iDirect has announced that Astrium Services has selected its satellite communications platform to meet increased service demands from government and commercial customers. Astrium Services, a leading European- based satellite network operator, has installed an iDirect 5IF universal satellite hub at its newly opened teleport in Toulouse, France.
Based on its expanded network coverage, Astrium Services won a four-year contract with France's Economat des Armees, the French Ministry of Defense's Joint Logistics and Supply Agency. The operator will extend PASSEREL Voice over Internet Protocol, Internet broadband and Virtual Private Network connectivity to more than 10,000 French service personnel deployed overseas, primarily in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East.
The network will connect European-based operations with geographically dispersed locations worldwide and enable troops to stay in touch with family and friends through telephone and email.
The Toulouse teleport comprises three large earth stations that connect to multiple satellites through iDirect's universal hub, serving a wide coverage area from Asia to the Americas. Astrium Services established its teleport Network Operations Center and Customer Support Center at the Toulouse premises of its subsidiary London Satellite Exchange.
"Our decision to build a teleport in Toulouse shows our determination to meet our customers' needs as reliance on satellite communications grows worldwide. We selected the iDirect platform because it enables us to maximize bandwidth efficiency and offer satellite services at a competitive cost."
Eric BERANGER – CEO, Astrium Services
"Operators such as Astrium Services are advancing satellite communications, making satellite networks a smart and affordable investment for organizations that need to be globally connected. We are proud that our satellite platform was chosen to expand Astrium Services' offerings allowing French military troops to stay connected to their families and colleagues stationed around the world."
David HARROWER – Regional Vice President, Europe, Russia and CIS, iDirect
Astrium Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS Astrium, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. Astrium Services offers a unique 'one-stop shop' in the satellite services market, with unrivalled capability and expertise in secure communications, Earth observation services and navigation services.
The European provider of milsatcom services, including the pioneering Skynet 5 service, and a world- leading supplier of geo-information products and services, Astrium Services meets its customers' requirements with innovative and highly competitive end- to-end solutions.
