iDirect Platform Enables Iridium to Optimize Operations With Upgrades to Satellite Network Infrastructure

HERNDON, Va., May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading mobile satellite service (MSS) provider offering truly global mobile voice and data communications, is leveraging iDirect's VSAT platform as part of a multi-year plan to upgrade the ground-control infrastructure of its low-Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite constellation. The enhanced network will allow Iridium to handle increased data transmission between its remote tracking, telemetry and control (TTAC) stations in Canada and its Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC) in Leesburg, Va. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080912/NEF020LOGO )

Iridium selected iDirect's Series 15000 Universal Satellite Hub to bolster communications for its dedicated operations network as part of the design, build-out and launch of Iridium NEXT, its next-generation satellite constellation. With iDirect's IP-based platform, Iridium can substantially enhance and extend global asset connectivity by delivering higher data speeds and new services to its rapidly growing customer base.

The iDirect platform will increase bandwidth efficiency between Iridium's SNOC and TTACs. iDirect enables Iridium to enhance data throughput from 300 Kilobytes per second to 2 Megabytes per second to anticipate and manage growing traffic requirements between its sites. Iridium chose iDirect after conducting a comparative evaluation of next-generation satellite platforms to upgrade the infrastructure of its network.

"iDirect's advanced TDMA-sharing model provides a significant boost in bandwidth efficiency and throughput for transmitting critical satellite telemetry and command data. This key improvement ensures added flexibility and reliability so we can provide our growing customer base with the best possible service and connectivity on the world's farthest reaching network, today and well into the future on Iridium NEXT."
~ John RODDY
Executive Vice President, Global Operations and Product Development, Iridium

"iDirect is proud to be enhancing Iridium's core operations so the company can be poised to expand its MSS service anywhere in the world, enabling the provider to continually stay ahead of increasing customer demands."
~ Rob KILROY
Regional Vice President, Americas, iDirect

Iridium Communications Inc. (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-Earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A. and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

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™ 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 an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.  VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair 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 ship design 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