iDirect Partners With Intelsat to Launch Satellite-Based Internet

Herndon-based satellite network provider iDirect partnered with Intelsat and international relief organization World Vision to launch a global satellite platform that will bring high speed Internet access to remote areas around the world.

The new network, called SandukaNet, meaning “deep change” in Zambia’s Tonga language, will allow instant voice and Internet connectivity through a network of satellites.

High-speed broadband Internet access is certainly a luxury in many parts of the world, but in remote areas, there’s simply zero ability to connect online at any speed. “Remote areas of the world typically have no connectivity, or poor connectivity at best. By installing an iDirect carrier class solution, you’ve now brought them up to a standard we enjoy and take for granted in the U.S,” said Glenn Canales, Director of Enterprise Sales for iDirect.

While iDirect provides the communications hardware and software for the satellite network, Intelsat supplies the satellite capacity. As a result of this partnership, World Vision is able to provide its locations across the globe with email, voice and Internet - which, in turn, allows the NGO to connect with its supply lines and monitor information flow in remote corners of the world.

In Zambia for instance, iDirect’s network allows the World Vision staff to provide Internet access to the 74,000 children within its sponsorship program. “Communication between child and sponsor is extremely important in the child’s development and has historically been a major challenge due to the limited modes of communications in remote areas,” Canales said.

As a relief organization, World Vision’s most critical communications needs often arise during emergency disaster response. With the satellite network launched, relief workers can respond faster with a robust network of communications.

“Instead of waiting for external communications to make its way into the field, it’s already in place allowing relief agencies to get their critical work done much sooner,” Canales said. “The service is invaluable during a disaster situations when a single phone call can save lives.”

SandukaNet is expected to launch in 24 countries around the world by the middle of 2008. Domestically, iDirect has over 200 employees in the D.C. area and works with the Red Cross to provide emergency communications here in the United States.

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Tags: Glenn Canales, iDirect, Intelsat, SandukaNet, World Vision
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