Vital communication links during humanitarian emergencies are set to be improved thanks to a new network launched by a Bermuda-based company.

Intelsat Ltd., which provides commercial satellite services, and iDirect Inc., a company of VT Systems Inc., which supplies of satellite-based IP communications technology, have joined forces to release World Vision's global network, SandukaNet.

World Vision is a global relief and development agency, with Intelsat providing satellite capacity and Broadband connectivity through its GlobalConnex Network Broadband service for World Vision's international operations in remote field locations.

By mid-2008, SandukaNet is set to be operational in 24 countries around the world and will start by offering Internet connectivity via a VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network in more than 280 sites installed throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.