VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems and provider of satellite-based IP communications technology, has announced that NewCom International, a global communications provider, rolled out an iDirect (News - Alert)-based DVB-S2 broadband satellite service in Colombia to serve key government and community facilities in remote locations.

The satellite service rollout is funded by the COMPARTEL program through Colombia's Ministry of Communications and is meant to provide high-speed Internet access to hospitals, schools, police departments, fire departments, city government offices and cyber cafes in the region.

The project was launched in partnership with Colombia-based telecom provider Contecol.

NewCom uses iDirect's DVB-S2 Evolution platform for to take advantage of optimized bandwidth and reduced costs.

 

The network is managed by NewCom from its teleport facility in Miami, Contecol is providing on-the-ground logistics.

“We feel honored to have been chosen by Contecol for this project and to be recognized for the quality service that we provide, and our partnership with iDirect is a key factor,” said Dora MEJIA, director of Sales and Business Development, NewCom International, in a statement.

Contecol had earlier chosen NewCom to provide satellite services for 650 locations. After evaluating the quality performance over the past six months, Contecol recently awarded NewCom 300 additional sites in 2009, with an additional 1,000 sites expected to roll out by the end of Q1 2010.

“NewCom was the first satellite operator to bring the Evolution platform to Colombia, giving us a strong competitive advantage,” said Ricardo MURCIA, general manager, Contecol. “By teaming with NewCom, we know we are getting the best expertise and highest quality service at the most efficient price possible.”