ST Engineering subsidiary bags US$60m worth of contract

VT iDirect, ST Engineering's US Subsidiary, will provide satellite Ground Network Infrastructure and end-user terminal technology for Inmarsat's forthcoming Global Xpress service.

According to ST Engineering, work on the contract is to commence immediately with delivery in phases over the next 2 years.

To facilitate the delivery of the Global Xpress promise of global broadband connectivity, iDirect will leverage its existing satellite network design capabilities and its advancements in mobility, quality of service and network management. As part of the agreement, iDirect will supply a Global Xpress compatible satellite terminal module for integration into Maritime satellite terminals as well as for the Aeronautical and Government sectors. The network and Core Modules that iDirect will deliver will be fully consistent with the Global Xpress objectives to deliver 50Mbps downlink speeds to 60cm aperture terminals.

"Global Xpress is delighted to be working with acknowledged VSAT expert, iDirect. iDirect has built its market leadership in IP-based VSAT network technology through constant innovation and responsiveness to customer requirements. With this agreement, we are able to draw on the very best that VSAT technology has to offer, and combine it with Inmarsat's longstanding commitment to quality, global coverage and seamless mobility. This is another big step for us toward setting the new standard in VSAT, by offering reliable, easy-to-use broadband connectivity solutions for remote and mobile platforms on land, at sea and in the air, wherever they are needed. iDirect's technology base and track record for o n-time performance strongly support our planned introduction of Global Xpress commercial services in 2013," said Leo MONDALE, Managing Director of Inmarsat's Global Xpress Programme

"iDirect is proud to be part of Inmarsat's Global Xpress service. It confirms iDirect's leadership role in the satellite industry and the superior reputation of the iDirect platform," said LEE Fook Sun, President, ST Electronics