First Responders in Asia Pacific Gain Portable Satcom Solution from Cobham and Australian Satellite Communications Using iDirect's VSAT Technology

HERNDON, Va., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced the launch of ReadyCONNECT™, a portable emergency response satellite communications system developed by global satellite equipment leader Cobham Satcom and partner Australian Satellite Communications (ASC). Built on iDirect's VSAT platform, ReadyCONNECT equips first responders with an off-the-shelf, fully mobile communications package that can be quickly deployed anywhere in the Pacific for immediate, reliable access to VoIP, broadband Internet and other applications. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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The ReadyCONNECT solution will be displayed during the 2010 CommunicAsia Conference in Singapore, from June 15-18. To see a demonstration or for more information, please stop by Booth number 6J1-07.

Cobham and ASC designed ReadyCONNECT to be a complete, turnkey emergency communications system that can be set up in 10 minutes with always-available bandwidth, providing an instant solution for responders who face natural disasters in the Pacific region beset by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. The solution is designed to leverage the flexibility of the iDirect VSAT platform to provide high bandwidth reliability in a variety of weather conditions, and simultaneously support operation of multiple bandwidth-intensive applications while ensuring toll-quality voice and data communications.

The standard ReadyCONNECT package includes all necessary hardware, bandwidth, support and training to make connectivity in the field simple and effective for emergency responders:

• ReadyCONNECT Comms Unit: four fly-away cases that house a complete communications system with an iDirect satellite modem, a telephony interface, VoIP ethernet switch and back-up power supply/conditioner. On the ground, users can connect directly to the unit or wirelessly via the built-in wireless access point, providing increased range for local area access and greater flexibility.
• ReadyCONNECT Quick deploy antenna: featuring single button activation and automatic satellite acquisition, without requiring a VSAT specialist to become operational.
• ReadyCONNECT service: immediate, reliable access to Ku-band satellite bandwidth, with complete coverage across the Pacific via the GE23 satellite.  Included are two days per month standard use for training or short-term connectivity needs. Customers can choose between a dedicated or roaming service, enabling them to deploy the unit across different satellite beams.

ReadyCONNECT was jointly developed by Cobham Satcom whose equipment has been relied on by first responders in more than 500 deployments globally. Cobham turned to ASC as its partner because of the service provider's expertise, regional presence, and complete coverage of the Pacific, with iDirect networks teleported out of Hawaii and Adelaide, South Australia. ASC owns and manages the iDirect satellite networks that power ReadyCONNECT, leveraging a reliable VSAT platform that is used daily by military, government agencies and emergency responders worldwide to provide stable connectivity in extreme and hazardous environments.

"When natural disasters strike, one of the first casualties is communications infrastructure. That's why satellite systems, which operate independent of terrestrial networks and can be deployed within minutes, must be available for every first responder. We are eager to introduce ReadyCONNECT to a region that greatly needs it."

~ Chris JOSELAND

Managing Director, Australian Satellite Communications

"ReadyCONNECT can be deployed to save lives during major events similar to the recent earthquake in Haiti and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We are fortunate to have a network operator with the reputation and regional presence of ASC and the technology leadership of Cobham to bring this solution to first responders in the Asia Pacific, who battle some of the world's most devastating and frequent natural disasters."

~John ARNOLD

Director of Sales – Asia Pacific, iDirect

Australian Satellite Communications (ASC) is a leading provider of satellite communications solutions in Australia and throughout the Pacific region. With over 25 years' experience in the industry, ASC is an innovative end to end solution provider and teleport operator with the ability to design and implement the most complex satellite communication solutions. ASC specializes in VSAT technology, partnering with vendors, satellite operators and customers alike to provide the most appropriate solutions.

Cobham Satcom Land Systems, featuring the TracStar line of Auto Deploy antennas, is part of the SATCOM Strategic Business Unit of Cobham, PLC. Cobham is a global company engaged in the development, delivery and support of leading edge aerospace and defense systems in the air, on land and at sea. From Homeland Security to mobile offices, to DoD applications in the Middle East, to hurricane recovery operations in the southeast, the TracStar system is known for performance when it is needed and where it is needed. Approximately 4,000 TracStar auto-acquire Ku-band VSAT Transmit/Receive antenna systems and/or Auto- Acquire antenna controllers are currently active worldwide in commercial, government and military markets.

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. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ 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 15 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in over 50 countries through a diverse network of service provider partners, including seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten operators. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was set up to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the US Government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region. 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