iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems) and a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology, announced that Australian Satellite Communications will install an iDirect 5IF satellite hub on the US 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. In addition, Australian Satellite Communications can now deliver Internet broadband, VoIP and other services to government, educational and non-profit organizations expanding their operations in the region.

iDirect's universal hub will enable Australian Satellite Communications to operate in multiple bands and support star, mesh or SCPC networks coupled with TCP and Web acceleration.