Brand Communications Wins Major US Satellite Contract

Brand Communications Helps Iridium Satellite Bring Mobile Data Solutions to Every Corner of the Planet

Huntingdon, UK, 4th February 2002

Remote access specialists Brand Communications, have been selected to supply its mobile data architecture to the re-launched Iridium Satellite Network and are helping Iridium provide its unique data services worldwide.

Iridium's new data solution, called "Direct Internet Data Service, offers Iridium customers the ability to send and receive e-mails, data files and to gain access to the Internet from any part of the globe using Iridium's low-earth orbiting satellite network. Brand has installed its Access Servers in Iridium gateways around the world including the US government gateway in Hawaii.

Iridium chose Brand's award winning Apollo mobile data solution, particularly the Apollo VPN and Access Server, which have been deployed as the core for the new Iridium Satellite data network. The Apollo servers handle the entire Direct Internet Service data traffic globally on the Iridium network, delivering enhanced connectivity, ensuring users can execute accelerated file transfers, browse the Internet and exchange e-mail. Using this service, users connect directly to the Internet, using the Iridium phone as a data modem and the Apollo Emulator software that is loaded on their remote access computer. Iridium Satellite's data services normally use a computer connected to the Iridium handset by way of a specialized data kit that provides the cable, connector, handset stand and Brand Apollo software. The kit is available from the Iridium service providers.

The use of the Brand's compression has meant that the data bearer pipe can be lifted from 2.4K to a performance level of nearly 30K for word documents and email. The Apollo VPN and Access Server have always delivered the ultimate in VPN security, performance and flexibility and is now rapidly becoming the product of choice within the UK and US Utility, Telco, Financial Services and Corporate markets.

Iridium Direct Internet Data Services offers faster connection times, improved throughput and many other Apollo features. Apollo assists users in managing their airtime use by seamlessly connecting and disconnecting them as they use the data applications via the Iridium system. This feature reduces airtime charges, and improves the phone's battery life.

The Iridium data service is ideally suited for all industrial applications such as maritime, aviation, military, emergency services, oil, gas, mining, construction, forestry, non-governmental organisations / relief and yachting/leisure.

"Iridium is absolutely dedicated to continued system enhancements bringing innovative services to these vertical markets," said Mark Adams, Iridium's Chief Technology Officer. "In bringing data services using Brand's technology to the satellite market we, are opening a whole new world of opportunities and capabilities to customers that have a strong need to stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable."

Martin Kendrick, MD of Brand Communications, summarised: "This contract is important for the industry as it clearly shows just how easy mobile data can be, as it is approached using open standards and a strong partnership. Iridium is leading the way, and has proved that Mobile Data over satellite cannot only work, but can deliver superb results. It is yet another success for Brand, and we are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious project".

About Brand Communications

Brand Communications is a global leader in mobile data and remote access solutions. We develop, manufacture and market a range of leading mobile, remote office and site-to-site access solutions for all environments including ISDN, PSTN, Fixed Lines, Satellite, GSM and GPRS.

Apollo has helped to significantly grow the number of active GSM data users worldwide and has delivered tangible paybacks to many networks and their users. Apollo continues to deliver such rich benefits to HSCSD, GPRS and 3G networks. More information can be found at http://www.brandcomms.com

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC is the only provider of truly global mobile satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Through a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites operated by The Boeing Company, Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote area where no other form of communications is available. The service is ideally suited for industrial applications such as heavy construction, defence/military, emergency services, maritime, mining, forestry, oil and gas and aviation. Iridium currently provides services to the US Department of Defence under a multi-year contract.
For more information, please visit http://www.iridium.com

For further information on Brand Communications Ltd, contact:

Miss Katie Sarah Ruff
Brand Communications Limited
Trinity House
Ermine Business Park
Huntingdon
Cambs, PE29 6XY

Tel: +44 (0)1480 442100   Email: katier@brandcomms.com
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