Efficient Channel Coding Wins Contract from Spacecode LLC to Develop and License Gateway Modem Hardware for Broadband Internet Over Satellite System

Cleveland, OH - February 4, 2000 - Efficient Channel Coding announced today that it has won a contract from Spacecode LLC to develop gateway modem hardware for use in the iPSTAR broadband Internet over satellite system. This work builds on ECC's success in terminal design and further strengthens the company's commitment to the system. The hardware being developed includes Link Wideband Transmitters and multi-channel burst receivers. ECC is working closely with Codespace, system architects for the iPSTAR system, to deliver state-of-the-art technology to Shin Satellite, owner of the iPSTAR system.

Efficient Channel Coding, Inc. (ECC) provides advanced physical layer electronic components, subsystems, and intellectual property. The company is dedicated to delivering high capacity solutions that offer scalability and significant cost reductions in today's advanced optical, wireless, and satellite networks. ECC technology is currently being used in wide range of networks embodied as Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Arrays, and Programmable Digital Signal Processors. ECC's key, patented IP enables these implementations with scalability to Gbps data rates. In addition to current product offerings, ECC is developing new, forward-looking products that offer standards-based integration and best-in-class performance in targeted markets. More information on ECC is available on the Internet at http://www.efficientchannelcoding.com.

Codespace was formed in 1996 to design advanced broadband satellite systems. Codespace holds key patents in the field of broadband satellites and broadband systems communications which enable satellite system designs to achieve an unprecedented 40 Gbps capacity, supporting cost effective broadband service to millions of subscribers. In 1997, Codespace contracted with Shin Satellite of Thailand to design and oversee the build of a state-of-the-art Internet and video delivery platform now known as the “iPSTAR Asia” broadband system. The spacecraft, iPSTAR–1 is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2004 aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. Codespace can be contacted at (541) 386-1924

iPSTAR Inc. is the owner of the iPSTAR Asia Broadband Satellite System, currently in operation in many Asian countries. Founded in 1999, iPSTAR is majority owned by Shin Satellite of Thailand and has contracted with Space Systems/Loral for the construction of the iPSTAR-1, the largest commercial communications satellite ever built. The satellite is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2004, greatly enhancing the iPSTAR system capacity, currently supported by the Thaicom 3 satellite.

Shin Satellite Public Company Limited is a satellite operator offering C-band and Ku-band services for clients in Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. Shin Satellite owns and operates Thaicom 1A, 2 and 3. Thaicom 1A is situated 120 degrees east, while Thaicom 2 and 3 are both situated 78,5 degrees east with a total capacity of 49 C-band and 20 Ku-band transponders and supplies more than 70 channels. Thaicom satellites offer broadcasting services largely in Indo-China and India but with customers extending from Europe to Australia. Shin Satellite is listed on the Thai Stock Exchange.