satellite communications platform was designed precisely for critical applications like these, and we are proud to play a role in this global effort.

Dean GRIFFLER
Global Vice President of Sales, iDirect

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.  For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

Intelsat is the leading provider of fixed satellite services (FSS) worldwide, delivering advanced transmission access for information and entertainment to some of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat also offers seamless service for voice, data and video transmission unmatched in the industry. With the globalization of content, broadband, telecom, HD and IPTV fueling next-generation growth, the ever expanding universe of satellite services are the cornerstones of today's Intelsat. Real-time, advanced communications with people anywhere in the world is closer, by far.

iDirect, designs, develops, and markets satellite-based broadband access solutions targeted at the enterprise, government, carrier and educational sectors that have the need for fast, flexible, and geographically dispersed two-way internet/intranet access. The company has developed technology solutions that combine high performance, worldwide availability, and ease of installation, high reliability, and low cost to end customers. In addition, iDirect solutions offer unprecedented efficiencies, increased revenue opportunities and higher per customer gross margins to satellite network operators. iDirect was awarded the 2005 World Teleport Association Teleport Technology of the Year, the Innovation & Technology of the Year by The ISCe Advisory Board, and named number one in the Deloitte & Touche Virginia Technology Fast 50 list of the fastest-growing U.S. technology companies. iDirect operates its corporate headquarters in Herndon, Virginia and has regional offices in Europe, Asia, and covering Latin America. Additional information is available on the company website at www.idirect.net.

ST Electronics, the electronics arm of ST Engineering, delivers innovative system solutions to government, commercial, defence, and industrial customers worldwide. It specialises in the design, development and integration of advanced electronics systems, such as broadband radio frequency and satellite communication, e-government solutions, information communications technologies, rail and traffic management, realtime command & control, training and simulation, intelligent building management, information security solutions and managed services. Please visit www.stee.stengg.com.

Media contact:

Magdalen Loh
AVP / Head, Corporate Communications
Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 1788 / 9822 3321
Fax: (65) 6484 8840
Email: magloh@stee.stengg.com