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January 2008

iDirect Platform Selected By Telefonos del Norte To Power Broadband Network In Central America

Major provider standardises on iDirect technology to meet demand for VoIP, high-speed Internet access and data transport

Singapore, 17 January 2008 — Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited’s (ST Electronics) US satellite communication company, iDirect Inc. (iDirect) today announced that Teléfonos 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 Teléfonos 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. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based broadband communications technology. ST Electronics is the electronics arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering).

The service enables Teléfonos del Norte to capitalise 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, Teléfonos del Norte plans to replace at least 80 percent of its existing satellite network with iDirect technology. Through iDirect’s intelligent platform, Teléfonos 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, Teléfonos del Norte can confidently provide a high quality, efficient service across a broad, shared network and distinguish our services in the market.

Leonel Davila
General Manager, Teléfonos del Norte

Teléfonos del Norte is setting a standard for high-speed connectivity in Central America. With iDirect’s universal hub, Teléfonos del Norte is well positioned to expand their services across the region, meeting the growing demand for broadband among Central American people and businesses.

Felipe Gomez del Campo
Director, Sales Latin America

iDirect, designs, develops, and markets satellite-based broadband access solutions targeted at the enterprise, government, carrier and educational sectors that have the need for fast, flexible, and geographically dispersed two-way internet/intranet access. 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 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.

ST Electronics, the electronics arm of ST Engineering, delivers innovative system solutions to government, commercial, defence, and industrial customers worldwide. It specialises in the design, development and integration of advanced electronics systems, such as broadband radio frequency and satellite communication, e-government solutions, information communications technologies, rail and traffic management, realtime command & control, training and simulation, intelligent building management, information security solutions and managed services. Please visit www.stee.stengg.com.

Media contact:

Magdalen Loh
AVP / Head, Corporate Communications
Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 1788 / 9822 3321
Fax: (65) 6484 8840
Email: magloh@stee.stengg.com