Verizon Business First Telecommunication Provider to Make Portable Satellite Service Easily Available to Wide Range of Enterprise Customers

NEW YORK - The sky is now the limit for global businesses and organizations that require broadband connections in remote locations.

Verizon Business today announced an agreement with Thrane & Thrane to offer a portable satellite service to enterprise customers.  Verizon Business is the first global provider to offer such a service in an easily available way to a wide range of enterprise customers.

Until now, this type of satellite broadband connection has largely been restricted to specialized applications by government or media organizations that operate in remote locations that lack a telecommunications infrastructure.  The new service, Verizon Global Broadband Satellite Access, Powered by Thrane & Thrane, is immediately available to U.S.-based customers.  It was announced in conjunction with the Mobile Business Expo in New York City.

[Note: An audio podcast is available at: http://www.verizonbusiness.com/us/about/events/archive/view.xml?item=203]

"We collaborated with Thrane & Thrane to design this service for broad appeal in terms of pricing, speeds, ease of setup and use, and device sizes," said Nancy Gofus, Verizon Business senior vice president and chief marketing officer.  "Industries such as energy, finance, transportation, health care, manufacturing, mining, retail, and the public sector - including emergency first-responders - will find the service an attractive way to enhance mobility and backup continuity for wireline and wireless networks." 

Customers will use a Thrane & Thrane EXPLORER terminal to connect to a broadband global area network (BGAN), which leverages geostationary satellites that offer extensive global coverage.  This broadband satellite solution extends an enterprise's mobile and portable voice and data connectivity beyond where traditional wireless and terrestrial networks reach.

 "This agreement opens up a new world of opportunity for enterprise customers," said George Spohn, vice president and general manager of Thrane & Thrane for the Americas.  "By bringing together the Verizon global network with Thrane & Thrane airtime and the small, easy-to-use EXPLORER family of Satellite modems, we can extend a company's reach with mobile applications that heretofore were only available on a custom individual-case basis."

Ideal Solution for Mobile Workers

Verizon Business' Global Broadband Satellite Access, Powered by Thrane & Thrane is available virtually anywhere in the United States and around the world.⁽¹⁾    Employees can access company data and make voice calls using the same device, making it an ideal solution to complement an organization's enterprise mobility strategy.

Key features include security (provides secure access to corporate VPNs); extensive global network coverage; dependable, reliable communications; ease of deployment and support; flexibility to support IP and circuit-switched data in a single/multiple-user environment; portability (service is accessible via small, lightweight devices similar to laptops); mobility; high-speed broadband connections; and durability to withstand challenging climate conditions.

According to Forrester Research's December 2006 report, "The State of North American Enterprise Mobility In 2006," spending for mobile voice and data services accounted for 26 percent of the enterprise telecom budget in 2006 and continues to rise.  In fact, nearly two-thirds of the companies interviewed by Forrester in 2007 expect to increase mobile data spending.  

Gofus said the mobile satellite service joins Verizon's already comprehensive suite of Enterprise Mobility solutions.  "In today's business environment, there is an increasing need to stay connected regardless of geographic location," Gofus said. "Mobile satellite is another arrow in our quiver, and we don't intend to stop here.  We will continue to innovate as we meet our customers' ever changing, always challenging global requirements." 
 
About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide.  Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced communications, security and other professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

About Thrane & Thrane

Thrane & Thrane is the world's leading manufacturer of equipment and systems for global mobile communication based on sophisticated satellite and radio technology. Since its incorporation in 1981, the company has established a strong position within global mobile communication based on the Inmarsat system, and today Thrane & Thrane provides equipment for maritime, land-based and aeronautical use. The company's products are sold throughout the world under the brands Thrane & Thrane, EXPLORER(r) and SAILOR(r), through distributors and partners and as OEM products. The company is listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. More information about Thrane & Thrane at: www.thrane.com.

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⁽¹⁾ Locations must have a clear line of sight with unobstructed views to the Satellite.  International availability varies by country within the satellite coverage area.  Service is not available in all countries within the satellite coverage area.  Regulatory approval and/or license required in certain countries.  Customer is responsible for complying with all country-specific laws, regulations & licensing requirements.  Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.