VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a subsidiary of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems),has announced that Jordan-based Smartlink® Communications, a newly established satellite network operator, has chosen iDirect’s Intelligent Platform to launch a satellite broadband service covering the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe based on the DVB-S2 standard with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM).

The initial contract includes a Series 15000 Universal Satellite Hub and 300 Evolution X3 Series Satellite Routers. The network will leverage satellite communications to extend high-speed Internet broadband as well as voice service to rural populations and developing nations that lack adequate telecommunications infrastructure. Through a collaboration agreement with Orange (Jordan Telecom) in Jordan and Batelco in Bahrain, the Smartlink network will connect to the global Internet backbone to serve home users, small businesses, corporate enterprises, universities, government organizations and other customers. Through iDirect’s universal hub, Smartlink can integrate capacity across multiple satellites, thereby increasing availability in a region constrained by limited bandwidth. In addition, the iVantage Network Management System enables Smartlink to monitor, configure and control the entire network from one location. iDirect’s universal hub also affords Smartlink the flexibility to support organizations that currently use iDirect’s iNFINITI satellite remotes. The company has already entered into an agreement with a major bank in the Middle East to expand its existing iDirect network, connecting branch offices and ATMs located throughout Iraq to its headquarters in Jordan.