Communications Industry Meets With Iraqi Government to Support Nation-building Efforts Via Satellite

Talia and GVF Report Successful ‘Connect Iraq’ Summit and Effective Delivery of VSAT Installation & Maintenance Certification for Iraqi Engineers

BAGHDAD, IRAQ -- 2009-05-19

Rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure and improving access to education, health, and other vital public services took centre stage with the launch of the nation’s first in-country communications event. The 'Connect Iraq: Communications and Technology Conference' was held on 10-12 May 2009 at the Baghdad International Airport Hotel and Conference Centre, where the role of satellite, wireless and fiber solutions was addressed and training was provided to local service providers.

The Connect Iraq conference, organised jointly by Talia, a U.K.-based communications service provider with extensive operations in Iraq, and the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), the association of the international satellite communications sector, brought together international technology vendors with local industry and governmental leaders. The three-day event featured presentations and discussions on the latest commercial and regulatory developments affecting Iraq's communications sector.

'The Iraqi government and industry demonstrated that they are committed to rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and economy,' said Alan Afrasiab, Talia CEO. 'Throughout the conference, the combination of high-level networking and training of the local industry was an important first step in that process.'

'GVF was honoured to support Connect Iraq, as well as to deliver VSAT Installation Certification Training for the local industry,' said Onno Beemsterboer, GVF’s Master Instructor for the Global Certification Programme. 'A new foundation has been established in Iraq, and now the satellite industry plans to help build on that foundation.'

The Iraqi National Investment Commission, the Iraqi Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Iraqi Ministry of Communications all endorsed the event, and used it as a platform to highlight communications projects in the country.

'The Ministry of Communications would like to express our utmost appreciation and respect for the efforts made by Talia in the preparation and success of the first communications conference,' said a representative of the Ministry of Communications.

'We would like to thank Talia for the opportunity to meet international technology companies in Iraq,' said a Ministry of Science and Technology representative. 'We especially are grateful to be able to make contacts and discuss future projects with experienced parties.'

iDirect Technologies, a leading provider in satellite-based IP communications technology, sponsored the event.

'VSAT education and ongoing training programs are critical to the success of service providers in Iraq,' said David Harrower, regional vice president, Europe, iDirect. 'It enables them to take advantage of the latest technology trends as they build out a world-class communications infrastructure.'

In addition to the conference schedule, Connect Iraq featured the first in-Iraq GVF-certified hands-on training sessions (see http://gvf.coursehost.com for more details).

About Talia

Talia is a top-tier provider of Internet and voice services, recognised as one of the fastest growing satellite communications providers in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Experts in VSAT, wireless, and voice communications, Talia provide network coverage, services, and support. Headquartered in London with offices in Dubai, Talia is committed to excellent customer service and top-grade solutions. For more information about Talia, please see: http://www.talia.net

About GVF

GVF is the international non-profit association of the satellite communications sector. Headquartered in the UK, the organisation has a global remit to promote expanded access to fixed and mobile satellite-based solutions throughout the world. In pursuit of this objective, GVF undertakes a wide range of activities, including education & training, technical co-ordination and standards, and capacity building for progressive regulatory and policy reform. GVF’s membership includes more than 200 satellite communications organisations from more than 100 nations in every major region of the world. For further information, please contact: David Hartshorn, Secretary General, david.hartshorn@gvf.org

About iDirect

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company’s satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. These include extending private networks to remote offices; supporting mobile connectivity across land, sea and air; providing rural telephony and Internet broadband; and maintaining communications in the wake of disasters and network failures. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ integrates advanced technology into iDirect’s portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 13 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in 50 countries through a diverse network of channel partners, including some of the largest satellite providers, operators and carriers in the world and seven of the World Teleport Association’s Global Top Ten. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Please visit www.idirect.net