News Headline
Equant, Intelsat, iDirect to launch satellite VPN solutions
MUMBAI: Equant has joined hands with Intelsat and iDirect Technologies to globally launch a set of fully managed, satellite-based, Wide Area Network (WAN) services.
Three leading telecom players will combine their global reach, market strengths and innovations to benefit multinational organisations with sites in underserved areas.
The partnership, says an official release, supports Equant’s strategy to develop global, customised and integrated communications services for multinational corporations, with an unmatched geographical reach.
Together, the three partners will provide the capability to cost-effectively service underserved areas with a range of features not previously available. With this new partnership, Equant brings a robust set of satellite capabilities to its portfolio, enabling customers to use satellite solutions as stand-alone services or integrate them with its award winning high-end MPLS-based IP VPN service.
Equant’s service will be provided in part by using Intelsat space segment on multiple satellites to seamlessly and cost-effectively extend its IP VPN service, informs the release.
With help of Intelsat’s global reach, Equant will provide a premium, satellite-based offering to multinational organisations and corporations with high-end, global networking requirements for sites in hard to reach or underserved areas.
Equant also works with other entities within the France Telecom group to use teleports from France Telecom Networks and Carriers, as well as GlobeCast.
iDirect Technologies will enable efficient broadband satellite access with its Netmodem product line, the leading terminal for satellite-based IP communications. iDirect’s software and hardware deliver the most efficient bandwidth management capabilities available, while providing the highest data speeds in the industry.
According to the release, two large customers, including SG-SSB Limited Bank, part of the Société Générale group, have already signed up for the new service.
Intelsat COO Ramu Potarazu says, “Our partnership with Equant and iDirect validates Intelsat’s leadership position in providing VPN over satellite corporate networking services. Our 40-year reputation for innovation and the provision of premium, high-quality services to customers will keep Intelsat ahead of the curve in offering customer value.”
iDirect Technologies CEO John Kealey says, “This partnership is the realisation of iDirect’s core mission: delivering all the benefits of the next generation broadband network beyond the constraints of the wired world. From the beginning, iDirect developed our technology to be an extension of traditional broadband IP networks. Through this partnership, we have achieved that goal, by extending true enterprise network functionality beyond all geographic constraints.”
According to Equant Products and Solutions president William Priest, “Our partnership with Intelsat and iDirect Technologies to launch a cost-effective, shared IP satellite access service could not be more timely, given the concerns faced by every CIO with limited budget resources. We are addressing the need to do more with less and to bring remote offices onto the corporate network with high-quality, flexible connections.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
