iDirect, a leading provider of broadband IP solutions over satellite, has responded to the American Red Cross request for technology by donating equipment to the organization's main recovery center in Brooklyn that enables high speed Internet access via satellite.

iDirect has installed its flagship product, the NetModem II Broadband Router, along with switches and a satellite dish atop of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Headquarters that provides Internet connectivity to computer terminals in the facility at speeds of 4 Mbps downstream and 128 Kbps upstream. The Internet connections are transmitted to a satellite and back down to an iDirect teleport facility in suburban Washington, D.C., where data is connected to the public Internet.

"With much of the fiber destroyed in and around lower Manhattan, and with the tremendous strain being placed on dial-up IP connections, Internet connectivity over satellite is the best solution to provide critical Internet and LAN capabilities," said George Gonzalez, president and chief technology officer at iDirect. "We are pleased to offer our technology to the Red Cross to further aid in the relief efforts from the attacks on America."

"Fast and reliable access to e-mail and the Web is essential to Red Cross relief efforts," said Roy Dugger, Disaster Computer Operations, American Red Cross. "The iDirect broadband connection not only enables relief coordination with hundreds of community-based organizations and local, state and federal agencies, but also provides our many out-of-state relief workers with a crucial link to family and loved ones. We sincerely appreciate iDirect's support."

Internet access at the Disaster Relief Headquarters enables work and personal communication by relief workers through e-mail, portals and the Web. It also affords a direct link to the American Red Cross Intranet site, which provides secure access to mission-critical case tracking, funds distribution monitoring and family welfare inquiry applications. In addition, the service is being used to register new volunteers assisting in the relief efforts.

iDirect is also providing Internet solutions via satellite to several businesses who have lost terrestrial Internet connections in lower Manhattan.

About iDirect

iDirect develops broadband IP hardware and software enabling the fastest, most reliable and cost effective bi-directional Internet connections via satellite. Its unique router technology is available anywhere in the world through partnerships with operators of satellite networks and local service providers. News Corporation, epartners and AMP Capital Partners are principal shareholders of iDirect. iDirect is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, USA. For further information, contact iDirect at +1 (703) 648-8000 or www.idirect.net.

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