iDirect, Netcom Launch in Africa

LONDON and HERNDON, Va. -- iDirect Technologies, a privately held company that designs, develops, and markets the fastest, most reliable bi-directional satellite-based broadband access solutions, and Netcom Africa, a Nigeria based provider of video, data, and voice over wireless, today announced the launch of a major satellite network over Africa. The Netcom Africa network will support both C and KU bands enabling internet access, private networks, auto tracking and mobile applications to customers throughout Africa.

"We're very excited to work with Netcom Africa to deploy this kind of next generation network in a region where satellite solutions are especially effective in meeting communications needs," said John Kealey, president and CEO of iDirect Technologies. "The iDirect solution allows satellite network providers to deliver broadband IP access comparable to traditional terrestrial networks. This partnership with Netcom Africa will mean convenient affordable broadband access for customers throughout western Africa."

The West Africa market is experiencing increasing business growth, and convergent network demands, however there is limited terrestrial network coverage to support them. Although satellite access has been readily available for years, traditional satellite systems weren't able to support real time business critical applications to this degree. With the deployment of an iDirect 5IF Hub Chassis in their network, Netcom Africa will be able to meet significant needs in the marketplace for broadband data, voice, video and other IP centric applications regardless of customers' location, access to networks, or current network configuration.

"Our relationship with iDirect is a strategic partnership, unprecedented in its vision, rollout plan and committed resources," said Yen Choi, Group Executive Vice President and CTO of Netcom Africa. "Together Netcom Africa and iDirect are delivering the most powerful convergent network in Africa over satellite today. With the addition of the iDirect VSAT infrastructure to our network, we will be able to deliver broadband data, voice and video over a single infrastructure."

iDirect Technologies