Intelsat Teams Up with Orbit Data Systems Limited to Provide Satellite-Based Broadband Direct-to-Home Service.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2003

Intelsat and Orbit Data Systems Limited (ODSL) today announced plans for a two-way, satellite-based broadband Internet access service to be available directly to consumers and small office/home office users in the Middle East. In a multi-year agreement, Intelsat will provide the integrated, end-to-end network connectivity, while ODSL will be responsible for sales, marketing and retail distribution of the service in the Middle East region. In preparation for service launch, the Intelsat-provided gateway required for ODSL's service has been installed in Perth, Australia, and is operating a beta service.

The service is expected to be launched later this year and will provide consumers with capabilities for web browsing, email, file transfer, audio/video streaming and distance learning at high speeds.

The broadband offering will be provided using a platform based on the DOCSIS (R) (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standard and Ku-band satellite capacity on an Intelsat satellite. Existing DOCSIS technology and software, previously used to support cable-based applications, have been modified by ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT), Intelsat's equipment supplier, to enable satellite-based broadband access. User terminals that incorporate ViaSat, Inc.'s SurfBeam(R) DOCSIS-based platform will be provided to ODSL by Intelsat. ODSL will be responsible for installing the user terminals and for providing call centers and customer support. ODSL is an affiliate of Orbit Communications Company, a leading provider of digital pay television services in the Middle East.

"The combination of teamwork and ingenuity from Intelsat and ODSL on this venture will benefit the industry and its customers by making high-speed Internet available to people living in the Middle East," said Dr. Mohammed Omar, General Manager of ODSL. "This service is part of the bundled services Orbit intends to provide to its customer base in the region. A partner like Intelsat, with its strong reputation, regional presence and customer focus, is key to our meeting increasing customer demand for high-speed Internet services in the region."

"This venture represents a significant commitment to making broadband technologies accessible to people living in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is limited," said Ramu Potarazu, COO, Intelsat, Ltd. "Intelsat pioneered Internet over satellite, so it is only natural that we'd be the company to take broadband technology to the next level, where it can be easily implemented and available cost-effectively to anyone who needs it."

Mark Dankberg, CEO of ViaSat, stated, "The deployment of this DOCSIS-based satellite system represents a significant step in working toward establishing a new standard for these types of applications. Additionally, consumers can look forward to paying a lower cost for high-speed access because the SurfBeam terminals are based on the DOCSIS standard, which has been widely used in cable modems worldwide."

Representatives from Intelsat and ODSL are currently in attendance at Gitex 2003 in Dubai where they are available to answer media inquiries. Media interested in interviewing Intelsat, ODSL or ViaSat should visit the Penta Room, 5th Floor, World Trade Center Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on 21 and 22 October.

About Intelsat

Intelsat, Ltd. offers telephony, corporate network, video and Internet solutions around the globe via capacity on 25 geosynchronous satellites in prime orbital locations. Customers in approximately 200 countries rely on Intelsat satellites and ground resources for quality connections, global reach and reliability. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.

About Orbit Data Systems Limited (ODSL)

ODSL is an International Business Company organized and existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. ODSL's objectives include: focus on satellite technologies and the convergence of DVB and IP platforms, transfer such technologies to Middle East markets, establish partnerships and alliances with leading international companies in this industry, and develop and provide solutions that fit the nature of the business, markets, and culture in the Middle East.

To fulfill its objectives, ODSL has been engaged in: research and development in Internet via satellite and broadband solutions, testing of available commercial broadband solutions, following developments and testing prototypes of emerging solutions, and study of user satisfaction from current services and the demand for higher speeds and quality of Internet services and broadband applications.

DOCSIS is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

SurfBeam is a registered trademark of ViaSat, Inc.

Some of the statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts, including statements relating to the expected customers of and launch date for the service to be offered by ODSL and the statement by ODSL that the combination of teamwork and ingenuity from Intelsat and ODSL on the service to be offered by ODSL will benefit the industry and its customers. The forward-looking statements made in this news release reflect Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Intelsat's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Known risks include, but are not limited to, insufficient market demand for broadband Internet access services offered via satellite; the quality and price of competing broadband Internet access services; the risk of delay in implementing, or problems in the implementation of, the technology and software necessary to enable satellite-based transmissions; political, economic and legal conditions in the markets being targeting for services; general economic conditions; and a change in the health of Intelsat's satellites or ground network infrastructure or a catastrophic loss occurring during the in-orbit operations of Intelsat's satellites. Because actual results could differ materially from Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements contained in this news release with caution. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.