Telefónica Business Solutions Expands ST Engineering IDirect DVB-S2X Service In Latin And Central America

ST Engineering iDirect, a company of ST Engineering North America, today announced that Telefónica Business Solutions has purchased their sixth iDirect hub to launch a new DVB-S2X-based service offering. Telefónica plans to sell wholesale satellite capacity to global operators seeking to expand mobile and multiprotocol label (MPLS) switching-based services coverage into remote areas across Latin and Central America. The network will also serve enterprise-class organizations operating throughout the area that require reliable connectivity in every geography.

The new DVB-S2X network will operate on the iDirect Evolution^® platform and will be powered by the iQ 200 and iQ Desktop modems, expanding the company's overall portfolio of satellite services. Through Telefónica's new DVB-S2X network, enterprise businesses will be able to extend their network, bypassing the high capital expenditure costs and lengthy implementation timelines associated with the buildout of other technologies.

'The purchase of this new hub is a strategic investment as Telefónica looks to transition our broad satellite offerings to DVB-S2X,' said Aldo Montalbetti, Director of Satellite Operations, Telefónica. 'The Evolution platform helps us meet an increasing demand for enterprise services with higher throughput in every market and region we service. The increase in efficiency and performance that DVB-S2X offers allows us to continually lower our operating costs while increasing the reach and reliability of our satellite service.'

'Satellite connectivity is an integral part of the overall service portfolio of today's leading telcos and network operators,' said Darren Ludington, Regional Vice President, Americas, ST Engineering iDirect. 'Our platform has already enabled Telefónica to offer services across many segments. Through this additional investment, Telefónica can realize the benefits offered by DVB-S2X to expand their geographical reach and strengthen their service offerings to customers.'

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ST Engineering North America is the U.S. headquarters of ST Engineering, a global technology, defense and engineering group specializing in the aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine sectors. Based in Alexandria, VA, it has major operations across 17 cities in 13 states and employs about 5,000 people providing innovative products and solutions to commercial and government customers across diverse market segments.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering North America, is a global leader in satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. With the recent acquisition of Newtec, a recognized industry pioneer, the combined business unites over 35 years of innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges, and expands a shared commitment to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded under the names iDirect and Newtec, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for our customers to deliver the best connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is the world's largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including broadcast, mobility and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities.

Telefónica Business Solutions, the leading provider of a wide range of integrated communication solutions for the B2B market, globally manages the businesses of Companies (Large Companies and SMEs), MNC (Multinational Corporations), Wholesale (fixed and mobile operators, ISPs and content providers) and the roaming business within the Telefónica Group. Business Solutions has a comprehensive, innovative and competitive portfolio for the B2B segment which includes digital solutions (Big Data, Cloud, IoT and Security) and telecommunications services (international voice services, IP, broadband capacity, satellite services, mobility and integrated IT services, fixed and and mobile, as well as global solutions). Telefonica Business Solutions is a multicultural organization that develops its professional activity in more than 40 countries and whose services currently reach more than 170 countries.

Media contacts:

Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
ST Engineering iDirect
Phone: (1) 703 648 8155
Email: jbettinger@idirect.net

Guy Shields
Director, Corporate Communications
ST Engineering North America
Phone: (1) 703 739 2610
Email: guy.shields@stengg.us