iDirect Platform Selected by Telefonos Del Norte to Power Broadband Network in Central...

iDirect Platform Selected by Telefonos Del Norte to Power Broadband Network in
Central America
Major provider standardizes on iDirect technology to meet demand for VoIP,
high-speed Internet access and data transport

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company
of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems) and a world leader in satellite-based IP
communications technology, announced that Telefonos del Norte has selected its
satellite communications platform as the standard for a new high-speed, cost
effective broadband service for consumers and businesses across Central
America. The new service will initially focus on Telefonos del Norte's
customers in Guatemala, many in locations with inadequate terrestrial
infrastructure. The network will be built on iDirect's Series 15000 universal
hub and Series 3100 remote routers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/NETU031LOGO )
The capability enables Telefonos del Norte to capitalize on the region's
increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. The always-on service will
feature VoIP and Internet access of up to 2 Mbps, significantly upgrading its
current 64 Kbps, pay-per-minute service. Over the next 12 months, Telefonos
del Norte plans to replace at least 80 percent of its existing satellite
network with iDirect technology. Through iDirect's intelligent platform,
Telefonos del Norte will be able to increase bandwidth efficiency and reduce
costs by delivering both Ku-Band and C-Band services to Central American
enterprises and consumers simultaneously.
"Broadband connectivity is a lifeline for individuals and companies in
Guatemala. By choosing to grow our business on the iDirect platform,
Telefonos del Norte can confidently provide a high quality, efficient service
across a broad, shared network and distinguish our offerings in the market."
Leonel Davila
General Manager, Telefonos del Norte

"Telefonos del Norte is setting a standard for high-speed connectivity in
Central America. With iDirect's universal hub, Telefonos del Norte is well
positioned to expand its services across the region, meeting the growing
demand for broadband in Central America."

Felipe Gomez del Campo
Director of Sales, Latin America, iDirect

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 30 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 and its subsidiaries are preferred providers of engineering
solutions, products, integrated systems, and services in the Americas across
the core business areas of marine, aerospace, electronics and land systems.
Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, VT Systems operates throughout North
America and offers a broad range of proven innovative services to both the
commercial and government sectors. VT Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.
SOURCE iDirect, Inc.

Julie Gouldin, Vice President Corporate Marketing of iDirect, Inc.,
+1-703-648-8155, jgouldin@idirect.net; or Sarah Thuman, Corporate
Communications Manager of VT Systems, +1-703-739-2610, sthuman@vt-systems.com,
for iDirect, Inc.