Aitelecom/APCO Networks and Astranis and ST Engineering iDirect Partner to Provide Enterprise & Backhaul Services in Mexico

Aerospace and Defense Review | Thursday, May 18, 2023

Aitelecom/APCO Networks will support connectivity services on its new MicroGEO satellites constructed by satellite manufacturer Astranis Space Technologies (Astranis) using ST Engineering iDirect's leading Mx-DMA® MRC waveform technology.

FREMONT, CA: "We are excited and motivated to take the next step in our company's evolution towards a fully vertically integrated service provider controlling our own destiny in terms of capacity, technology, and service delivery," said Orlando Castillo, CEO of Aitelecom. "With ST Engineering iDirect´sMx-DMA MRC as the focal technology, we are confident that service continuity, quality of service, and unparalleled support will be paramount in the delivery of our solutions to our customers."

Astranis Space Technologies will build MicroGEO satellites that provide Mexican connectivity service provider Aitelecom/APCO Networks support services on their new satellites using ST Engineering iDirect's leading Mx-DMA® MRC waveform technology. Across Mexico and Central America, the satellites and ground infrastructure will provide 4G cellular backhaul and enterprise connectivity. Hundreds of sites in Central America and across the country can access these services via Aitelecom's Dialog platform.

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"We are excited to partner with Aitelecom and ST Engineering iDirect to offer an end-to-end, managed service for our customers," said Astranis Chief Commercial Officer Doug Abts. "This offering will allow us to expand high-speed coverage throughout Mexico, offering a turnkey service for an affordable price."

ST Engineering iDirect and Aitelecom keep their long-standing relationship going strong with this agreement and create a roadmap for the future that will allow both companies to meet the needs of Aitelecom in the future.

There has been a massive increase in demand for cellular backhaul services in Mexico over the last couple of years. In 2022, 74 percent of Mexican mobile phone users connected to the internet through their mobile phones; by 2027, that number is expected to reach 88 percent.

Aitelecom was particularly interested in ST Engineering's Mx-DMA MRC return technology and GTP acceleration because it will enable the company to serve a broad range of applications through a single return link without compromising speed and efficiency, and scale. The total cost of ownership also decreases, network configuration complexity is minimized, and all LTE/4G sites can be connected to the network easily.

"The sheer flexibility of Mx-DMA MRC will enable Aitelcom to serve the burgeoning markets in Mexico and Central America in the most operationally and cost-optimal manner," said Darren Ludington, Regional Vice President, Americas at ST Engineering iDirect. "Extending our commitment and partnerships with Aitelecom allows them to augment their service delivery to reach new parts of the region."

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