Intelsat, iDirect and World Vision to connect the most remote regions of the world

Pembroke, Bermuda, Washington, D.C., Herndon, VA, February 25, 2008 — Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of commercial satellite services, iDirect Inc., a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems) a leading provider of satellite-based IP communications technology, today jointly announced the launch of World Vision’s global network, SandukaNet. World Vision is a global relief and development agency.

Intelsat is providing satellite capacity and broadband connectivity through its GlobalConnex (GXS) Network Broadband service for World Vision’s international operations in remote field locations. By mid-2008, SandukaNet is set to be operational in 24 countries around the world.

SandukaNet will begin offering Internet connectivity via a VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network in more than 280 sites installed throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America in the first half of 2008. The network is built on the iDirect satellite communication platform, which in conjunction with Intelsat’s GXS network, will deliver secure and reliable broadband connectivity around the world. iDirect technology supports a broad range of applications including remote connectivity, emergency communications, Virtual Private Networks and Voice over IP (VoIP).

SandukaNet will offer seamless global mobile communications between World Vision’s sites on the ground in the remote locations in which it operates. The broadband connection will improve the delivery of World Vision’s development and relief efforts; it also will provide crucial communications during humanitarian emergencies such as the 2005 Asian tsunami or the recent earthquakes in Peru, where satellite technology provided vital location and situational information. Sanduka means “deep change” in Zambia’s Tonga language; the change calls for a shift from a previous mode of operation to a new way of working.

“Globalization of content and providing vital communications infrastructures is what we do best,” said Stephen Spengler, Intelsat’s executive vice president, sales & marketing. “Intelsat connects 99 percent of the world through its flexible and robust global infrastructure of satellite, teleport and fiber offerings. That robustness will be a key driver in the success of SandukaNet.”

“With technology from Intelsat and iDirect, we will be able to continue streamlining our relief efforts, especially during disasters, to manage supply lines and critical information flow,” said Mike Veitenhans, World Vision senior vice president for U.S. programs and corporate development. “We’re excited to team with Intelsat and iDirect to meet this critical need.”

“With satellite technology, organizations like World Vision can accomplish more, responding more quickly to global needs and providing a communications lifeline wherever it’s needed. iDirect’s satellite communications platform was designed precisely for critical applications like these, and we are proud to play a role in this global effort,” said Dean Griffler, iDirect’s global vice president of sales.



World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.