[Satellite Today – 1-14-08] iDirect has signed a deal with Australian Satellite Communications, which will help the operator expand its services into other parts of the Asia, the companies announced Jan. 13. Australian Satellite Communications will install an iDirect 5IF satellite hub on the U.S. west coast to expand its services in the Asia Pacific market. The broadband provider, which already serves a major segment of the Asia Pacific region based on the iDirect platform, plans to introduce both Ku-Band and C-Band services, covering Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
    The investment is a response to rising demand for IP broadband in critical areas of the Asia Pacific region that have been underserved to date. The expanded coverage allows Australian Satellite Communications to provide high-speed connectivity to the oil and gas and maritime industries, supporting bandwidth-intensive IP applications that must function in real time.